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Buena Vista selects SwiftWater Solutions for water-rate study and 10-year financial plan
Summary
Trustees approved awarding the town's water-rate study and 10-year financial plan to SwiftWater Solutions, directing the consultant to evaluate tiered, conservation-oriented rate options, revenue needs for capital projects and peer comparisons for transparency.
The Town of Buena Vista on April 28 awarded a water-rate study and long-range financial plan to SwiftWater Solutions, staff announced. The study will assess current rates, develop a 10-year financial plan, recommend cost-of-service and rate-design alternatives (including conservation-oriented, tiered structures), and provide public outreach and tools to model long-term finances.
Staff said the RFP drew two proposals (SwiftWater and RightWater Engineers) and recommended SwiftWater because of prior work for the town and competitive pricing. An attendee from SwiftWater described conservation-oriented tiered (increasing block) rates as a tool to separate essential indoor use from discretionary outdoor irrigation and to create price signals that encourage conservation while ensuring revenue neutrality.
Trustees focused on balancing conservation goals with the need to maintain capital reserves for infrastructure upgrades (tanks, pump stations, water-treatment improvements) and discussed comparing proposed rates with peer mountain towns to show defensibility and transparency. A trustee asked staff to ensure the study includes examples of implementation success and outcomes from similar mountain communities; SwiftWater said the scope can include peer comparisons if requested and that adding scope could affect fee.
Trustees approved Resolution 35 awarding the study to SwiftWater and asked staff to schedule follow-ups with the consultant on interim goals and coordination with complementary outreach (including an Urban Land Institute–supported roundtable planned for September). The water advisory board will be involved in the subsequent public process.
