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Farmers Branch reviews five scenarios to fund $78 million water, sewer capital plan
Summary
City staff and consultants presented a water and wastewater rate study laying out five financing scenarios for a roughly $78 million capital improvement program, showing tradeoffs among rate increases, bond funding and cash-financing and recommending a separate work session for deeper review.
City of Farmers Branch officials and consultants presented a water and wastewater rate study on May 20 that showed the utility will need additional revenue or bond funding to pay for an approximately $78 million five‑year capital improvement program (CIP).
The study, presented by Ray Silveres, Director of Public Works, and consultants Richard Campbell and Andrea Campbell of NewGen Strategies & Solutions, laid out five scenarios ranging from all‑cash funding of the CIP to mixes of general obligation (GO) bonds and utility revenue bonds, and a high‑ambition scenario that doubles the CIP. The consultants said the city’s wholesale costs for water and wastewater (from Dallas Water Utilities and TRA) are the largest drivers of operating expenses.
Why it matters: the study shows the current rates and reserves will not support the planned capital projects and ongoing wholesale cost increases without either notable rate increases, voter‑approved bond funding or a combination of both. City staff and consultants recommended a follow‑up work session so council members can weigh policy choices…
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