5PM Wed., May 16 - Helix WD Board Meeting - 2018/19 Water Rate Discussion

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Dear Friends: 
Here is the board package link for our Helix Water District Board Meeting:
 AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, May 16, 5 pm
7811 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-0427
 
Interesting Items:
Item 9. Page 92 Board Discussion - The Board Review the Five-Year Projection Scenarios and Provide Guidance to Staff for Updating the Fiscal Year 2018-19 Water Rates
 
On April 4, 2018, Helix Water District staff presented the fiscal year 2018-19 budget guidelines and principles to the district's board and members of the public. Staff then met with the board at a public workshop on May 2, 2018 to review a draft of the fiscal year 2018-19 preliminary operating and capital budget. From the fiscal year 2018-19 preliminary budget and five year projection staff has prepared three, five year projection scenarios that are detailed below.
 
Proposed Scenario Descriptions
Scenario 1 Local water supply from rainfall at 660 acre-feet in fiscal year 2018-19 and then at the historical average of 1,220 acre-feet in fiscal years 2019- 20 through 2022-23
Scenario 2 Local water supply from rainfall gradually reducing to zero by fiscal year 2022-23.
Scenario 3 Local water supply from rainfall gradually reducing to zero by fiscal year 2022-23. Additionally, the $2.5 million of budgeted revenues in excess of budgeted expenditures for fiscal year 2017-18 being placed in the rate stabilization fund and then available to offset rate increases in fiscal year 2018-19.

• San Diego County Water Authority anticipated water rate increase is 1.4% of the total increase.

For the average customer using 21 Units of water in a two month period.
​Current 2017-18 - $151.19
Scenario 1
% 4.6
$ Increase $6.99
Proposed 2018-19 $158.18

Current 2017-18 - $151.19
Scenario 2
% 4.9
$ Increase $7.47
Proposed 2018-19 $158.66

Current 2017-18 - $151.19
Scenario 3
% 4.9
$ Increase $7.47
Proposed 2018-19 $158.66
 
This is less than the anticipated 2015 Water Rate Study of 7.1%.
 
MY thoughts for discussion…

• In scenario 3 the excess funds from the end of the year is placed in the rate stabilization reserve to be used to lower the rates, the amount taken out to be used should be discussed.
• In all three scenarios, the annual local water supply estimate is adjusted. Over the past 5 years, the local water supply (rain/snow at Lake Cuyamaca) has been very inconsistent (Rainy year 5000 AF, this year 660AF), should we count on a baseline amount or zero and any rain is bonus? We have been estimating 1200AF.  
• Not mentioned, or used, but should be discussed is the El Monte Reserve, we received $8,975,000 in land sales this last year. Perhaps used toward our a Capital Improvement Project  - what do you think?

 
Helix Water District Community Events

• 05/19/18 FREE Customer Appreciation Day @ The Water Conservation Garden, 10am - 2pm I will be there!
• 06/02/18 Landscape Design Workshop for Homeowners @ OC, 9am - 12pm

 
Lake Jennings Events

• 05/25/18 - 05/28/18 Catfish Opener: Night Fishing
• Lake Jennings Photo Contest - Open to all from March - May, 05/31/18 deadline

 
DIY Videos
 
We have created the first of our DIY videos, which shows the step-by-step process of how to replace your traditional sprinkler nozzles with high-efficiency rotating nozzles. The video is available on our www.hwd.com website under Conservation/DIY Projects. The video is being advertised in the March - April newsletter, which also highlights the current rebate of $4 per rotating nozzle (minimum purchase of 30) available through www.socalwatersmart.com .
 
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
 
Please feel free to forward...
 
Kathleen Coates Hedberg, PE, MPH
President, Helix Water District
www.HWD.com
Board Director, San Diego County Water Authority
www.SDCWA.org
www.VoteHedberg.org
www.lakejennings.org (go fishing & camping - teepees)
www.socalwatersmart.com  (rebate link)
Thomas Paine Liberty Torchbearer Award Winner
 

 
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