City of Winters Water and Sewer Rate Study and Proposition 218 Rate-Setting Services

The City of Winters is requesting proposals from qualified consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive Water and Sewer Rate Study and, if a rate adjustment is warranted, to prepare and support the associated Proposition 218 rate-setting process. The selected consultant will evaluate the City's water and sewer utility funds, develop a defensible cost-of-service and rate design analysis, produce a multi-year financial plan, and prepare all technical and procedural documents required to complete a Proposition 218 majority-protest process. Key points to consider: • The City operates its own municipal water and sewer utilities as enterprise funds. • The City's water enterprise fund currently has limited reserves relative to the scale of the Cr6 capital project. • The consultant should have demonstrated experience successfully defending rate studies through the Proposition 218 process. • The City desires a rate model and public communication materials that are clear and easily understood by ratepayers and City Council. • Firms should identify any potential grant or low-interest financing resources relevant to small, disadvantaged, or rural communities that may reduce the rate impact on customers.