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Findlay staff outline utility pro formas; water tracking as projected, sewer healthy, stormwater may need future rate changes
Summary
City staff presented year-to-date utility financials and 10-year forecasts. Water revenues are performing as projected after a recent rate change; sewer fund is in a strong position. Staff signaled that stormwater may require a rate restructure or increases once the long-term control plan is finalized.
City staff presented year-to-date utility financial reports and multi-year pro formas, saying water revenues are tracking as projected after the 2024 rate change and that the sewer fund is in a healthy position. Staff warned that stormwater could require changes once the long-term control plan identifies capital needs.
Jason (utility billing/finance) and other staff described month-to-month revenue and expense cadence and the role of operating transfers and capital spending in fund balances. The presentation showed how large capital items and periodic transfers affect monthly spikes and emphasized that pro formas use budgeted (modified-accrual) figures to compare projected versus actual performance.
Staff said the water rate change that took effect in 2024 produced the expected revenue cadence with expenses generally tracking the forecast. For sewer, staff said the fund is strong and they do not currently anticipate asking the committee for additional revenue measures tied to sewer. For stormwater, staff said projects identified in the long-term control plan — including basin maintenance, dry basin work and other capital items — could drive the need to restructure or increase stormwater revenue; staff suggested focusing commercial and industrial reclassification to raise storm revenue while leaving most residential charges unchanged.
Committee members asked staff to provide industry benchmark ratios, inflation assumptions used in forecasts, and clearer documentation of where capital projects are included in 10-year forecasts. Staff acknowledged a May fund transfer produced an expense spike and said they will refine forecasting to reduce surprises.
Staff said the long-term control plan (LTCP) for sewer is expected in early 2026; its findings will shape future sewer capital needs. For stormwater, staff said the LTCP and identified basin projects are likely drivers of any future rate changes and recommended considering incremental adjustments to smooth rate impacts.
Next steps: staff will provide benchmark metrics, confirm inflation assumptions, present the LTCP when available, and return with clearer linkage between capital plans and rate forecasts.
