Specifications include, but are not limited to: The consultant shall perform the following tasks and provide the following items as part of the rate study: A. There will be an initial meeting to include all participants with the selected consultant. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the goals and schedule of the project. The consultant will provide a detailed schedule of the project with major milestones identified. B. The consultant shall analyze the performance of the current rate structure and compare it to other NC utilities with a similar customer base. The current rate structure should be assessed for sustainability and ability to generate the necessary revenue to fund cost of operations, maintenance/repair, debt service, as well as capital improvements. C. Assess existing fee structure and identify other potential areas for service and system charges and recommend changes, if appropriate. The benefits of any proposed modification shall be weighed against the financial impacts on rate payers with a goal of maintaining or increasing the financial strength and viability of the utility. D. The consultant shall assess the interaction between any water conservation elements of the recommended rate structure and their impact on the ability to fund sewer operations. E. Develop an understanding of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the impact of those plans on future rates. F. Develop a proposed rate schedule that reflects the County’s priorities and obligations and contains a forecast for proposed rates over a 5-year and 10-year period that can be integrated into the County’s existing Capital Improvement Plan. G. Develop a rate projection that forecasts rates to 20 years based on expected cost increases over time for operational, maintenance and capital improvement expenditures. The rate projection model shall have comprehensive ability to run CIP scenarios and quickly show impact on rates. H. Provide justifications for any special classes of customers under the recommended rate structure. I. Demonstrate that any alternative rate structure is easy to understand and administer and can be accommodated within the existing billing system...
