Title
Consider a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Professional Consulting Services Agreement with Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. for expert witness/litigation services regarding wholesale rate cases.
Body
For the past two rate updates in 2014 and 2017, the City has contracted with Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. to be our rate consultant in regards to rate analysis and design for the City’s water and wastewater rates established for our retail and wholesale customers.
Five of the City’s wholesale customers have filed a lawsuit against the City in regards to their water and wastewater rates. This lawsuit is currently in litigation with the Public Utility Commission. Therefore, the City would like to contract with Raftelis for any necessary expert witness/litigation services in regards to this case. Raftelis will provide financial and rate analysis and support throughout the rate case as it relates to the 2017 Wholesale Rate Study. This includes providing rebuttal testimony and participation in hearings, if necessary, as well as provide input to rate case strategy and any additional analysis required for settlement discussion.
This Expert Witness/Litigation Services contract will be for a not-to-exceed amount of $175,000 and will be billed on a time and materials basis.
Cost: $175,000
Source of Funds: Utility Fund