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Council approves $34,500 contract for utility rate study
Summary
Westland approved a professional‑services agreement with Utility Finance Solutions to update water/sewer rate projections and capital planning; city finance director and attorney said the firm is a recognized expert for rate work and can defend findings in litigation if needed.
The Westland City Council approved a professional services agreement with Utility Finance Solutions (UFS) for an amount not to exceed $34,500 to perform a utility study and rate projections.
Finance Director (name not specified) told councilors the city first engaged the firm in 2018, extended the engagement in 2021 and is seeking an additional extension to complete a three‑year rate projection, a five‑year budget analysis and capital improvement planning tied to rates.
“It's important to have somebody who's an expert in performing utility rate studies,” City Attorney Steve Faso told the council, noting the firm’s principal had previously served as an expert in litigation. The attorney added the work product can “withstand that kind of rigorous examination if it becomes necessary.”
Director Smith said the new agreement reflects a slight increase—a 3% share increase—from prior payments and that UFS provides specialized communications support to the council as part of the engagement. Council members asked whether other vendors had been considered; Director Smith said the city has worked with UFS for years and emphasized the firm’s subject‑matter expertise.
Council members voted to approve the contract; no dissent was recorded on the motion.
