Financial solutions for full suite utility systems

Utility Rate Evaluation

South of Kansas City and home to about 130,000 people, Olathe provides a full suite of municipal services to residents and businesses located within city limits. When the City wanted a thorough study of their cost of services, we brought in our financial experts to review their water, sewer, stormwater, and solid waste programs.

Utilizing FAMS, our interactive financial platform, we developed individual financial models for each of the utilities. Each model provided the flexibility to replicate specific elements for each fund while delivering a consistent and integrated reporting structure for City staff to understand. In most instances, we determined that the City’s existing rates were generally reflective of current cost-of-service requirements.

In work sessions with staff, we incorporated various assumptions and modifications—such as capital funding scenarios and changes in customer behaviors—to examine impacts. These sessions helped staff understand how the financial models functioned. And at the end of the study, our team provided on-site training, copies of financial models, user manuals, and follow-up support to help them better understand their systems.