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A public utility is a governmental "business" that provides service to the public for which it collects a fee based on the service provided. Water, sanitary sewers, storm drainage and solid waste collection services may be classified as utilities, and service charges may be levied. Utility Rates should be based on services that are:
- Measurable and necessary, and
- Calculated using an equitable means of determining the share of the cost of the service to be allocated to each user of the service
Willdan Financial Services staff, along with agency engineers or Willdan Engineering, provides the following services:
- Research services and capital needs to be funded through the utility rates;
- Prepare the necessary documentation to establish rate structures;
- Define the necessary requirements for a parcel to be exempt-public and institutional parcels may be included;
- Assist in determining the way the charges will be collected, either through a monthly or quarterly utility bill or through property taxes;
- Develop a policy for responding to unpaid bills through the discontinuing of service; and
- Where bonds are to be issued, provide support for a community outreach program, assist in analyzing the rates required to support the bond amount and work closely with the financing team to produce necessary documentation.
