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Capital Improvement Programs, Financial Impact Analysis,  and Long-Term Rate Structures

Wolfeboro, NH
Evaluation of the impacts of multimillion dollar water and wastewater capital improvement needs on the water and sewer rates, both of which are among the highest in New Hampshire, and on property taxes for partial support of the projects; included five-year cost and rate projections.

Durham, NH
Development of system charges based on new and expanded users buying into the equity that the users of the municipal water and sewer systems have accumulated in the respective infrastructure system.

Kennebunk, ME
Conversion of an existing sewer impact fee system to an equity buy-in  fee system.

Gardiner, ME
Projection of short and long-term rate impacts of a $7 million wastewater treatment facility upgrade project, including projecting O&M costs over the period and assisting in obtaining over 57% state and federal grant funding. Served as engineering project manager.

Rockland, ME
Development of reserve capacity fee to assist in funding wastewater capital improvement program.

Skowhegan, ME
Development of capacity reserve fee to assist in funding capital improvements required by combined sewer overflow abatement program.

Greater Lawrence Sanitary District, MA
Development and negotiation of buy-in fee for the Town of Dracut for a large wastewater utility valued in excess of $200 million.

Jaffrey, NH
Wastewater treatment facility upgrade project cost estimating, O&M cost estimating, evaluation of sewer user fee and property tax impacts, and assistance in obtaining state and federal grant assistance, including a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration.

Bow, NH
Evaluation of the user fee and property tax impacts for extension of water and sewer service to a largely undeveloped area of Bow. Sensitivity analysis of user fee and tax impacts versus rate of development.

Raymond, NH
Evaluation of sewer user fee and connection fee needs to support construction of wastewater collection and treatment facilities.

Old Orchard Beach, ME
Development of wastewater system connection fee based on equity buy-in value of infrastructure system.

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One of the keys to successful utility and asset management is a sound financial plan. Every utility needs appropriate systems in place to generate the revenue needed for sustainable operations and investment.

Most utilities have user charge and connection fee systems that were developed years ago that may or may not be adequate today. Other fee systems, targeted to address specific community needs associated with growth, infiltration / inflow, fats/oils and grease, and stormwater, may also be applicable. 

As community stewards, it is good policy to periodically review your user charge and fee systems to ensure that they appropriately generate the needed revenue, and equitably allocate the costs associated with the needs of the community members served.