HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/21/1994, 5 - INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT RATE SETTING MANUAL II MEETING DATE:
IIIh�I�1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIaIIVIII CIty Of San LUIS OBISPO June 21 1994
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITEM NUMBER:
FROM: John Moss, Director of Utilitie
Prepared by: Sue Baasch, Ad mstrative Analystll
SUBJECT: INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT RATE SETTING MANUAL
CAO RECOMMENDATION
By motion, approve the Rate Setting Process and Methodology Manual for Integrated Solid
Waste Management Rates and authorize its use immediately, beginning with the 1994 solid
waste rate application request.
DISCUSSION '
i
On April 11, 1994, the rate objectives and revenue adequacy policies reflected in the City of San
Luis Obispo - Rate Setting Process and Methodology Manual for Integrated Waste Management
Rates ("manual") were presented to the Council in a study session. This report recommends that
Council approve and adopt this manual, and use it in evaluating the anticipated 1994 solid waste
rate application from the City's franchise hauler, San Luis Garbage Company.
Under this process, the franchise hauler will submit a rate application request for staff review each
year by June 1st. Following at least one public hearing, any changes in rates would be adopted by
the end of August, to be implemented on October 1. The entire process from application submittal
to rate implementation should typically take 120 days.
The manual establishes revenue adequacy requirements and rate review procedures based on this
community's solid waste activities and goals. It does not, however, restrict the City's future ability
to modify how these collection and recycling services are provided. The manual was developed
because the current system of rate review was no longer adequate given the significant legal and
programmatic changes affecting solid waste systems.
The adoption of this manual binds both San Luis Garbage Company and the City to a method of
determining revenue adequacy and a process and schedule for rate application review. While this
ensures rate payers that rate reviews are consistent and based on annual audited financial
statements, it also obligates the City to approve rates that are consistent with this process and
method.
A related solid waste franchise agreement is nearing completion and will be brought to Council for
approval and execution within the next few weeks. As discussed at the study session,
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dMarne COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Integrated Solid Waste Rate Setting Manual
Page 2
recommendations for any rate structure and related collection system changes will be analyzed and
brought to Council as a separate issue sometime within the next 12 months.
KEY PROVISIONS: Rate Setting Process and Methodology Manual for Integrated Waste
Management Rates
The rate setting process set forth in this manual was developed with input from both the City and
the existing refuse hauler. The manual incorporates current ordinances and existing operating
conditions in the City. It provides a formal structure for preparing and approving adjustments to
the integrated solid waste management rates. Specifically, the manual establishes rate adjustment
objectives, information requirements, responsibilities, reporting formats and procedures for
reviewing and adopting rate adjustments. Application forms are also provided.
As described in the study session, the key provisions shaped by the solid waste management rate
objectives are as follows:
■ Integrated solid waste management rates must be fair to City residents and provide
adequate revenue to the hauler to fully meet reasonable costs of services. To
accomplish this goal, rates must be justifiable and supportable, ensure revenue adequacy to
meet costs of service, provide for ongoing review and rate stability, and be easy to
administer. (The term "integrated" refers to the ability to pay all costs associated with
refuse collection, landfilling and recycling through a single rate.)
■ The rate structure must provide rates that are understandable and consistent with solid
waste reduction and recycling objectives. To accomplish this goal, the rate structure
should promote source reduction, maximum diversion. and recycling, be environmentally
sound, provide equity and fairness between and within customer classes, and be easy to
understand.
■ Residential and commercial rates are regulated. Both residential and commercial
integrated solid waste management rates are regulated by the City. As a result, rates will
represent recovery of allowable costs, allowable profit, and specified pass through costs.
■ Profit is based on an operating ratio of 92 percent. The operating ratio effectively
determines profit to the franchise hauler based on allowable costs. The allowable profit to
the hauler is based on a targeted operating ratio of 92 percent, with an allowable range of
between 90 and 94 percent. In the first base year, the operating ratio will be set at 92
d1�� ►�1�11����nil� city of San LUIS OBISp0
COUNCIL AGENDA.REPORT
Integrated Solid Waste Rate Setting Manual
Page 3
percent. In subsequent years, if the operating ratio falls within the allowable range, no
adjustment will be made. If outside the range, then the operating ratio will be set to 92
percent.
■ Tipping fees, AB 939 fees, and regulatory charges are pass through costs. These costs
can be recovered through the collection rates, but the hauler is not allowed a profit on these
costs.
■ Income taxes, charitable and political contributions, entertainment and profit-sharing
payments not related to an IRS-approved pension program are examples of non-
allowable costs and cannot be included in the revenue requirement.
■ Corporate over head is capped. Corporate overhead are salaries paid to the franchise
hauler's corporate officers. For purposes of rate setting, this allowable cost may not exceed
$120,000 in aggregate in 1994 dollars. This does not limit what total officer salaries can
be, only what costs can be recovered through collection rates.
■ Base year applications are submitted every three years. A formal base year rate setting
application and review is conducted once every three years. The hauler begins-this process
by submitting a "Base Year Rate Adjustment Application", with supporting detailed financial
and operating information, and a survey of rates in similar jurisdictions. The City evaluates
the application, including a comprehensive review of costs and revenues projected by the
hauler. City staff prepares a recommendation for Council, in accordance with the adopted
guidelines. A public hearing is held on any rate adjustment. From the time an application
is submitted, the process is scheduled to take 120 days, with base year rate adjustments to
•be effective October 1.
■ Interim year applications are submitted each year between base years. The franchise
hauler may submit an "Interim Year Rate Adjustment Application" for a rate adjustment for
the two years between base years. The scope for the interim year application is more
limited than in the base year. Rate adjustments are based on a weighted average change in
controllable costs (e.g., wages, equipment) and pass through costs (e.g., tipping fees). 1n
the application, the franchise hauler must identify two indices of cost changes: (1) the U.S.
National Consumer Price Index, and (2) changes in pass through costs (primarily tipping
fees). City staff reviews the proposed rate adjustment based on this composite index, and
prepares a recommendation. Any rate adjustments must be approved by City Council.
Interim year rate adjustments are effective October 1.
1111 lll1$1101flj city of San-Luis osispo
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Integrated Solid Waste Rate Setting Manual
Page 4
■ Audited financial statements are required. After 1994, audited financial statements must
be submitted by the hauler with rate applications. These statements serve to support and
reconcile cost and revenue figures presented in the applications.
■ Costs and revenues associated with a process facility shall be segregated from the
franchise hauler's total costs. Integrated solid waste management rates are based on costs
of providing collection and transportation of solid waste and recyclable materials, and costs
of disposal of solid waste. The hauler shall segregate costs and revenues related to a
processing facility from total company costs and revenues. Net revenues from the facility
(after deducting costs) will be an offset (i.e., reduction) in revenue requirements for
purposes of setting rates.
■ Costs and revenues associated with customers inside and outside the city will be
segregated in the application forms. For purposes of rate-setting, the total costs and total
revenues will be used to calculate future revenue requirements.
■ Retroactive rate increase. There will be no allowance for a retroactive increase in rates.
■ The franchise hauler will be allowed to share in costs savings due to improvements
implemented by the hauler. If the franchise hauler improves the efficiency of its
operations, the hauler is allowed to initially share the benefits of these cost reduction efforts
with the customers. The rate setting manual provides an example of how such a costs
savings program might work.
As the Council agreed at its April study session, rate structure issues will be addressed at a future
date separately from the rate setting process. Accordingly, current single family residential (i.e.,
economy, standard, and premium), multi-unit residential and non-commercial rate structures are
retained as the basis for rate adjustment applications and procedures in this manual. This means
that any rate increases granted to the hauler as part of the upcoming rate review will be "across the
board" using the existing rate structure. In the future, the rate adjustment applications and
procedures presented in the manual may need to be revised so they are consistent with any new rate
structures adopted. Such change will not affect the scope, requirements, or timing of the rate
setting process.
3.
►►�►� ��IIIII�p �JUIU city of San tins osIspo
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Integrated Solid Waste Rate Setting Manual
Page 5
CONCURRENCES
This manual has been developed jointly with the Finance Department and the franchise hauler. The
consultant's representative conducted a training session on May 18th with City staff and the
franchise hauler on the manual.
FISCAL E%1 PACT
Adoption of this manual sets the procedure for the City to accept a base year rate application from
the franchisee. Prior to beginning the study that has resulted in this manual, the franchisee
indicated their intent to file a significant rate increase request. Adoption of this manual and
procedures will ensure that rates are justified in accordance with current standards and should serve
to control and stabilize rates.
SUMMARY
This manual represents completion of one of the two major tasks in the solid waste's consultant's
scope of work. The intent in beginning this study with the consultant was to analyze the City's
current solid waste practices and goals and to formally adopt a rate-setting process and franchise
agreement that reflected these goals. The recommended manual was developed jointly with the help
of the consultant, San Luis Garbage Company, and a staff committee, the City Finance Director,
Utilities Director, Public Works Analyst, Solid Waste Coordinator and Utilities Analyst.
The eight solid waste rate objectives presented to Council on April 11, 1994 have been integrated
into this manual. The manual details a rate-setting process that is flexible and fair. It allows for
future programs and analyzing the potential financial impacts of such programs. It is a process that
ensures that rates are fair both to customers and to the franchise hauler.
As this process supersedes some of the language in the Municipal Code, staff will be returning with
recommendations for updating the Municipal Code, possibly at the same time the franchise
agreement is brought to Council.
Upon Council's approval of this manual, staff will be ready to accept and review San Luis Obispo
Garbage Company's 1994 rate application. A recommendation regarding this rate application
should be coming back to Council for consideration and public hearing by August 31, 1994.
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Efti-Rd COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Integrated Solid Waste Rate Setting Manual
Page 6
ATTACBAIENT
The Rate Setting Process and Methodology Manual for Integrated Solid Waste Management Rates
is provided to each Councilmember. A public copy is available in the City Clerk's office.
J ��o
srlEnlvsr *YouNc r 555 Capilol Mall l Phorre: 916149 llt)O
Fax: 916 113 (\771Suite 650
Sacranrenlo, California 9581 4
April19, 1,994
Ms. Sue Baasch
Administrative Analyst
Ciry of San Luis Obispo
955 Morro Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Rate Setting Process and Methodology Manual
for Integrated Solid Waste Management Rates
Dear Ms. Baasch:
Ernst & Young is pleased to present the draft Rate Setting Process and
Metbodologjt Manual for Integrated Solid 'Vaste Management Rates. During the past
two months, Ernst & Young worked closely with the City and its refuse hauler to develop
solid waste management objectives, as wbll as a ne$/ rate setting process and
methodology. At the April 'J.1., 1.994 Ciry Council meeting, the Council approved the solid
waste management objectives. The draft manual identifies these objectives and provides
the framework and detailed instructions for determining adjustments to residential and
commercial rates.
Recommendations for proposed single family residential and commercial rate
structures also are provided in this lener. Positive and negative impacts to the City and
the refuse hauler of these proposed structures are briefly described. City staff plans to
conduct a detailed analysis of alternative rate structures over the next year. Suggested
steps for implementing recommended rate structures also are provided.
On April 7, '1,994, we submitted a draft of a new franchise agreement. This
franchise agreement describes specific rights and responsibilities of the City and
franchise hauler regarding the collection, transport, and disposal of both solid waste and
recyclable materials from residences and business located in the City. Under the
agreement the hauler is granted an exclusive franchise for residential and commercial
solid waste collection services. The agreement also authorizes the franchise hauler to
collect recyclable materials, but does not grant an exclusive franchise to do so. The
performance and rate review process described in Article 8b of the franchise agreement
requires that the hauler submit an application in accordance with the Rate Setting
Process and Metbodology Manual for Integrated Solid \Vaste Management Rates.
Ell EnNsr *YouNc
Ms. Sue Baasch
Page 2
April L9, 7994
tr
a
tr
tr
The remainder of this lener is organized as followsr
Rate Setting Process and Metbodologjt Manual for
Integrated Solid Waste Management Rates I
Proposed Residential Rate Stntcture
Proposed Commercial and Multi-Unit Residential Rate Structure
Implementing Proposed Residential and Commercial Systems.
L. Rate Setting Process and Methodology
Manual for Integrated Solid'Waste
Management Rates
The Rate Setting Process and Methodologlt Manual for Integrated Solid \ttaste
Management Rates was developed with input from both the City and existing refuse
hauler, San Luis Garbage Company. The manual incorporates current ordinances and
existing operating conditions in the Ciry. It provides a formal structure for preparing and
approving adjustments to integrated solid waste management rates. Specifically, the
manual establishes rate adjustment objectives, information requirements, responsibilities,
reporting formats, and procedures for reviewing and adopting rate adjustments.
Application forms also are provided.
Key recommendations regarding solid waste management objectives, rate setting,
and rate structure are as follows:
tr Integrated solid waste management rates must be fair to City
residents and provide adequate revenue to the hauler. To
accomplish this goal, rates must be justifiable and supportable, ensure
revenue adequacy to meet costs of service, provide for ongoing review and
rate stability, and be easy to administer.
tr The rate structure must provide rates that are understandable
and consistent with solid waste reduction and rerycling
objectives. To accomplish this goal, the rate structure should promote
source reduction, maximum diversion and recycling, be environmentally
sound, provide equlty and fairness berween and within customer classes
and be easy to understand.
I Residential and cornrnercial rates are regulated. Both residential
and commercial integrated solid waste management rates are regulated by
the City. As a result, rates will represent recovery of allowable costs,
allowable profit, and specified pass through costs.
ill Fnrusr *YouNc
page 3
April19,1994
o
Ms. Sue Baasch
tr
Profit is based on an operating ratio of t2 percent. The operating
ratio effectively determines profit to the franchise hauler based on
allowable costs. The allowable profit to the hauler is based on a targeted
operating ratio of p2 percent, with an allowable range of between 90 and
94 percent. In the first base year, the operating ratio will be set at 92
percent. In subsequent base years, if the operating ratio falls within the
allowable range, no adjustment will be made. If outside the range, then the
operating ratio will be set to p2 percent.
Tipping fees, AB 939 fees, and regulatory charges are pass
through costs. These costs can be recovered through the collection
rates, but the hauler is not allowed a profit on these costs.
Corporate overhead is capped. Corporate overhead are salaries paid
to the franchise hauler's corporate officers. For purposes of rate setting,
this allowable cost may not exceed $120,000 in1994 dollars. This does not
limit what total officer salaries can be, only what costs can be recovered
through collection rates.
Base year applications are subrni6s4 every three years. A formal
base year rate setting application and review is conducted once every three
years. The hauler begins this process by submitting a Base Year Rate
Adjustment Application, with supporting detailed financial and operating
information, and a survey of rates in similar jurisdictions. The Ciry evaluates
the application, including a comprehensive review of costs and revenues
projected by the hauler. City staff then prepares a Council Agenda Report
and assists in conducting a public hearing. Finally, ^ny rate adjustment must
be approved by Ciry Council. From the time an application is submitted, the
process is scheduled to take 120 days, with base year rate adjustments
effective October L.
Interim year applications are subrnitted in each year between
base years. The franchise hauler will submit an Interim Year Rate
Adjustment Application for a rate adjustment for the two years berween base
years. The scope for the interim year application is more limited than in the
base year. Rate adjustments are based on a weighted average change in
controllable costs (e.g., wages, equipment) and pass through costs (e.g.,
tipping fees). In the application, the franchise hauler must identi$/ rwo
indices of cost changes: (1) the U.S. National Consumer Price Index, and (2)
changes in pass through costs (primarily tipping fees). Ciry staff calculates
the proposed rate adjustment based on a composite index, and prepares a
Council Agenda Report. Any rate adjustments must be approved by City
Council. Interim year rate adjustments are effective October L.
o
tr
tr
Ms. Sue Baasch
Page 4
April1,9,1994
E Audited financial statements are required. After 7994, audited
financial statements must be submitted by the hauler with rate
applications. These statements serve to support and reconcilg cost and
revenue figures presented in the applications.
O Costs and revenues associated with a processing facility shall
be segregated from the franchise hauler's total costs. Integrated
solid waste management rates are based on costs of providing collection
and transportation of solid waste and reryclable materials, costs of
disposal of solid waste, and costs of this processing facility. The hauler
shall segregate costs and revenues related to a processing facility from total
company costs and revenues. Revenues from the facility will be an offset
(i.e., reduction) in revenue requirements for purposes of setting rates.
tr The franctrise hauler will be allowed to share in cost savings
due to irnprovements implemented by the hauler. If the franchise
hauler improves the efficienry of its operations, the hauler is allowed to
initially share the benefits of these cost reduction efforts with the customers.
The rate setting manual provides an example of how such a cost savings
program might work.
Current single family residential (i.e., economy, standard, and premium),
multiunit residential, and commercial rate stmctures form the basis for rate adjustment
applications and procedures in this manual. The City should note that in the future, the
rate adjustment applications and procedures presented in the manual need to be revised
so they are consistent with any new rate strucrures adopted. Such change does not effect
the scope, requirements, or timing of the rate setting process.
2. Proposed Residential Rate Structure
Residential customers now may choose from one of three collection services:
(1) economy service, which allows the customer to place refuse in orange bags purchased
from the hauler or City, (2) standard service, which is a 90 gallon waste wheeler, and
(3) premium service, which allows the customer to use up to six (6) equivalent 30 gallon
containers. In our March 2'1,, 1994,letter to the Cicy, we discuss the characteristics and
pricing issues of providing these three services.
After discussions with the City and hauler, and a review of current trends in the
pricing of integrated solid waste management services, v/e recommend a change to the
existing residential collection services and the corresponding rate structure required to
recover costs of providing solid waste and recyclable material collection.
Ell EnNsr *Younc
Ms. Sue Baasch
page 5
April19,1994
It is recommended that the City adopt a uvariable can system" requiring all
residential customers to select either a 30,60, or 90 gallon waste wheeler container. The
hauler distributes waste wheelers to customers and provides collectiorr services once a
week. Existing economy (orange bag) and premium (cans) services are eliminated. No
cans, bags, boxes, or other containers are collected. Current standard service customers
may retain their existing 90 gallon waste wheeler or may trade for a smaller \il/aste wheeler.
The monthly rate charged for each service is determined by the City, based on a
formal application by the hauler. Customers using larger waste wheelers pay a higher
monthly rate than those using smaller waste wheelers. Low income customers would be
provided a rate which should be established at a ten percent (1,0Vo) discount of the rate
for the service chosen. The Ciry would annually identify the customers which qualify for
the low income discount.
It is critical for the City and franchise hauler to develop rates which do not
significantly impact existing customers bills, but which also provide adequate revenues to
meet costs of the hauler to provide solid waste and recycling services. The City, working
with the hauler, should perform a comprehensive analysis of proposed rates under a new
rate structure. Assuming that total residential revenue requirements are known, this
analysis could include the following activities:
Step 1 Estimate the number of customers subscribing to each new
service type. This estimate might be based on current customer
account data and forecasts of growth in number of households. This
involves estimating what proportion of existing economy, standard, and
premium service customers will chose each of the three new container
sizes.
Step 2 Estimate generatlon of solid waste and recycling tonnage. This
step would involve forecasts of the tonnage of waste generated by single
family residential customers, and the tonnage of recyclable materials set
out by residents. Tonnage estimates might be based on simple trend
analysis or forecasting equations, and account for variables including .
population, age distribution, and strength of recycling alternatives. The
results are used to determine demand by collection service (30, 60, or 90
gallon waste wheelers), and also for potentially allocating costs and
determining rates for each service type.
Step 3 Perform cost allocation. The City and hauler would analyzehow
revenue requirements will be distributed between and within each of
the three proposed single family residential customer service classes.
An alternative is to provide a fixed increment in the monthly rate charged
for each residential service class, and ensure that total revenues collected
meet total residential revenue requirements.
Ell EnNsr *YouNc
Ms. Sue Baasch
Page 6
April1,9, 1994
Step 4 Finalize rate design and calculate rates. In this step, the City and hauler
would detetmine the rate structure which meets the altemative services
provided (e.g., 30, 60, and 90 gallon waste wheelers) and the monthly rate for
each rate class which ensures sufficient revenues are generated. Relationships
between the three rates will be established that are equitable within service
levels and provide consistent source reduction and diversion incentives.
It is likely that rates established for each service level may be different from
estimated costs of providing that service (i.e., there may be some subsidy of one service
level by another). The City has suggested that although there may be subsidies within the
rate structure on the basis of cost to provide service, what may be more important in
determining rates is the volume of solid waste generated by a particular class of
customers. For example, the costs to service 30 gallon containers may be similar to 90
gallon customers if there is a large fixed cost component in both. However, because 30
gallon customers generate much less waste and place a smaller impact on available landfill
resources, then monthly rates for 30 gallon customers should be proportionately lower.
It is recommended that the City adopt rates for the new three-tiered rate
structure which provide a consrant rate per 30-gallon equivalent. This type of rate
structure is commonly used in other California jurisdictions with variable can rates.l To
present an example, it is assumed that the hauler's total annual required residential
revenues are $L,200,000, and that there are 8,800 single family residential customers
(approximately the size of San Luis Garbage Co.). As shown in Table 1, monthly rates of
$7.00 (30 gallon), $14.00 (50 gallon), and $21.00 (90 gallon) would provide adequate revenue
under a conservative customer mix (i.e., 50 percent are 30 gallon customers, L0 percent
are60 gallon customers, and 30 percent aregO gallon customers). The price is $7.00 per
month for each 30 gallons of q'aste wheeler capaciry. These rates are only an example and
do not represent actual rates under the proposed new rate structure.
Table I
Example Monthly Rates Under Proposed Single Family Residential System
Service
Number
of Customers
Monthly
Rate
Annual
BillingsMtx
30-gallon
60-gallon
90-gallon
5,?30
880
.2,640
9,900
60o/o
L0o/o
\U/o
lWo
$z.oo
14.00
21.OO
$443,520
L47,840
665,280
$t,256,640
1 In a sunrey performed by Emst & Young h L993 of eight California cities with variable can sysrems,
six jurisdictions (75 percent) used a system with a constant monthly charge per equivalent container
size.
EJI EnNsr aYouxc
Ms. Sue Baasch
Page 7
April79,1994
To comply with the Ciry's objective to encourage source reduction and
diversion, it is recommended that the rate for additional waste wheelers used by a
customer be equal to the rate for a single waste wheeler. In the example above, a
customer requiring tvro 60 gallon q/aste wheelers would be charged $28.00 per month
($14.00 + $14.00).
The proposed single family residential rate structure offers a number of benefits
to both the Ciry and hauler. For the Ciry, the proposed single family residential rate
structure would:
D Offer flexibility in pricing incremental waste wheeler service levels. As an
example, over time the City could chose to provide greater incentive for
customers to use 30 gallon waste wheelers by establishing a significantly
lower rate than for 50 or 90 gallon users. The City needs to be cautious of
the response of customers to a rate structure which provides such
incentives. The franchise hauler's cost structure would likely not change
significantly as more customers shift to the 30 gallon service, but revenues
may be reduced dramatically.
tr Promote source reduction, diversion, and rerycling and, as a result, be
consistent with Assembly Bill 939 (AB 939) objectives and the Ciry's
Source Reduction and Recycling Element (SRRE). In other jurisdictions,
variable can systems have proven to be an effective recycling incentive,
and have reduced tonnage disposed.2
The Ciry should be aware that as more customers set out recyclable
materials for collection, costs of the hauler may actually increase. Due to
higher collection, handling, transportation, and processing costs, costs of
curbside and commercial recycling may be greater than costs of solid
waste collection and disposal. As the percentage of total materials
collected shifts from solid waste to recyclable materials, the hauler's total
costs could increase.
n Increase equity and fairness between and within customer classes.
Payments under the new structure may relieve customers who dispose of
smaller volumes of solid waste of the burden of subsidizing solid waste
collection services of customers who generate larger volumes of waste.
2 Fo, example, since Seattle's introduction of variable can rates in 1981, Seattle residential customers
have reduced the average number of cans subscribed from 3.5 down to iust over one can. Also, the
recycling percentage in terms of acrual tons of waste diverted was over 24 percent before introduction
of any City-sponsored recycling prograrns. (Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Ciry of
Seattle Solid Vaste Utility, June 1990)
=-JI EnNsr *YouNc
Page 8
April1,9, 1.994Ms. Sue Baasch
O Reduce existing environmental concems. Impacts to the landfill are
reduced by eliminating disposable containers (orange plastic bags now
used for the Ciry's economy service). Furthermore, with an automated
collection system, more customers can be served per route and vehicle,
resulting in improved air qualicy due to less emissions from collection
vehicles.
tr Provide the following benefits:
. Reduced disposal costs due to reduced generation
. Extended capacity of existing landfills
. Improved utilization of curbside collection and commercial
recycling program.
For the franchise hauler, the proposed single family residential rate structure would:
tr Be consistent with the hauler's transition toward automating solid waste
collection activities. The hauler currently performs automated services in
other jurisdictions, and has indicated plans to purchase automated San Luis
Garbage Company trucks to replace existing trucks which have reached
their useful life.
If Reduce workers compensation costs. These costs are high due to
potential injury claims, due in pan to picking up odd-size and overweight
cans and orange bags. Waste wheelers reduce injury because they can
either be wheeled to the back of a truck and automatically lifted (semi-
automated), or lifted directly from the curb by a mechanical arm
(automated).
tr Reduce labor costs. The hauler has indicated that with automation existing
routes requiring two employees could instead be performed with one
driver, and that up to 60 percent more residential accounts could be
served by the single driver.
O Increase effectiveness of enforcement. The hauler has relied on an honor
system for enforcement of existing premium service customers. Ensuring
that customers pay for the services actually provided is greatly simplified
because all customers are using only waste wheelers. The collectors would
be aware that any waste outside the waste wheeler was not paid for. Over
time, no cans, bags, boxes, or other containers are collected.
-=!l EnNsr *YouNc
Ms. Sue Baasch
page 9
April1,9,1,994
Potential negative impacts of the proposed new collection services and rate structure for
the Ciry include:
tr Resistance from customers who are used to existing services arld are
unwilling to change behavior. A premium customer using cans may
react unfavorably to having to use waste wheelers only. Premium
customers owning their own cans would have to replace cans by renting
waste wheelers. This resistance may be eliminated through public
education about the benefits of variable waste wheeler service, and by
providing advance leadtime to allow customers to transition to the new
system.
A Risk of illegal dumping of waste. Customers may resort to illegal dumping
in order to avoid moving to more expensive service categories (i.e., to
Iarger waste wheelers). This risk may be alleviated through convenient
recycling altematives, public relations, and education.
For the hauler, negative impacts may include:
tr Risk of uncenain revenues. Accurate revenue projections depend on
accurate service level projections made by the hauler, which may be
difficult to perform. There is potential for the hauler to incorectly
estimate revenue under the new system as a result of incorrect
assumptions of subscriber behavior. For example, the hauler may project
that a large percentage of the existing 633 premium service customers
(I99, will choose 90 gallon waste wheeler service under the new system.
If, instead a significant number of these premium service subscribers
chose 30 or 60 gallon waste wheeler service, the hauler's revenues will be
less than projected.
A method of reducing this uncertainty would be to allow a phase-in period
during which valid revenue shortfalls are recovered by allowing an
adjustment in rates by the City's Chief Administrative Officer. This
mechanism is already allowed for in the rate setting manual in the case of
extraordinary and consequential cost increases that occur mid-year.
The risk of uncertain revenues should decrease over time as the new
system is fully implemented. After the existing system is fully replaced
with the proposed rate structure and services, the hauler should be able to
more accurately project subscription levels and revenues.
=JI EnNsr aYouNc
Ms. Sue Baasch
Page L0
April79,1.994
tr Costs to implement new residential collection services and a new rate
structure. These include:
. Changes to a newly adopted franchise agreement and ihe
rate setting manual
. Public information, outreach, and public relations programs
. Billing system changes (to track each customer's selected
subscription level)
. Redesign of new routes which take advantage of more efficient
automated waste wheeler service
o Automated collection vehicles to replace existing rear loading
packer trucks.
3. Proposed Commercial and Multi-Unit Residential Rate Structure
The proposed new commercial and multi-unit residential rate structure also is
volume-based. It is recommended that customers be charged a fixed rate for each cubic
yard of solid waste service provided. The proposed rate structure is independent of
collection frequency and is simply a function of quantity generated. For example, if the
monthly rate for each cubic yard of service is $8, a customer requiring a three cubic yard
dumpster picked up two times per week (6 cubic yards weekly) would be charged $192
per month (24 cubic yards per month x $8 per cubic yard).
The positive impacts of such a system include:
tr Provide price signals to customers to reduce or divert the solid waste
generated. The current rate structure charges a lower amount per cubic
yard f more solid waste is generated. Currently, a generator who chooses
a two cubic yard dumpster picked up once per week is charged $53.00
per month, or $6.63 per cubic yard ($53 per month divided by 8 cubic
yards per month). A generator who chooses a three cubic yard dumpster
picked up once per week is charged $65.00 per monrh, or $5.42 per cubic
yard. r$fith a declining per unit rate structure, there is no direct financial
incentive to generate less waste. The "steeper" the extra charge is for
additional waste, the greater the incentive to reduce or recycle. The
recommended new rate structure would no longer be declining, but would
be a flat (or constant) rate per cubic yard. This change increases the
financial incentive for customers not to move up to a larget dumpster or
more frequent collections.
--JI EnNsr aYouNc
Ms. Sue Baasch
Page 11.
April19,1,994
tr Promote source reduction, diversion, and recycling. As a result, the rate
structure is consistent wirh Assembly Bill 939 (AB 93D objectives and the
Ciry's Source Reduction and Recycling Element (SRRE). t
tr Increase equiry and fairness between and within customer classes.
Cenerators which place increasing demands on the solid waste system
would pay an increasing burden of solid waste collection and disposal
costs.
O Be easier to understand and implement. The new rate structure will
replace the existing residential multi-unit and commercial rate matrix.
Customers should more easily understand commercial rates and the hauler
will be able to easily convey rates to customers. The billing for services is
simplified because of the constant rate per cubic yard. The hauler would
still track each customer's size of container and number of weekly pick-
ups, as it does now under the current system.
Potential negative impacts include:
tr Risk of uncertain revenues. Similar to changes to the proposed new single
family residential structure, this new structure requires that the hauler
estimate subscription levels (by size of dumpster and frequency of
collection) and revenues from the new structure. The hauler must project
how customers may respond to the new structure, and estimate the
proportion of customers potentially reducing the size of dumpster or
frequency of collection.
tr More frequent bin collections being requested by customers. Customers
may chose smaller dumpsters picked up more frequently, although at the
same rate they could chose a larger dumpster picked up less frequently.
This behavior results in higher costs to the hauler (more vehicle trips) for
picking up waste more often. However, the hauler has indicated that this
behavior rarely occurs. Also, the proposed nes/ rate structure would
actually build in incentives for the hauler to recommend that customers
use larger dumpster sizes picked up less frequently for the same volume of
waste.
It is recommended that the City adopt a rate structure for the current commercial
can and commercial waste wheeler service which is a equivalent to the proposed 30, 60
and 90 gallon single family residential rate structure. Also, as noted above, it is
recommended that multiunit residential customers using dumpsters should be charged a
flat per cubic yard rate. However, the flat rate may be different than the commercial
dumpster flat rate due to cost of service differences.
EtJ Enrusr *YouNc
Page 72
April19,1,994Ms. Sue Baasch
4. Phasing Proposed Residential and Cornrnercial Systems
The proposed residential and commercial automated service and rate structures
will take --. thr., one year to implement. The hauler must purch"r! .r.* trucks and
waste wheelers to take full advantage of an automated collection system. These new
trucks may be purchased to replace existing vehicles after the full depreciated costs of
existing vehicles are fully recovered. The hauler also must modify its billing system,
conduct pilot studies of the automated vehicles and containers, and design and distribute
educational materials. In addition, collection routes must be reconstructed to take
advantage of automated collection, and the labor force must be realigned. The specific
details concerning implementation efforts and timing will be developed by the City and
hauler. Below is a list of general phases leading to implementation.
tr Phase 1 - Develop and adopt new rate structure and new
rates. City staff recently obtained City council approval to develop,
perform a detailed analysis, and test alternative new rate structure and
resulting rates.
A Phase 2 - Upgrade existing truck fleet. In this phase the
franchise hauler purchases automated trucks. This phase will likely
take the most elapsed time because older rear loading vehicles are
replaced with automated vehicles. At some point, remaining rear
loading trucks which have not been fully depreciated should be sold
and expensed. The City needs to determine a policy on how to treat
costs of replacing trucks which have not been fully depreciated nor
reached their useful life.
tl Phase 3 - Revise collection routes and use of labor force.
During this phase the hauler will need to revise routing of collection
vehicles and redirect the existing workforce under the new route
design. A reduction in collection laborers needed will likely occur.
The hauler may chose to meet this labor reduction through attrition or
shifting of responsibilities
tr Phase 4 - Implement adrninistrative changes to system. In this
phase the hauler modifies and tests new billing requirements, upgrades
computer systems, and distributes educational materials. The City will
revise existing ordinances, refine rate setting procedures and rates, and
update the rate setting process and methodology manual.
O Phase 5 - Conduct pilot study. During this phase the hauler
conducts a pilot test of the new collection vehicle(s) and containers.
The hauler evaluates results of is pilot study and revises and modifies
routes to expand the pilot study.
EtlFnrusr aYouNc
Ms. Sue Baasch
Page 13
April 19, 1994
tr
tr
Phase 6 - Purchase and distribute new waste wheelers.
The hauler completes purchase of waste wheelers and, based on
subscription rates, distributes them to customers. t
Phase 7 - Implement new system. The franchise hauler operates
city-wide under the new system. During the initial year of city-wide
implementation, the hauler should periodically evaluate system
impacts, make staff available to talk about the new system, and enforce
compliance through education rather than fines or penalties.
**
This letter plesents a sufirmary of objectives and contents of the draft Rate Setting
Pr"ocess and Metbodologjt Manual for Integrated Solid 'Waste Mantagemeixt Ra.tes
together with recommendations for the proposed residential and cornrnercial rate
structures. 'We would appreciate your review and comments concerning the draft rnanual
and recommendations. If you have any questions, please contact either Mr. Edward
Kaempf or Mr. Erik Nylund in Sacramento at (915) 449-3400.
Very truly yours,
Edward R.
Enclosure
--]
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ctyo[san luls oBtspo
Rate Setting Process
and Methodology
Manualfor Integrated
Solid Waste
Management Rates
April 1994
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Rate Setting Process and
M etb o dologjt M anual for
fntegrate d Sol:id Waste Management Rates
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Preparedfor
City of San Luis Obispo
San Luis Garbage Company
Prepared bjt
EflEnlvsr&YouNG
555 Capitol Mall, Suite 550
Sacramento, California 95874
April 1994
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Printed on Recycled Paper
I
l Rate Setting Process and Methodology Manual
for Integrated Solid Waste Management Rates
Table of Contents
Section I: Rate Setting Oaeruieut
A. Introduction
B. Rate Setting Objectives
C. Rate Structure Objectives
D. Other Key Objectives
E. Rate Adjustment Appli.",ion Process
F. Allowable and Pass Through Costs
G. Using the Manual
Page
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Section II: Rate Setting Process
A. Base Year Rate Setting Process
1. Preparation and Submission of Rate Adjustment Application
2. Verification of Completeness of Rate Adjustment
Application
3. Review of Rate Adjustment Application and
Preparation of Responses
4. Response to Additional Information Requests from City
5. Preparation of Draft Council Agenda Report
6. Review of Draft Council Agenda Report
7. Preparation of Final Council Agenda Report
B. Presentation of Agenda Report to City Council
9. Implementation of New Rates
B. Timing of Base Year Rate Setting Process
C. Interim Year Rate Setting Process
1. Preparation and Submission of Rate Adjustment
Application
2. Preparation of Draft Council Agenda Report
3. Review and Response to Draft Council Agenda Report
4. Preparation of Final Council Agenda Report
5. Presentation of Agenda Report to City Council
6. Implementation of New Rates
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D. Timing of Interim Year Rate Setting Process
Page i
ble of Contents (cont.)
Section III: Base Year Rate Setting Metbod,ology
L. Entry of Operating Costs
2. Determination of Revenues without Rate Increase
3. Calculation of Allowable Operating Profit and
Revenue Requirement
4. Calculation of Percent Change In Rates
5. Preparation of Summary Form
6. Survey of Rates in Similar Areas
Section IV: Interim Year Rate Setting Metbod,ol.ogjt
1. Determination of Base Year Costs and'Weightings
2. Calculation of Percent Changes in Controllable and
Pass Through Costs
3. Calculation of 'STeighted Change in Rates
4. Preparation of the Summary Form
5. Application Certification
Appendix
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Appendix A
Appendix B
Blank Forms and Vorksheets
Chart of Accounts
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tuhibits
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Organization of Each Step
Base Year Rate Setting Process
Base Year Rate Setting Process Diagram
Timing of Base Year Rate Adjustment Process
Interim Year Rate Adjustment Process
Timing of Interim Year Rate Adjustment Process
Preparation of the Base Year Rate Adjustment
Application
Sample Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
Definition of Financial Terms from Base Year
Rate Adjustment Application
Sample Solid tiflaste Fee Survey
Preparation of the Interim Year Rate Adjustment
Application
Sample Interim Year Rate Adjustment Application
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Section I
Rate Setting Overview
I. Rate Setting Oueruiew
This section of the manual provides
an overview of the rate setting process.
This section is organized as follows:
A. Introduction
B. Rate Setting Objectioes
C Rate Structure Objectiaes
D. Otber Key Objecttues
E. Ra.te Adjustmeflt Application
Process
F. Allautabl.e and Pass Througlt
Costs
G. Uslng the Manual
A. Introd.uction
This manual provides a step-by-step
guide for the City of San Luis Obispo (Ciry;
and its franchise hauler to prepare and
approve adjustments to integrated solid
waste management rates. The manual
establishes rate adjustment policies,
provides application forms, specifies
repor-ting formats, identifies required
supporting documentation, and describes
procedures to be followed in requesting,
reviewing, and adopting rate adjustments.
Cost and revenue information is required
for all services provided by the franchise
hauler.
This manual provides a formal
structure for establishing integrated solid
waste management rates and has been
developed with input and direction from
both the City and current franchise hauler.
It incorporates current ordinances and
existing operating conditions in the City.
As both the City and franchise hauler gain
experience using the rate setting
methodology described in the manual, the
process should be updated, revised, and
improved.
This manual is organized into four
sections:
Section I: Rate Sefting Oaeroieu:
This section provides an introduction to
the manual and discusses the objectives
followed in establishing the rate setting
processes.
Section II: Ra.te Seuing Process:
A detailed discussion of the rate setting
process is presented in this section. This
discussion focuses on responsibilities of
participants in the process, activities to
be performed, and the timing of these
activities.
Sectlon III: Base Year Rate Setting
Metbodologjt: This section provides
detailed instructions on how to complete
the forms used to establish new rates for
each base year.
Section IV: Interim Year Rate Setting
Metbod.ologjt: In this section, detailed
instructions are provided for completing
forms used to establish new rates for
each interim year.
B. Rate Setting Objecttueis
The primary goal of the rate setting
process and methodology is to determine
integrated solid waste management rates
which are fair to San Luis Obispo residents
and which provide adequate revenue to the
hauler. Four rate setting objectives were
considered in developing the rate setting
approach:
D Rates requested by the franchise hauler
must be iustiffable and supportable.
A formal request to adjust rates
submitted by the franchise hauler
should be based on formally adopted
guidelines for expenses and profit, and
provide the basis for all rate
adjustments. The requested rates
City of San Luis Obispo Page l-1
Section l. Rate Setting Overview
should include only allowable and
pass through costs, and provide
accountability for all expenditures.
tl The proc€ss should ensufe revenue
adequacy to fully meet reasonable
costs of senrice. Estimated costs of
service and resulting integrated solid
waste management rates should be
reasonable. Granting a franchise for
solid waste collection recognizes the
private sector's ability to provide quality
service at a reasonable cost. Further, the
City acknowledges that maintenance of
good service is related to providing
adequate compensation and financial
incentives for continued good
performance. Revenues generated
should be adequate to fully meet
reasonable costs of service. The
resulting monthly rates for solid waste
service should be comparable to those
charged in other cities for providing
similar services.
tr The rate setting process should provide
for ongoing review and rate stability.
A formal and thorough Ciry review of
financial and operating data will set an
expectation for both City staff and
hauler, ultimately to protect the rate
payer. The process should be designed
to prevent large, unexpected fluctuations
in rates anticipated from funding a
broadening scope of integrated waste
management services.
tr The process should be easy to
administer, while ensuring that any rate
request is justifiable and reasonable. The
process should be easy to explain and
not place an undue cost on either the
City or the franchise hauler to
implement.
C Rate Structure Objectiaes
The primary goal of the rate structure is
to provide San Luis Obispo residents with
fair rates that are understandable and
consistent with solid waste reduction and
rerycling objectives. Four objectives were
utilized in developing the City's rate
structure:
tr Pfomote source reduction,
maximum diversion, and recycling.
Reducing the volume of landfilled waste
was established as a Ciry prioriry in 1990
with the adoption of volume-based
residential rates. The California
Integrated'u7aste Management Act,
Assembly Bill939 (AB 939, Chapter L095,
. 1989) prioritized diversion of solid waste
through source reduction, reuse, and
recycling. Rate structure design should
be consistent with AB 939 goals and
provide residents incentives to reduce
solid waste generation while maximizing
recycling. In response to AB 939, the
City's Source Reduction and Recycling
Element (SRRE) establishes policies to
promote source reduction, maximum
diversion, and recycling. Rate structures
and collection systems should work
together to meet SRRE objectives.
Rate structures that encourage maximum
diversion generally are uniform or have
increasing rates for increasing volumes of
waste generated. In combination with
volume-based rates, collection systems
with a flexible "increment" of service
create incentives to reduce and recycle.
tr Provide equity and fairness within
classes of customers. The rate
structure should be constructed so no
customer class is given preferential rates,
either befween classes or within the
same class of customers. However, low
income residents may be provided a
discount on their rates. Determination
of equity includes the relative demand
(i.e., tonnage of solid waste generated)
which customers place on the solid
waste system.
tr Be environmentally sound.
Environmental concerns associated
with collection systems include the
added amount of waste created by use
of orange bags and air quality impacts
Page l-2 City of San Luts OHspo
Section l. Rate Settino Overvlew
from transportation of waste, recyclable
materials, and yard debris. 'ttrTorking
towards environmental soundness
means phasing out the use of
disposable containers (orange bags).
Air quality impacts can be addressed
through financial incentives to reduce
frequency of pickups and to increase
efficiencies of collection to allow for a
large number of accounts per route.
tr Be easy to understand. Both
residential and non-residential
customers should be able to
understand the rate structure.
D. Otber Key Objectiaes
The following are other key objectives
considered in developing the processes and
detailed methodologies described in this
manual:
tr Regulation of residential and non-
residential integrated solid waste
management rates. Both residential
and non-residential integrated solid
waste management rates are regulated by
the Ciry, and will represent recovery of
allowable costs incurred by the franchise
hauler. These allowable costs include
collection/disposal of residential and
non-residen tial garbage, curbside
collection of residential recyclable
materials, and collection of non-
residential reryclables. Costs incurred by
the franchise hauler must be adequately
documented in a formal request for a
rate adjustment, and the rate request
must be supported by company financial
statements. The first formal request for a
rate adjustment (which may be submitted
during 7994) will not require audited
financial statements, but all future base
year rate requests will.
tr Profit. A profit to the hauler is allowed
in the rate base, and is based on a
targeted operating ratio of !2 percent on
allowable costs, with a range of between
90 and )4 percent. In the base year, if
rates would remain unchanged at an
operating ratio within the range of 90 to
!4 percent, and the company actually
rcalized an operating ratio within this
range, then that same operating ratio
resulting in no rate change will be used,
and no rate change will occur.
Otherwise, a )2 percent operating ratio
will be used for the base year calculation.
The operating ratio effectively determines
the profit allowed to the franchise hauler
on allowable costs. Total revenue
requirements then are determined as the
sum of: (1) allowable costs, (2) allowable
profit, and (3) pass through costs (for
which the franchise hauler gets no profit).
In the first base year, the operating ratio
will be p2 percent. In each succeeding
base year (once every three years), the
operating ratio would range from 90 to
)4 percent, which will help stabilize rate
adjustments and afford the company an
incentive to reduce costs. In any
succeeding base year, if the company
eamed an operating ratio outside this
range, then 92 percent would be
reestablished.
tr Retroactive rate increase. There will
be no allowance for a retroactive
increase in rates.
D Perforrnance audits. Vhile rates for
residential and non-residential services are
evaluated in detail during each base year
(every three years), the rate review
focuses on actual costs and does not
address opportunities for the franchise
hauler to improve general operational
efficiency. If actions can be taken to
improve the franchise hauler's efficiency,
this could result in lower total costs,
and correspondingly, lower rates for
customers.
In order to address this issue,
performance audits of the franchise
hauler could be conducted at regular
intervals, such as once every three
years. The timing of these audits could
Clty of San Luis OMspo Page l-3
Section l. Rate SettinE Overvlew
be independent of the rate adjustment
process described in this manual.
A two-phase approach may be
appropriate for these audits. An overall
diagnostic review would be conducted
in Phase I, and more detailed and
focused work in selected areas would
be conducted in Phase II, based on the
Phase I findings.
tr Cost savings progfarns. The franchise
hauler will be allowed to share in cost
savings due to improvements
'implemented by the hauler. This
savings program provides an incentive
to the franchise hauler to reduce costs.
Under the rate setting process described
in this manual, if the franchise hauler is
able to reduce costs, the benefits of
these cost reduction efforts are passed
. on to the rate payers in the next base
year. There may be no direct incentive
for the franchise hauler to identi$' and
implement cost savings activities. The
purpose of a formal program is to allow
the franchise hauler to receive some of
these benefits while also lowering the
rates for customers.
The amount of cost savings would be
identified initially during development
of a proposed new program and then
would be monitored during
implementation of the new program.
Savings would be shared by the
franchise hauler and the rate payers,
based on pre-determined splits. For
example, during the first year of a new
program, the franchise hauler may
receive 75 percent of the savings and
the rate payers would receive 25
percent. In year two, the franchise
hauler would receive 50 percent of the
benefit and the rate payer would
received 50 percent. In year three, the
franchise hauler would receive 25
percent of the cost savings. In the
fourth year, all savings would be
passed through to City customers.
Examples of cost savings programs
include investing in new equipment,
redesigning collection routes,
automating administrative functions, or
streamlining administrative processes.
These opportunities for cost savings
might be identified by the franchise
hauler or through performance audits
reviewed by the City.
Monitoring actual savings achieved is
the most difficult task in developing a
cost savings program. Cost, and in
some cases, operating data must be
identified and carefully reviewed.
\fithout careful monitoring, the
program may be abused.
Adjusting rates to reflect the savings
also is difficult because rate adjustments
for each interim year
^te
determined by
a change in the consumer price index
instead of by an examination of base
year costs. The hauler may, in fact,
lower costs of operation through a cost
savings program, though the rates
would not automatically be lowered.
Cost savings can not be included simply
by reflecting the savings as a reduction
in total cost.
New polices and procedures would
have to be established to allow for cost
savings adiustments under the
methodology presented in this manual.
These policies must address a number
of issues including: the time period for
sharing costs, the split of the savings,
the form in which cost reduction
proposals must be prepared, the
process for monitoring actual cost
savings, and incorporation of the
concept in the current methodology.
Page l-4 Clty of San Luls Obtspo
Section l. Rate Settinq Overview
E. Rate Ad.just nent Application
Process
A Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
from the franchise hauler is required once
every three years. This process requires
detailed financial and operating information
which is carefully reviewed and analyzed by
the City. These detailed reviews are referred
to as "base" years in the methodology.
\fith the Base Year Rate Adjustment
Application the hauler submits annual
audited financial statements (except for the
initial base year application after this manual
is adopted). These statements will serve as
the base document of the application.
Financial forms contained in the application
should be reconciled to the auditJfinancial
statements to provide assurance that all of
the company's activities are accounted for.
At the time a Base Year Rate Adjustment
Applicationis submitted, the franchise hauler
also shall provide the City with a survey of
rates and services provided in at least six
other municipalities of comparable size and
service. The format for this survey is
contained in Appendix A of this manual.
In each of the "interim" two years, rate
adjustments will be based on the annual
percentage change in a composite index
of the following three items:
tr Annual change in the most recent
actual, not forecasted, U.S. Consumer
Price Index published by the Bureau of
Labor Statistics in their Montbly Labor
Reuiew, applied to specified costs of
the franchise hauler (such as wages,
salaries, payroll taxes, rent, and general
and administration costs)
tr Change in costs for tipping fees, and
AB 939 and regulatory fees estimated
to occur in the next interim year
tr An adjustment for the franchise fee,
which is based on a percentage of total
revenues generated from resi/ential
and non-residential integrated solid
waste collection service.
The franchise hauler will be required
to submit an Interim Year Rate
Adjustment Application for a rate increase
between base years. The scope of each
interim year application would be more
limited than a base year request.
Although a formal application would be
required each year, the company would
have the option to not increase rates,
though an interim year adjustment might
allow it to do so.
The City or franchise hauler may
request an extraordinary or consequential
adjustment outside of the base year and
interim year adjustment schedules. The
franchise hauler requesting an extraordinary
or consequential cost increase should
demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Ciry
Administrative Officer, that it has incurred
extraordina ry and consequential cost
increases. To be extraordinarv or . r ,
consequential, cost W?t m,rst b"ffi'e'E
enough to require a greater than five
percent (5%o) decrease or increase in
monthly rates.
F. Allouable and Pass Througlt
Cosfs
For purposes of computing required
revenue to be obtained from rate payers, it
is necessary to determine which of the
franchise hauler's costs are allowable, non-
allowable, and pass through. Profit is
allowed to the franchise hauler for
allowable costs. Non-allowable costs
cannot be recovered through the rate base.
Pass through costs do not e rn a profit, but
can be recovered through the rate base.
Allowable Costs
The hauler is allowed to earn a profit on
certain costs. These allowable costs include
direct labor, corporate overhead, office
salaries, and other general and administrative
costs. These allowable costs are defined in
Table 1, on the following page.
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Citlt of San Luts Obtspo Page l-5
Sectlon l. Rate Settinq Overview
Table 1
Allowable Costs
Cost Description
Direct Labor All coss associated with solid waste and reryclable materials
collection, including wages, overtime, payroll taxes, health and
welfare benefits, workers compensation, and pension benefits,
Corporate Overhead Salaries paid to the franchise hauler's corporate officers. The amount
of this item cannot exceed $120,000 per year (in 7994 dollars).
Office Salaries Vages and related benefits paid to office and administrative stafl
including wages, overtime, payroll taxes, health and welfare
benefits, workers compensation, and pension benefits.
Other General and
Administrative Costs
All general and administrative costs with the exception of corporate
overhead and office salaries. This item includes the following costs:
. Collection fees
o Computer equipment
and services
. Depreciation
. Dues and subscriptions
. Insufance
o Janitorial
. Laundry and uniform
. Interest expense
o Licenses
. Medical expenses
Office rent
Office supplies
Postage
Professional fees
Promotion
Office repair and
maintenance
Telephone
Travel
rrucKng
Utilities
a
a
a
a
a
A few costs of providing collection service
need to be clarified because of special
treatment for purposes of rate reiti.tg. These
are discussed below.
tr Interest Expense. Interest
expense is included as an allowable
cost on which profit is allowed.l
tr Lease Payments. Lease payments
to non-affiliated companies are an
allowable expense. These payments
may implicitly contain interest.
Interest expense is allowed in the operating
profit calculation, which differs from the
practice in some municipalities. Interest
expense is a relatively small portion of the
current franchise hauler's total costs. If interest
becomes a significant factor in the franchise
hauler's cost structure, the City may wish to
reconsider the treatment of this cost component.
Lease payments to affiliated
companies are a pass through cost.
D Depreciation. The following
depreciation methods and useful
lives are to be used for amonizing
capital costs for rate setting purposes:
Table 2
Depreciation Methods
Capital Item Type(a) Years
Office Equipment
Vehicles and Equipment
Buildings and Leasehold
Improvements
SL
SL
SL
5 years
7 years
25 years
(a) sr = straight line depreciation
Page l-6 Clty of San Luls Obtspo
i Section l. Rate Settinq Overview
I
tr Recycling. Costs of providing
residential curbside recycling and
non-residential rerycling services
provided to the City by the franchise
hauler will be an allowable cost.
Therefore, the integrated solid waste
management rates charged to
customers would include recovery of
allowable costs of providing recycling
services, and a profit is allowed on
these costs.
Non-Allowable Costs
The following costs are not allowable
and as a result will not be passed on to the
rate payers:
tr Charitable and political
contributions
tr Entertainment
O Income taxes
tr Profit sharing payments not
related to an IRS approved
pension program.
Pass Tbrough Costs
The following pass through cosrs do
not earn a profit, but are included in
determining total revenue requirements to
establish integrated solid waste
management rates:
tr Tipping Fees. If the franchise
hauler utilizes a disposal faciliry
which is owned by an affiliated
company, the tipping fee charged by
the disposal facility to the franchise
hauler must be the same as the rate
charged to other non-affiliated
haulers for the same service. Tipping
fees are defined to include both
transfer station, transformhtion
faciliry, and landfill charges.
In each interim year, tipping fees are
not automatically adjusted by the
CPI, as is proposed for all
controllable costs, Rather, a
projection is made of what tipping
fees would be in the new interim
year. Then, a comparison is made
with tipping fees in the previous
year. The resulting percent change
in tipping fees would be weighted by
their share of total base year revenue
requirements, in determining the
composite index used in each interim
year.
tr Franchise fee. The franchise fee
is 6.0 percent of the hauler's gross
residential and non-residential
revenues, excluding revenues from
the sale of recyclable materials and
California refund value (CRV). This
fee is a pass through cost (no profit
is allowed).
tr Costs to implement State
mandated source reduction and
household hazardous waste
prograrns. The City plans to adopt
the Source Reduction and Recycling
Element (SRRE) and Housebold
Hazardous'lVaste Element (HHIY/E)
as required by AB !lP. These
elements contain a number of
recommended programs whose costs
are projected to be funded in part by
integrated solid waste management
rates. If the City implements a
surcharge on the monthly charge for
waste management services, this
surcharge will be considered pass
through cost for the purposes of rate
setting. The franchise hauler will not
be allowed a profit on these AB 939
surcharges.
tr Trucking Charges. Trucking
charges from companies affiliated
with the franchise hauler are a pass
through cost, and no profit is
allowed to the franchise hauler.
This is based on the assumption that
profits already are included in the
trucking charges paid by the
franchise hauler.
I
Cltlt of San Luis Obtspo Page l-7
Section l. Rate Setting Overylgw
G. Uslngtbe Manual
Each section of the manual has been
divided into a number of subsections. A
subsection begins with a discussion related
to a major topic. Many subsections of this
manual include a series of "steps" which
must be completed during the rate setting
process. Each step begins at the top of a
page and is prominently marked for easy
reference. The organization of each step is
worksheets and forms which are used to
complete selected steps of the process:
tr Base year rate adiustment
application
tr Interim ye r tate adjustment
application
tr Interim year rate adjustment
worksheet
tr Solid waste fee survey.
Appendix B is a copy of a "standardized"
chart of accounts which contains a proposed
basis for allocating indirect costs of the
hauler.
Page h8 Ctty of San Luts Oblspo
EXHIBIT I.1
Organization of Each Step
- Manual Organization-
I. Section
A. Subsection
1. Step
a. Task
Completed 120 days prior to the date rates
become effective
a. Prepare Cost Information
b. Prepare Revenue Information
c. Prepare Operating Information
d. Survey Residential and
Non-residential Solid Waste Rates
and Charges in Similar Service Areas
e. Prepare and Submit Rate
Adiustment Application and
Supporting Documents
Tasks:
Franchise HaulerResponslbtltty:
Timing:
Base Year
Step I
Process or Actiuity
Were Tbis Step Occuts
Step
Number
Title
Step
Section Number and Narne
Party Responsiblefor
tbe Step
tbe Step
Sbould Be
Completed
l"'.
Tasks
Required
to Complete
tbe Stq
I
I
I
Detailed
Descriptions
of tbe
Actions
Required in
Eacb Task
Overvlew
During this step, the franchise hauler
prepares the Base Year Rate AdJustntent
Application. Included with the completed
application are required forms, related
supporting documents, and a survey of
other cities. Instructions for preparing
application forms are available in Section
III of this manual. Blank forms are
provided in Appendlx A of this manual.
Information provided by the franchise
hauler is for five years:
Q calendar year rwo years prior to
current year (year one)
fl Lastest completed calendar year
prior to current year (year rwo)
E Current calendar year (year three)
Q Projected base calendar year
Description of Tasks
scrap
sold,
a. Prcpare Cost Informatlon
Cost information from the franchise hauler
is provided in the Base Year Rate Adjustlnent
Appltcation. Cost information is reported for
two historical years, the current year, the two
projected years (the base year, and year after
the base year). Information reported in each
line item is the total cost for solid waste and
recyclable materials collection for residential
and non-residential customers. A segregation
of costs by residential, non-residential, and
recycling is not required.
Integrated solid waste management rates
are to be based on costs of providing
collection and transportation of solid waste
and recyclables, and costs of disposing of
solid wastes. Revenues from the processing
facility will be treated as a revenue offset for
purposes of setting rates. Revenues from the
processing facility are determined by adding
payments received from all materialsfour)
California Refund
Page l-9
Section II
Rate Setting Process
r-
I
I
i
T
It
(",,(
t
I
I
L
Section IL Rate Setting Process
The City of San Luis Obispo rate setting
process follows a three year cycle. In the
first year of the rycle, the franchise hauler
is required to submit a Base Year Rate
Adjustment Application. In both rhe second
and third years, the franchise hauler is
allowed to submit an Interim Year Rate
Adjustment Application. The cycle repeats
itself in year four. This section describes the
detailed processes and steps involved from
the franchise hauler completing a base year
or interim year application through to the
City's approval of new rates. This section
is organized into four subsections:
A. Base Year Rate Setting
Process
B. Timing of Base Year
Rate Setting Process
C. Interim Year Rate Setting
Process
D. Timing of InterimYear
Rate Setting Process.
Topics covered in this section of the manual
include:
tr Who is responsible for the
various steps in each process
D What tasks must be completed
within each step
tr When each step should be
performed.
Information about how to complete
worksheets and forms for Base Year Rate
Adjustment Application and Interim Year
Rate Adjustment Application are provided
in Sections III and IV of this manual,
respectively.
A- Base Year Rate Setting Process
The base ye r rate setting process
requires the franchise hauler to submit to
the City a Base Year Rate Adjttstment
Application every three years, beginning
in L994. In this application, the franchise
hauler completes a number of forms,
provides supporting financial and
operational information, and includes
results of a survey of rates in other cities.
After reviewing the application, the
City evaluates whether proposed rate
adjustments will be fair to both residents
of the City and the franchise hauler.
Fairness is demonstrated through an
analysis of the franchise hauler's actual
and projected-revenues and expenses
included in the Base Year Rate Adjustment
Application.
Information required in the rate setting
process which is considered confidential
by the franchise hauler will not be
disclosed ^t any public meetings (i.e., City
Council meetings). This would include
employee compensation information.
The existing franchise agreement
requires Base Year Rate Adjustment
Applications be submitted by the franchise
hauler at least 120 days in advance of when
the proposed base ye r rate adjustment
would take place. The City has up to L5
days to verify the application is complete.
After the City verifies that the hauler's
application is complete, the process is
scheduled to take L05 days until rates are
implemented. New rates are to become
effective on October 1 of each year.
Exhibit [-1, following this page,
provides an overview of the base year rate
setting process. Elxhibit II-2, following
Exhibit II-1, is a diagram showing
participants involved and documents
provided during the base year process.
Following this exhibit is a description of
each step in the process. The timing of the
base year rate setting process is described
in Section II-B of this manual.
Ctty of San luls Obtspo Page lhl
EJilIIBIT tr.l
PAGE 1 OF 2
Base Year Rate Setting Process
1. Preparation and Submission of Rate Adiustrnent
Application
a. Prepare Cost Information
b. Prepare Revenue Information
c. Prepare Operating Information
d. Survey Residential and Commercial Solid Waste Rates
and Charges in Similar Service Areas
e. Prepare and Submit Rate Adjustment Application and
Supporting Documents
2. Verification of Completeness of Rate Adiustment
Appllcation
a. Verify Financial Data and Format
b. Verify Supporting Documents and Schedules
c. Notify Franchise Hauler
3. Review of Rate AdiustmentApplicatlon and
Preparatlon of Responses
a. Review Actual and Projected Revenue Requirements
b. Review Actual and Projected Revenues
c. Review and Verify Operating Ratio
d. Determine Components of Requested Adjustment in Rates
e. Review Performance Data
f. Verify Survey of Rates in Similar Service Areas
g. Request Additional Data and Clarification, If Necessary
h. Document Staff Review and Prepare r0flritten Response
4. Response to Additional Information Requests from City
^. Provide Additional Information, If Requested
b. Prepare and Submit Response
Franchise Hauler
City
City
Franchise Hauler
Page ll-2
I
I
EXIIIBIT II.1
PAGE 2 OF 2
Base Year Rate Setting Process
(continued)
5. Preparation of Drzft C,ouncil Agenda Report
a. Prepare Draft Council Agenda ReportI
)
City
I
l
J
6. Review of Drzft Council Agenda Report
a, Review Draft Council Agenda Report with City Staff
b. Resolve Any Remaining Issues
c. Prepare Response to Draft Council Agenda Report
7. Preparation of Final CouncilAgenda Report
a. Incorporate Franchise Hauler's Changes in Final Report
b. Prepare Final Report and Recommendations
8. Presentation of Agenda Report to City Council
^. Distribute Report and Resolution to Council Members
b. Post Notice of Public Hearing
c. Conduct Public Hearing
d. Obtain Council Approval
9. rtnplementation of New Rates
a. Prepare Notification of Rate Adiustment
b. Implement Rate Adjustment
Franchise Hauler
Cify
City
Franchise Hauler
I
l
"l
-Jj Page ll-3
E)CIIBIT II-2
Base Year Rate Setting Process Diagram
Process DocumentParticipant
Preparation and Submission
of Rate Adjustrnent
of Rate Adjustment
of
of
Review of Rate
Adjustment Application and
from
Response to Additional
Information Requests
Preparation of
Draft Council Agenda
Review of
Draft Council Agenda
Franchise Hauler
. Rate Application
. Audited Financial Statements
. Supporting Financial Infomation
. Summary Survey of Other Cities
City . Letter to Franchise Hauler
City
. Letter to Franchise Hauler
. Workpapers
Franchise Hauler . Additional Documents, If Necessary
City
. Draft Council Agenda Report
. Supporting Documentation
Franchise Hauler . Response Letter to
Draft Council Agenda Report
City . Final Council Agenda Report
City . Notice of Public Hearing
. Approved Resolution
Franchise Hauler
Implementation
of
New Rates
. Notification to Customer
. Rate Schedule
Preparation of '
Final Council Agenda
to Council
Presentation of
Agenda Report
Page ll-4
Section ll. Rate Setting Process
Franchise Hauler
Completed L20 days prior to the date rates
become effective
a. Prepare Cost Information
b. Prepare Revenue Information
c. Prepare Operating Information
d. Survey Residential and Non-residential
Solid'$7aste Rates and Charges in
Similar Service Areas
e. Prepare and Submit Rate Adjustment
Application and Supporting Documents
Tasks:
Responsibility:
Timing:
Bctse Year
St ep I
Description of Tasks
Overview
During this step, the franchise hauler
prepares the Base Year Rate Adjustment
Application Included with the completed
application are required forms, related
supporting documents, and a survey of
other cities. Instructions for preparing
application forms are available in Section
III of this manual. Blank forms are
provided in Appendix A of this manual.
Information is provided by the franchise
hauler for five years:
tl Calendar year two years prior
to current year (year one)
tr Latest completed calendar
year prior to current year
(year rwo)
tr Current calendar year
(year three)
tr Projected base calendar year
(year four)
tr Projected calendar year after
base year (year five).
a. Prepare Cost Information
Cost information from the franchise hauler
is provided in the Base Year Rate Adjustment
Application Cost information is reported for
two historical years, the current year, and two
projected years (the base year, and year after
the base year). Information reported in each
line item is the total cost for solid waste and
recyclable materials collection for residential
and non-residential customers. A segregation
of costs by residential, non-residential, and
recycling is not required.
Integrated solid waste management rates
are to be based on costs of providing
collection and transportation of solid waste
and recyclables, costs of disposing of solid
waste, and costs of the processing facility.
Revenues from the processing facility will be
treated as a revenue offset for purposes of
setting rates.SRevenues from the processing
facility are determined by adding scrap
payments received from all materials sold,
California Refund Value (CRV) and beverage
container rerycling processing fees, and fees
from other cities.
ft,c, l'hy a,ll be
$r purpose<
.\ hsts trom thv pro
*rrolrd d5 a c6!
of *tlma raie s .
J
ae65tn3
lf{e+
City of San Luls OWspo Page ll-5
Section ll. Rate Setting Process
In addition, for information purposes
only, the franchise hauler is requested to
segregate company total costs of providing
service to: (1) customers within City limit6,
(2) customers in adjacent unincorporated
ateas, and (3) California State University, San
Luis Obispo (Cal Poly). Suggested allocation
bases for any shared costs are presented in a
"standardized" Chart of Accounts (discussed
in task e of this section). Appendix A to
manual includes a form for the franchise
hauler to report these allocations.
In the application, costs are further grouped
into the following major cost categories:
tr Allowable Costs
- Direct Labor
- Corporate Overhead
- Office Salaries
- Other General and Administrative
Costs
O Pass Througb Costs
- Tipping Fees
- Franchise Fees
- AB 939 and Regulatory Fees
- Lease Payments to Affiliated
Companies.
If one of the major cost categories in the
application changes at an unusual rate, then
the hauler should provide an explanation for
the change. An unusual change in cost is
any increase which is greater than the
change in the U.S. Consumer Price Index
(CPI) published by the Bureau of Labor
Statistics in their Montbly Labor Reuieu.
Cost information for the current year
and projected years must account for any
increases or decreases in number of customers
served, or tons of solid waste and recyclable
materials collected. Actual increases in cost
also must be included. For example, if labor
costs are expected to increase in the base year
due to current labor agreements, this additional
cost must be included. If these costs are not
included, the rate increase will not be sufficient
to compensate the franchise hauler for actual
costs and will result in a reduction of the
franchise hauler's actual profits.
Cost information provided in the
application is used to calculate the franchise
hauler's revenue requirement. This amount
is compared to anticipated revenues at
existing rates to calculate the rate adustment.
b. Prepare Revenue Information
Similar to cost information, revenues are
reported for two historical years, current
calendar year, and two projected years (the
base year, and year after the base year).
Revenue is reported in five separate categories:
tr Residential
tr Non-residential
tr Revenue from the processing facility
tr Interest on investments
tr Other income.
Actual revenue for each category is reported
for the two historical years, estimated revenue
is reported in the current year, and projected
revenue is reported for both base year and
year after.
Residential and non-residential revenues
in the base year are projected witbout any
increases in rates. Residential and non-
residential revenue projections are prepared
based on existing rates and number of
customers which the franchise hauler
anticipates serving in the base year.
Allowances for uncollectible residential
and non-residential accounts are identified in
the application. This provides for a more
accurate determination of the franchise
hauler's revenue in the base year, as a small
number of customers do not pay the
franchise hauler for service rendered.
Revenues from the processing facility are
reported as the sum of (1) scrap payments
for materials sold, (2) California refund value
Page ll-6 Clty of San Luts Obispo
Seciion ll. Rate Process
and processing fees, and (3) fees received
from other cities.
Interest earned on investments, and other
income, must be identified separately in the
application. Supporting documentation
should be provided which indicates sources
of interest and other income.
Once all revenues have been reported
in the application, total revenue is calculated.
This total revenue is termed a "revenue
offset," because it is subtracted from the
revenue requirement calculated earlier in
task a to determine the franchise hauler's
net surplus/shortfall.
A net shortfall determines the amount of
a rate increase to be applied to residential
and non-residential rates. If there is a net
surplus, the franchise hauler should
determine if the operating ratio can be
reduced to eliminate the surplus (i.e., the
franchise hauler retains the surplus as
additional profit). If the operaring ratio is
calculated at 90 percent, which provides the
franchise hauler with the maximum amount
of profit allowable under current policy, and
a surplus still exists, the City must determine
if rates will be lowered, and over what
period of time.
In addition, for information purposes
only, the franchise hauler is requested to
segregate company total revenue. Like cost
information, revenue should be segregated
into: (1) customers within City limits, (2)
customers in adjacent unincorporated areas,
and (3) California State University, San Luis
Obispo (Cal Poly).
c. Prepare Operating Inforrrration
During this task, non-financial operating
information is compiled by the franchise
hauler. Information to be provided for both
residential and non-residential customers
includes;
O Accounts served
tr Routes
tr Tons collected
El Direct labor hours.
This information allows both the City and
franchise hauler to monitor changes in the
service characteristics, to estimate total
revenues at existing rates, and compare
these to changes in total cost and revenues.
Operating information is provided on a form
in the Base Year Rate Adju.stment
Application.
d. Surey Residential and Non-
Residential Solid Waste Rates and
Charges in Similar Service Areas
The hauler conducts and reports results
of a survey of residential and non-residential
solid waste rates in communities similar in
size and location to the City of San Luis
Obispo. The purpose of the survey is to
benchmark rates proposed by the franchise
hauler against other cities to determine if the
rates are reasonable. The City and the
franchise hauler will agree on which cities
will be surveyed.
The survey includes over 25 questions
covering general information, residential
service, non-residential service, and tipping
fees. The purpose is to determine the
characteristics of each jurisdiction with which
to fairly compare rates. Sample survey forms
and instructions are provided in Section III of
this manual. The franchise hauler shall
prepare a summary report of the survey, to be
contained as part of the application.
e. Prepare and Submit Rate
Adiustment Application and
Supporting Documents
The completed Base Year Rate
Adjustment Applicatioz is submitted by the
franchise hauler to the City. The application
should include the following items:
tr Management Representation ktter
The management representation letter
transmits the application to the Cify, and
Ctty of San luts Oblspo Page ll-7
.$gqtion !!. Ba'!e Setting Process
should provide a listing of included
documents. The letter should identify
the requested adjustment in rates and
include a discussion of specific issues
which impact new rates (e.g., significant
increases in tipping fees). The letter
should state that:
r Management reviewed and accepts
responsibility for the rate application
. The application is b4sed upon
management's judgment of the
most likely set of conditions
and course of action
. All significant relevant information
are made available
o Assumptions are reasonable
and are accurate.
tr Base Year Rate Adiustment
Application
The franchise hauler should provide a
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
including completed application forms
and supporting documentation.
Supporting documentation includes the
current rate schedules for residential and
non-residential customers.
tr Supplemental Audited Financial
Information
For applications received after 1994, the
most current audited financial statements
for the franchise hauler should be
included, as well as other documentation
which support operating and financial
data provided in the application. Because
audited financial statements serve as base
documents for the application, statements
of revenues and expenses and other
reports contained in the application shall
be reconciled to the audited financial
statements to provide assurance that
all activities are accounted for.
tr Chart of Accounts
Although not required, it is requested
that the franchise hauler submit a
"standardized" chart of accounts for
information purposes only. This chart
of accounts structures a framework for
cost accounting, provides a basis for
determining reasonableness, and
enhances year-to-year comparability.
The chart of accounts allows for
separate accounting of franchised and
non-franchised activities, and of direct
and indirect costs associated with the
franchise hauler's operations.
Appendix B to this manual contains a
sample chart of accounts, including:
account title, account type (asset,
liability, revenue, expense), type of
cost (direct or indirect), and suggested
allocation basis for indirect costs (e.g.,
tons collected, number of accounts).
The franchise hauler may find other
miscellaneous accounts may be
required. To maintain comparability,
the franchise hauler shciuld indicate
any major changes to the chart of
accounts.
The hauler submits a completed Base
Year Rate Adjustment Application to the
City. The Ciry then is allowed fifteen (15)
days to review the application for
completeness. The penalty to the
franchise hauler for an incomplete
application would be a loss of any
additional revenue which would have
been generated through a timely and
approved rate adjustment application.
Similarly, for missing any other deadlines
specified in the rate setting process (i.e.,
responding to City requests for additional
information or reviewing the City's draft
agenda report) the franchise hauler would
lose revenue due to later implementation
of rates. If the City fails to meet
established time frames for its
responsibilities (i.e., steps 2, 3,5,7, and
8), at no fault of the franchise hauler, the
City will include the value of revenue lost
due to the delay, as part of the pending
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application or
pending Interim Year Rate Adjustment
Application.
Page ll-8 City of San Luis OblEo
Section ll. Rate Setting Process
City
Completed within fifteen (15) days
after the hauler submits rhe Base Year
Rate Adjustment Applic ation
^. Veri$r Financial Data and Format
b. VeriSr Supporting Documents and
Schedules
c. Notify Franchise Hauler
Tasks:
Responsibility:
Timing:
Bctse Year
St ep 2
Description of Tasks
Overview
During this step, the City ensures that
the application has been fully completed
by the franchise hauler and that the data
provided are consistent. During the 15-
day period, the City will obtain from the
franchise hauler any information
necessary to complete the application.
a. Verify Financial Dataand.
Format
City staff reviews the application ro
determine if it is complete and ready for
analysis. Detailed analysis of the
application's contents occurs during step 3.
The Ciry reviewer should determine the
following:
tr Has the applicant included all
required forms?
tr Are all forms complete?
tr Are all financial calculations
mathematically correct?
tr Has the applicant completed the
survey of other cities and
provided a survey summary?
b. Verify Supporting Documents
and Schedules
Various documents may be included in
the application to support the rate adjustment
The purpose of these supporting documents
should be clearly identified by the franchise
hauler.
c. Notify Franchise Hauler
If the application is complete the Ciry
will notify the franchise hauler that it will
begin the process of evaluating and
analyzing the proposed rate adjustment. If
incomplete the City will attempt to obtain
from the franchise hauler additional required
information within the 15-day verification
period.
A revision of rates shall not be
authorized until the 1st day of the first
calendar month following a 105 day period
from the date that an application is verified
to be complete. As an example, if the
franchise hauler's application is deemed
complete on June 25th due to the fault of
the hauler (a 10 day delay), rates would be
effective November l-st instead of on
October 1st. The franchise hauler would
lose the incremental revenues that would
have been received from applying the new
rates during October.
Ctty of San Luis Oblspo Page ll-9
Section ll. Rate Settinq Process
City
Completed within fifteen (15) days after
determining that the application package is
complete
a. Review Actual and Projected
Revenue Requirements
b. Review Actual and Projected Revenues
c. Review and Verify Operating Ratio
d. Determine Components of
Requested Adjustment in Rates
e. Review Performance Data
f Verify Survey of Rates in Similar
Service Areas
g. Request Additional Data and
Clarification, If Necessary
h. Document Staff Review and Prepare
lVritten Response
Tasks:
Responsibility:
Tining:
Base Year
St ep 3
Description of Tasks
Overwiew
During this step, Ciry staff evaluates the
entire rate adjustment application. This
review includes examining significant
changes in costs or operating performance
and evaluating explanations of these
changes provided by the franchise hauler.
a. Review Actual and Proiected
Revenue Requirements
In this task, costs and operating profit of
the application are reviewed and analyzed
for reasonableness. Reconciliations of costs
to audited financial statements shall be
checked for consistenry. Explanations are
sought for items significantly different than
would otherwise normally be expected.
Absolute and percentage changes in costs
for the five years identified on the application
should be calculated and reviewed.
Projections prepared from previous years in
prior Base Year Rate Adjustment Applications
are compared with actual results. Costs are
correlated with operating collection efficiency
statistics provided by the hauler.
Any unusual trends or variances should
be explained by the franchise hauler. An
unusual increase would be a change in cost
which is greater than the change in the U.S.
Consumer Price Index, published by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics in their Montbly
Labor Reuieta, and which can not be
attributed to changes in the number of
customers serviced or tons of waste or
recyclable materials collected. If these
unusual changes are not adequately
explained in the application, the City should
request additional clarification from the
franchise hauler.
b. Review Acnral and Projected
Revenues
Actual and projected revenues should
be reviewed in this task. Current residential
and non-residential rates provided in the
Page ll-10 Clty of San Luts Obtspo
Section ll. Rate Settinq Process
application are verified. Any changes in
the number of customers serviced should
be identified and explained by the franchise
hauler.
The application requires the franchise
hauler to report five years of non-residential
and residential revenues: (1) calendar year
two years ago (2) most recent calendar year,
(3) current year, (4) projected "base" year,
and (5) projected year after the "base" year.
For applications received after 1994, the City
should reconcile the first two years revenues
with audited financial statements. Revenues
for the current year are compared with
unaudited financial statements and
documentation supplied by the hauler.
Projected revenues for the fourth, or "base"
year, and fifth year are evaluated by the City
for reasonableness. All assumptions made
by the hauler in preparing these projections
are reviewed.
Residential and non-residential revenues
reported by the hauler should nol include
any rate increases in the base year (year 4)
or year after (year 5). Rate schedules
submitted by the franchise hauler should be
consulted to determine average rale
increases. Account information included in
the application is reviewed to determine
changes in the number of accounts served.
Allowances for residential and non-
residential uncollectible accounts also are
reviewed. These figures should be deducted
from total residential and non-residential
revenue projections. These allowances may
be based on a fixed percentage of total
revenues or on actual experience.
Assumptions related to allowances for
residential and non-residential accounts
should be provided by the franchise hauler.
Revenues from the franchise hauler's
processing faciliry are provided in the
application. Revenues are equal to total
scrap sales, plus CRV and beverage container
processing fees received plus fees received
from other cities. Amounts identified in the
first and second years of the five years
provided should reconcile with the two most
recent financial audits. Amounts identified in
the current (thirO year, the base (fourth)
year, and final year (year 5) should be
documented by the franchise hauler. The
Ciry will review these projections to ensure
they are consistent with trends in recycling
collection costs, scrap values, processing
costs, as well as estimated diversion rates
and tonnage.
Revenue from interest on investments,
and other income, is also reviewed by the
City. The City will verify that interest on
investments, and other income, is received
from investments and income related to the
franchise hauler's operation.
c. Review and Veriff Operating
Ratio
The operating ratio must be between
90 percent and94 percent, and is set at
)2 percent in the initial base year. City staff
verifies that the operating ratio used in the
application is within this range. The
allowable operating profit also is
recalculated utilizing the operating ratio
stated in the application. If the operating
ratio does not fall within the range stated
above, or if there are any errors in
calculating allowable operating profit, these
deficiencies are noted.
d. Determine Components of
Requested Adiustment in Rates
The City evaluates all costs, revenues,
and operating profits provided in the
application to determine the components of
the requested adjustment in rates. This
would include determining the proportion
of the requested adjustment in rates which
is due to changes in each of the following:
tr Costs
tr Non-residential revenues
tl Residentialrevenues
Ctty of San Luls Obtspo Page ll-11
Sectlon ll. Rate Setting Process
O Revenues from the processing facility
O Interest on investments
tr Operating profit (or loss).
e. Review PerformanceData
City staff reviews and analyzes
performance data which are included in the
application (number of accounts, routes,
tons collected, direct labor hours).
Operating statistics are reviewed to explain
past historical trends and justiSr future
expenses. Both actual and percentage
increases are examined and any unusual
changes in performance are investigated to
determine their cause and effect on future
cost performance. An unusual change in
operating statistics is any increase
or decrease of more than the Consumer
Price Index (CPI) published by the Bureau
of Labor Statistics in their Montbly labor
Reuiew. As noted above, changes in
accounts served, number of routes, tons
collected, or direct labor hours generally
should correspond to changes in cost and
revenue.
f. Veriff Surwey of Rates in
Sirnilar Service Areas
Ciry staff shall review the survey of rates in
similar service areas to determine if the
surveys were completed according to the
survey format. This includes careful
evaluation of why rates might be different.
For example, tipping fees may be
significantly different, or non-residential
accounts may provide a large subsidy to
residential accounts.
Survey results should be benchmarked
against rates proposed by the franchise
hauler to determine if proposed rates are
reasonable. Survey results which are
significantly different from information
included in the franchise hauler's rate
adiustment application should be noted.
g. RequestAdditional Data and
Clarifi cation, If Necessary
Throughout the analysis of the
application, City staff may request
clarification and/or additional data from the
franchise hauler to explain any unusual
changes in costs or operating performance.
This information is requested in a letter from
the Ciry to the franchise hauler.
h. Document Staff Review and
Prepare Written Response
During this task, City staff documents the
review process. A memorandum is prepared
which lists the activities completed during
the review process and highlights any of the
key findings of the review.
Page ll-12 Cilt of San Luls Obispo
Section ll. Rate Settinq Process
Franchise Hauler
Completed during the second week of
step 3.
a. Provide Additional Information,
If Requested
b. Prepare and Submit Response
Tasks
Responsibility:
Tining:
Bctse Year
St ep 4
Description of Tasks
Overview
During this step the franchise hauler
responds to requests for additional
information from the City.
a. Provide Additional Information,
If Requested
During the prior step 3, Ciry staff
reviewed the application and may have
identified missing information, or changes in
the financial or operating data between the
five fiscal years which require clarification
or further explanation. The franchise hauler
should respond to the City's request for
additional information. Responses will very
depending on the specific requirements of
the City.
b. Prepare and Submit Response
The franchise hauler prepares written
responses to the City's request for additional
information. These responses are forwarded
to the City during this step.
Ctty of San Luls Obispo Page ll-13
Section ll. Rate Settino Process
Ciry
Completed fifteen (15) days after the review of
rate adjustment application and preparation of
responses (step 3) is complete
Tasks
Responsibility:
Timing:
a. Prepare Draft Council Agenda
Report
Base Year
St ep 5
Description of Tasks
Ovenriew
A draft Council Agenda Report with
recommendations is prepared by City staff and
submitted to the franchise hauler for review.
The report will be reviewed by the franchise
hauler in step 6. Residents of the City will be
able to comment on the rate adiustment
process through a public hearing (step 8).
a. Prepare Draft Council Agenda Report
In this step, City staff prepares a draft
Council Agenda Report including
recommendations for a rate adjustment. The
draft report includes the following sections:
tr Chief Administrative Officer
Recommendation
tr Discussion of Rate Application
and Review
O Effect of Rate Adjustment on
Customers
E Potential Future Rate Adjustments
tr Concurrences
tr Attachments.
Each of these report topics is discussed
below:
tr Chief Administrative Officer
Recommendation
This is one or two paragraphs
recommending the new integrated
solid waste management rates. This
may include a chart showing current
and proposed rates, and the
recommended rate adjustment.
tr Discussion of Rate Application
and Review
This section of the report provides a
brief overview of the rate adjustment
process and discussion of significant
historical issues. This includes a review
of analysis work completed by City
staff. This section may include the
following sub-sections:
Reuieu of Rate Adjustrnents, including a
discussion of rate adjustments during
each year since the last base year, and an
analysis of the significant components of
the adjustment in rates (e.g., increased
tipping fees, changes in operating profit).
Analysis of Projected Cosfs, including a
discussion of any unusual increases in
costs which were discovered during
the review process.
Discussion of Seruice Issues, including
changes in frequenry or type of
service. If significant service issues are
not involved with a rate adjustment,
this section would be omitted.
tr Effect of Rate Adiustment
on Customers
City staff would prepare an analysis of
how the monthly bills for customer
Page ll-14 Clty of San Luts Obtspo
Section ll. Rate Process
classifications will change. This would
also include a comparison of existing
and recommended new rates.
tr Potential Future Rate
Adiustments
A discussion would be presented on
possible future rate adjustments, given
City staff analysis of the recommended
rate adjustment and potential additional
costs which may need to be recovered
through the rate payers. This may
include a comparison of what furure
rate increases may need to be if an
alternative rate adjustment is adopted
by City Council.
tr Concurrences
This is a paragraph stating concurrences
by the Finance and Utilities
Departments for the recommended rate
adjustment.
tr Attachnents
Attachments to the report could
include:
. Clty Council Resolution which
formally adopts new rates
. Revised rate schedule
. Historical rate adjustments
o Estimated tipping fees
. Estimated costs and revenues
. Alternative rate adjustments
. Other relevant supporting materials
provided by the franchise hauler or
prepared by City staff
. Comparison of residential and non-
residential rates with other cities.
After the draft report is complete, copies are
provided to the franchise hauler.
City of San Luts OWspo Page ll-15
Section ll. Rate Setting Process
Franchise Hauler
Completed within seven (7) days after the
City's completion of the draft council agenda
report (step 5)
^. Review Draft Council Agenda
Report with City Staff
b. Resolve Any Remaining Issues
c. Prepare Response to Draft
Council Agenda Report
Tasks
Responsibility:
Timing:
Base Year
St ep 6
Description of Tasks
Overview
The franchise hauler reviews the City's
draft of the Council Agenda Report. The
franchise hauler also may provide additional
information related to any issues identified
by the Ciry.
a. Review Draft Council
Agenda Reportwith City Staff
Each section of the draft report should
be reviewed by the hauler to ensure the
following:
tr Correct data are included
O City staff analysis is accurare and fair
tr Rate adjustments are acceptable.
b. Resolve Any Remaining Issues
If any issues are identified during this
step, the franchise hauler works with Ciry
staff to fully explore and resolve these
outstanding issues.
c. Prepare Response to
Draft Council Agenda Report
A written response to the draft report is
prepared, if the hauler deems it necessary.
The response may cover one or more of the
following topics:
E If data discrepancies exist in any of
the areas noted in the prior task, the
City should be notified of these
discrepancies
tr If the analysis conducted by City
staff can be clarified or considered
differently, this information should
be provided to the City staff
tr If the report is acceptable and no
clarification or corrunents can be
offered, this should be relayed to
City staff.
Page ll-16 Ctty of San Luls Obipo
I
Section ll. Rate SettlnE Process
Cify
Completed eight (8) days after receiving
hauler's comments on the draft agenda report
(step 5)
a. Incorporate Franchise Hauler's
Changes in Final Report
b. Prepare Final Council Agenda
Report
Tasks
Responslbility:
Timing:
Base Year
St ep 7
Description of Tasks
Ovenriew
The Ciry prepares the Final Council
Agenda Report, incorporating relevant
comments from the franchise hauler during
this step.
a. Incorporate Franchise Hauler's
Changes in Final Report
Any comments or issues raised during
the franchise hauler's review of the draft
report are addressed during this task. If
necessary, meetings are conducted with
representatives from the City and the
franchise hauler. Final solutions to
outstanding issues are included in the
Council Agenda Report.
b. Prepare Final Report and
Recornmendations
After final comments from the franchise
hauler have been considered, the Final
Council Agenda Report package is prepared.
This includes the Council resolution to be
signed by appropriate City officials to adopt
new rates. A copy of the final report is
submitted to the franchise hauler.
City of San Luls Oblspo Page ll-17
Section ll. Rate Settlng Process
City
Completed thi.ty (lO) days after Final Report
and Recommendations are complete
^. Distribute Report and Resolution
to Council Members
b. Post Notice of Public Hearing
c. Conduct Public Hearing
d. Obtain Council Approval
Tasks:
Responsibility:
Timing:
Bqse Year
St ep I
Description of Tasks
Ovenriew
During this step, the final
recommendations are presented to the
Cify Council for review, comment, and
approval.
a. Distribute Report and
Resolution to Council Members
The Council Agenda Report is provided
to members of the City Council. The report
is included as an agenda item for Council
consideration at a regular Council meeting.
b. Post Notice of Public Hearing
City staff will prepare for a public hearing
on the proposed rate adjustment at the formal
Council meeting.
c. Conduct Public Hearing
Comments from City residents are made
during the Council meeting considering the
rate adjustment. Copies of the Council
Agenda Report should be made available at
the meeting.
d. Obtain Council Approval
Council members consider the public
comments, and review the agenda report
and proposed rate adjustments. If Council
agrees with the recommendations of the
City staff, the report and rates are approved
and a resolution is adopted to implement
these rates. If Council does not agree with
the recommendations, the report is returned
to City. staff for additional analysis.
Page ll-18 Clty of San Luts Obtspo
')
Section ll. Rate Setting Process
Franchise Hauler
Completed thirry (30) days after Council
approves application and resolution
a. Prepare Notification of Rate Adjustment
b. Implement Rate Adjustment
Tasks
Responslbillty:
Timing:
Base Yectt"
St ep 9
Description of Tasks
Ovenriew
During this final step, the franchise
hauler implements new rates. Rates are
implemented on October 1. of each year,
unless no rate adiustment is requested or
the rate application is delayed.
a. Prepare Notification of
Rate Adjustment
After a formal resolution is adopted by
the Council approving the new rates, the
hauler notifies all customers of the rate
adjustment. This notification may be
included with a regular billing or mailed
separately.
b. Implement Rate Adiustment
During this final task, new rates are
entered into the franchise hauler's billing
system and included in the billing cycle. If
the franchise hauler prepares billings once
every two or three months, and a rate
adjustment occurs during the middle of a
billing rycle, unbilled amounts in current
billing cycle due to the rate adiustment are
calculated and included in the next billing
cycle.
Ctty of San Luis OHspo Page ll-19
Section ll. Rate Settlng Plocess
B. TtmlngofBaseYear
Rate Settlng Process
A base year rate adjustment is
implemented on October L if no delays in
the process occur. The Base Year Rate
Adjustment Appkcation must be submitted
to the City byJune L in order to meet the
October 1 implementation' date.
Exhlbtt II-3 on the nort page shows
the timeline for completion of the rate
adjustment process. Key pilestones are
noted in the exhibit by circled letters.
Page ll-20 &A of Sqn luls Obtgo
EXHIBIT II.3
Timinp of Base Year Rate Adirctment Process
Process
Activity
Month -2 | uonth -t Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4
Francblse Hauler
Preparatlon
15tuy
Redeu
Formal
Clty Reuleu)Ifirplenent
1. Preparation and Submission
of Rate Adiustrnent Application
2. Verification of the Completeness
of Rate Adiustment Application
3. Review of Rate Adiustment
Application and Preparation of
Responses
4. Response to Additional
Information Requests from City
!. Pr€paration of Draft Council
Agenda Report
6. Review of Draft Council
Agenda Report
7. Preparation of Final Council
Agenda Report
8. Presentation ofAgenda Report
to Cily Council
9. Implementation
of the New Rates
o
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A. Rate Adjustment Application
B. Acceptance/Return Letter
C. Draft Council Agenda Report
D. Final Council Agenda Report
E. Public Hearing
F. Resolution Adopting New Rates
G. New Rates Effective
Page lh21
C fnterimYea.r Ra.te Settlng
Process
Interim year tate adjustment requests
are accepted in the two years between base
years. The interim year process requires
less information and preparation time, while
still allowing fair and reasonable rate
adjustments.
During the two interim years, rates can
be adjusted annually through application of
a composite index. The index consists of:
tr Historical changes in the U.S.
National Consumer Price Index
(CPI) published by the Bureau of
Labor Statistics in their Montbly
Labor Reuieu
tr Projected changes in tipping fees
D Projected changes in AB 939 and
regulatory fees
tr Adjustment for the franchise fees
which change if revenues change.
In each interim year, the franchise hauler
is responsible for determining the actual
annual change in the CPI for the most recent
12-month period. The franchise hauler also
will be responsible for estimating and
documenting projected changes in tipping
Process
fees, and AB 939 and regulatory fees in the
interim year for which a rate adjustment is
requested.
Even if the interim-year adjustment would
justify an increase in rates, the franchise hauler
is not required to apply for the increase. This
will help stabilize rate adjustments even when
small increases might be warranted.
Special mid-year rate adjustments are
allowed outside of the annual schedules of the
base year and interim year adjustments. These
adjustments are for extraordinary and
consequential cost increases which would
require across-the-board rate increases of
greater than five percent (5%o). Both the City
and franchise hauler may initiate the special
mid-year rate adjustment process by contacting
the City Administrative Officer (CAO). For
special mid-year rate adjustments, the franchise
hauler will provide necessary information and
documentation so the CAO can make a
judgrnent as to the reasonableness of such a
rate adjustment. With CAO approval, a mid-
year rate adjustment can be rnade by the
franchise hauler.
Exhibit II-4, following this page,
provides an overview of the interim year rate
adjustment process. Following this exhibit is
a description of each step in the process.
Rate
Page ll-22 Ctty of San Luts Oblspo
,.}
EXHIBIT tr.4
I
i
Interim Year Rate Adiustment Process
1. Preparation and Ssfornission of Rate AdiustmentApplication
a. Prepare an Interim Year Rate Adjustment Application
b. Submit Application to City Staff
2. Preparation of Draft C,ouncil Agenda Report
^. Request Additional Data, and Clarification, If Necessary
b. Prepare Draft Council Agenda Report
3. Review and Response to Draft Council Agenda Report
a. Review Draft Council Agenda Report with City Staff
b. Prepare and Submit Response
4. Preparation of Final CouncilAgenda Report
a. Incorporate the Franchise Hauler's Comments in Final Report
b. Prepare Final Council Agenda Report
5. Presentation of Agenda Report to City C.ouncil
a. Distribute Report to Council Members
b. Post Notice of Public Hearing
c. Conduct Public Hearing
d. Obtain Council Approval
6. Implementation of New Rates
a. Notify Customers
b. Implement Rate Adjustment
Franchise Hauler
City
Franchise Hauler
Cify
City
Franchise Hauler
l
J
Page ll-23
iectlon ll. Rate SettinE Process
Franchise Hauler
Completed L20 days prior to the date new
rates become effective
a. Prepare an Interim Year Rate
Adjustment Application
b. Submit Application and \forksheet
to City Staff
Tasks:
Responsibillty:
Timing:
Interinr Yeqr
St ep I
Description of Tasks
Overview
During this first step, the franchise hauler
prepares the Interim Year Rate Adjustment
Application.
a. Prepare an Interim Year Rate
Adjustment Application
The Interim Year Rate Adjustment
Application requires information from the
most recent Base Year Rate Adjustment
Application The application is used to
calculate proposed new rates. Detailed
instructions on how to complete this
application are provided in Section IV of this
manual.
The application requires the franchise
hauler determine the annual change in the
U.S. National Consumer Price Index, as
published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in
their Montbly Labor Reuiew. The actual
annual change in this index during the tvrelve
months prior to the date the Interim Year
Rate Adjustment Apptication is used to adjust
controllable costs allowed in the prior base
year rate adjustment.
In the application, the franchise hauler is
also responsible for projecting changes in
two pass through costs:
tr Tipping fees
tr AB 939 and regulatory fees.
These projections are made for the interim
year for which new rates are being requested.
b. Submit Application to City Staff
The application is signed by an
appropriate representative of the franchise
hauler and sent to the City for review.
Page ll-24 Clty of San Luis Obipo
Section ll. Rate Settino Process
Crty
Completed fifteen (15) days after the Interim
Year Rate Adjustment Application is submitted
^. Request Additional Data, and
Clarification, If Necessary
b. Prepare Draft Council Agenda
Report
Tasks
Responslbility:
Timing:
Interim Year
St ep 2
Description of Tasks
Overview
A draft Council Agenda Report with
recommendations is prepared by City staff
and submitted to the franchise hauler for
review. The report will be reviewed by the
franchise hauler in step 3. Residents of the
City will be able to comment on the rate
adjustment process through a public hearing
(step 5).
a. Request Additional Data, and
Clarifi cation, If Necessary
If necessary, City staff requests
clarification and/or additional data from the
franchise hauler. The request is ro clarify the
hauler's assumptions for projected changes
in tipping fees or regulatory costs, and to
indicate the expected adjustment in rates.
b. Prepare Draft Council Agenda
Report
Ciry staff prepares a draft Council
Agenda Report with recommendations of
new rates for City Council consideration.
This report should be brief and include the
following sections:
tr Chief Administrative Officer
Recommendation
This is one paragraph which recommends
the required rate adiustment.
tr Discussion of Application
and Review
This is a summary of the review
process and includes the
information for the proposed rates,
and the recommended rate
adjustment. The report might
include a discussion of any
significant increases in pass through
costs and an identification of the
change in CPL This section also
may include a discussion of any
significant historical issues.
tr Effects of Rate Adiustment on
Customers
This section includes an analysis of
the impact on monthly bills due to
the rate adjustment.
tr Attachments
Attachments to the report would
include:
. City Council Resolution which
formally adopts new rates
. Revised rate schedule
. Rate adjustment worksheet.
After the draft agenda report has been
prepared, the document should be submitted
to the franchise hauler for comment and
review.
City of San Luls Obtspo Page ll-25
Section ll. Rate SettinE Process
Franchise Hauler
Completed twenty (20) days after
preparation of rate adjustment indices
a. Review Draft Council Agenda
Report with City Staff
b. Prepare and Submit Response
Tasks:
Responsibility:
Timing:
Interint Yeor
St ep 3
Description of Tasks
Ovenriew
The franchise hauler reviews the draft
report to ensure that any analysis completed
by City staff are fair, reasonable, and
justified.
a. Review Draft CouncilAgenda Report
with City Staff
The franchise hauler reviews the draft
report to ensure the following:
tr Correct data are included
tr Ciry staff analysis is accurate and fair.
b. Prepare and Submit
Response
A written response to the draft report is
prepared. The response may cover one or
more of the following topics:
tr Data discrepancies in any of
the areas noted in the prior
task
tr Clarification for the City or
alternative analysis of the
application
tr Responses to the City's request
for additional information.
Page ll-26 Ctty of San luts Oblspo
I Section ll. Rate Process
City
Completed twenty-five (25) days after review
and response to City analysis and calculations
a. Incorporate the Franchise Hauler's
Comments in Final Report
b. Prepare Final Council Agenda Report
Tasks:
Responsibility:
Timing:
Ittterim Year
St ep 4
Description of Tasks
Ovenriew
The City prepares the final Council
Agenda Report incorporating comments from
the franchise hauler, as appropriate.
a. Incorporate the Franchise Hauler's
Comments in Final Report
Any comments or issues raised during
the franchise hauler's review of the draft
report are addressed during this task. If
necessary, meetings should be conducted
with representatives from the City and the
franchise hauler. Final solutions to
outstanding issues should be included in the
report.
b. Prepare Final Council Agenda Report
After final comments from the franchise
hauler have been considered, the final
Council Agenda Report is prepared. A copy
of the final report should be submitted to the
franchise hauler.
l
City of San Luts Obtspo Pagell-27
Section ll. Bate SettlnlProcess
City
Completed thkty (30) days after preparation
of final agenda report
a. Distribute Report to Council
Members
b. Post Notice of Public Hearing
c. Conduct Public Hearing
d. Obtain Council Approval
Tasks:
Responsibility:
Timing:
Buse Yeqr
St ep 5
Description of Tasks
Overwiew
The final Council Agenda Report is
submitted to City Council for review,
comment, and approval, during this step.
a. Distribute Report to Council Members
The Council Agenda Report is provided
to members of the City Council. The report
is included as an agenda item for Council
consideration at a regular Council meeting.
b. Post Notice of Public Hearing
City staff will prepare for a public hearing
on the proposed rate adjustment at the formal
Council meeting.
c. Conduct Public Hearing
Comments from City residents are made
during the Council meeting considering the
rate adjustment. Copies of the Council
Agenda Report should be made available at
the meeting.
d. Obtain CouncilApproval
Council members will review the report
and proposed rate adiustments. If Council
agrees with the recommendations of City
staff, the resolution attached to the report
should be approved. If Council does not
agree with the recommendations, the report
is returned to City staff for additional
analysis.
Page ll-28 Ctty of San Luis ObiEo
Section ll. Rate Settino Process
I
I
l
I
Franchise Hauler
Completed thirty (30) days after the Council
approves the application and resolution
Tasks:
Responsibllity:
Timing:
a. Notify Customers
b. Implement Rate Adjustment
Irrterint Year
St ep 6
Description of Tasks
Ovenriew
After new rates have been approved by
Ciry Council, the final step in the process is
to implement the new rates.
a. Notify Customers
After a formal resolution is adopted by
Council, a notification of a rate adjustment
should be made to all customers. This
notification may be included with a regular
billing or mailed separately.
b. rrnplement Rate Adiustrrent
During this final task, the franchise
hauler enters new rates into their billing
system and includes the new rates on the
next appropriate customer invoice. If the
billing cycle is rwo months or more, and if
^ rate adjustment occurs during the middle
of the billing cycle, unbilled amounts are
calculated and included in the next billing
cycle.
City of San Luis OHspo Page ll-29
Section il.Rate Settino Process
D. Ttmtng of Interlm Year
Rate Seltlng Process
The application from the hauler for a
interim ye r rate adjustment should be
submitted to the City on June 1st, four
months prior to the implementation of the
rates. Interim year rate adjustments are
implemented October 1..
Exhibit II-5, on the following page,
shows the timeline for completion of the
interim year rate adjustment process. Key
milestones are noted in the exhibit by circled
letters.
Page ll-30 Ctty of San Luis Obtspo
l I
-\
EXIIIBIT II-5
Timinp of Interim Year Rate Adiustment Process
I
j
_l
Process
Activity
Month -1 Month I Month 2 Month 3 Month 4
Frurrcbbe Haulet
PreMrutton Formal Ctty Retiew Implenplrt
1.. Preparation and Submission
of Rate Adiustment
Application
2. Preparation of Draft Council
Agenda Report
3. Review and Response to
Draft Council Agenda Report
4. Preparation of Final Report
and Recommendations
5. Presenhtion of Final Report and
Recommendations to City Council
6. Implementation
of the New Rates
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Mllcstones
A. Application Submitted to City
B. Final Report and Recommendation
C. Public Hearing
D. Resolution Adopting New Rates
E. New Rates Effective
Page ll-31
n a
Section III
Base Year Rate Setting
Methodology
)
l
L III. Base Year Rate Setti ng Methodologj,,
This section provides detailed
instructions on how to complete the Base
Year Rate Ad.justment Application. The
application will be prepared by the franchise
hauler and reviewed by the City once every
three years.
The application includes detailed
financial and operating information and is
used to determine base year costs and
revenues of the franchise hauler. As part of
the application, the franchise hauler also
conducts and summarizes results of a survey
of collection rates in similar cities.
Exhibit [I-1, following this page,
provides an overview of the steps and
related tasks which musr be completed to
prepare the application form. Exhibit m-2,
following Exhibit III-1, is a sample
application form as it might be completed by
the franchise hauler. Following this exhibit
are detailed descriptions of each step and
related tasks. Please note that data included
in tbese exbibits are prouidedfor illustratiue
purposes only and are not intended to reflect
actual operating orfinancial conditions of
tbe francbise bauler.
Information for five years is required
from the hauler. The information is intended
to show the relationship between the most
recently completed years (years 1 and 2), the
curent year (year 3), and projections for
the new base year (year 4) and year after
(year 5). On the application, these five years
are organized as five columns:
tr Historical (columns I and 2) -
includes audited financial information
for the franchise hauler's prior two
years.
tr Current (column 3)-
includes estimated financial
information for the full year in
which the application is submitted.
Data in this year includes year-to-
date performance plus estimated
performance during the remaining
months of the current year.
tl Projected (columns 4 and 5) -
provides estimated operations
during the base year (for which
new rates will be established), and
proiected performance during the
year after the base year.
The relationship between these five
columns for any given line item should be
consistent. Any substantial difference
berween each of the five years should be
explained by the franchise hauler and
considered by the City during the review
process.
ij
City of San Luis Obtspo Page lll-1
EI(IIIBIT ltr.1
Preparation of tbe Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
1 Entry of Operating Costs
a. Enter Prior Two Years Audited Information
b. Enter Current Year Estimated Information
c. Enter Base Year Projected Information
d. Enter Future Year Projected Information
e. Enter Operating Information
Determination of Revenues Without Increase
a. Determine Residential Revenue
b. Determine Non-Residential Revenue
c. Determine Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
d. Determine Revenues from Processing Faciliry
e. Calculate Total Revenue Offsets
Calculation of Allowable Operating Profit and Revenue Requirement
a. Calculate Allowable Operating Profit
b. Determine Franchise Fee
c. Calculate Revenue Requirement
Calculation of Percent Change In Rates
^. Calculate Net Shortfall/Surplus
b. Calculate Percent Change In Rates
Preparation of Sumrnary Form
a. Calculate New Rates
b. Sign and Submit the Application
Suruey of Rates in SimilarAreas
a. Complete Solid lVaste Fee Survey
b. Summary of Survey
3.
.>
4.
5.
6.
Page lll-2
E>(HIBIT IfI-z
Page 1 of6
Sample Base Year Rate Adi ustment APDlic ation
City ol San tuis Obispo
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
Summary
Baquaated lncratlt
r. Rate lncrease Requested
eatA q^ha.l'
'la
:Etloschadut : :, ,.:
:
lncreased
Clrrrant Rrte
New
RateP.te A.li'
Slngle Family Fesidentlat
2. Economy Service (collection)
Economy Seruice (orange bags)
3. Standard Seruice
4. Premium Seruice
5. Multiunil Residentiel and Non+esldantial
$ 2.OO s 2.20 $0.00 $ 2.20
s 1.OO sr to $0.00 $ 1.10
13.40 1/!7,4 o.o1 14-75
't8.25 20 0a 0.02 20.t0
(a) Calculated rates are rcund€d up to ths nearesl $0.05,
Rate increases of 10.oo/"will be applied
to all rates in each structure with each rate rounded up to
the nearest $'l .00-
STEP
Cenficrtim
To the best of my knowledge, the data and information in this application is complete, accurate, and consistent with
the instructions provided by the City of San Luis Obispo.
Name:
Signature:
John Brown
lofnBroutn
Title:
Date:
Controllet
May 1, 19xx
Pa.lof6Fiscal Year:
Page lll-3
EXHIBIT III-2
Page2 of 6
SamDle Base Year Rate Adiustment ADDlication
City ol San Luis Obispo
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
Financial lnformation Hisloridl Cumnt Poiected
't9s2 tooq 1qq
Beae V6r
tm5 1 oqfi
(kom Pg.4)
S€ctlon FAuounblr Cost
6. Direct Labor
Z Corporate Overhead8. Oftice Salaries
o
t0. Tolsl Allowable CoslgI SocdonlFAlb*ablco!€tadngPtotll, .:
tt. Operating Ratio
t2. Allowable Opsrallng Prolll
qA 30l^cE 40/^96 40/-92.O%ll s3.30/"
cl r4 nm Qt 6n mn s12n om *anr t3n ll s25{)0(x)
t3. Tipping Fees
t4. Franchise Fees
t5. AB 939 and Regulatory Fees
16.
17. folal Pass Through Costs
S*don lv-Rsru Roqulmart
t8. RevsnueRoquirement
t9. Tolel Royanue Ofts€ts (from Pg.3)
6ocdo{r V-t{at Shorttdl (SlEplu!)
zo. Net Shortfall (Surplus)I ssss.ezo ll
8€c{on V}.Petcon! Chrngo h n !E!
21. Tolal Residential and Non-residential Revenue without increase
in Base Year (from Pg. 3, lines 32 + 40)
22. Percenl Change in Residential and Non-residential Revenue Requirement
24. Perceni Change ln Exlstlng Reteg
Fiscal Year:
CilN fTtO *Aqn nnns750 000 s770.ooo s8m.om
17{) noo I AO OfXl 'tco ooo 20{).{xx)210.OOO
tnn frxl 1 nn nonoo50_000
2q n{)0 25 ono 25 (y)O 25 (xX)25.rno
co76 mn *1 nAq mn 3t { A< lton $t 1A5 rnn$945.000
*4 1?5 760
I ict^
c4,oq(
1O-Oo/"
Page 2 ol 6
4
Page lll-4
DGIIBIT trI-2
Page 3 of6
Sample Base Year Rate Adiustment Application
Ciiy ol San Luis Obispo
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
Revenue Offset Summary
Resldentlal Eevanue (wlthout lncrcase in Base W.)
Currsnt
Hist6dnrl
1 00,1qql lqqa
Bege Ysr
I qq5 lAaA
4go sil)5lo 52(}53s
s6!n flln gAsn nrr)smo mn 3A7n fifn sTmnm
PrcJ€cled Pri6 p€r No. ot
Account Typ€
25 Economy Serulce
26 Standard Service
2Z Premium Seruice
28. Single Family Residential
Multiunit Residential Dumpster
29, Number ot Accounts
30. Revenues
3t. Less Allowance ,or Uncolleclible Residential Accounts
32. folal Residentlal Revenue
Packaos Packao€srffil @12
12
12
2
STEP Non-r.sidential Revenuc (wlthout lncredse ln Basa Yt.)
Ac@unt Typs
Non-residential Can
Number ol Accounts
Revenues
4qo sfn sto sil 530
qt2n 0t).}st2cm st?n mn ttni nfvl qtrs nm
zAa 2s0 255 260 245
st60 fno sl70 orx)stao 0()0 3tg) ofi)$200 rxlo
t im 1 1r4 1 tqo t t?t 1tm
(1 Aqn nm ct a7n mn $ t .885 000 3t otn mn sl oso mo
34.
Non{esidential Waste Wheeler
35. Numberol Accounts
36. Revenues
Non-residential Oumpster
37. Number ol Accounts
38. Revenues
39. Less: Allowance lor Uncollectible
Non-residential Accounts:
40. folal Non-residential Revenus
41.
42.
4!t.
44.
Ptocessing Facility Revenueg
Scrap Payments lor all Materials Sold
Calitomia Redemption Value (CRV) and Processing Fees
Fees lrom Other Cities
Revenues lrom Proceseing Facllhy
slos mo sl 10 orx)st l5 (x)o 3t20.rxxl s125 rno
sr to rno $120 orx)st3n 0{)0 Iran onn *1qn mn
R?n mn $40.000 $4s.oo0 s50nm s55 (x)o
q2d6 ff)o *27n fnn (rqn nm it:lin mn *q?n nm
45. lntercst on lnvesmenta
46. Otherlncome
47. folal Revenue Ottaetg
FiscalYear: page Sot6
Page lll-5
EXIIIBIT Itr.2
Page 4of 6
Sample Base Year Rate Adiustment Application
City ol San Luis Obispo
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
Cost Summary for Base Year For lnformation Purposes Only
., ,.: ,, I , s€ctbllulHGaYqrcgf:Allocat6t :, :
Descilption ot Cost T^ttl Citv
L5Ustn Aclacent
I lhihF^r^^rrta.l
Processrng
Fr.ilitv
Labor
Payroll Taxes
48. Total Dircct Labor
3t.t4a.soo,ll $7r7 950 $86 500 s60.550 $283.500
lrin 1m'll d, )4n 7 6rX)5 25f)25 tOO
si24A.6m il $7AO200 $c4 000 s65.800 s308.6rn
49. Tolal Corporale Overhead
Office Salary
Payroll Taxes
50. Tolal Oltice Salaries
3?!0 00o:U S13R rqF $t6 A50 sl 1 A55 ss2 500
ta ,n{)l g 3A tNR I eEn 3M4 (7m
32892il' ll $r74 3(}0 $2t ooo $14 7rX)$5R 200
Computer Services
Depreciation on Building and Equipment
Depreciation on Truck and Containers
Dues and Subscriptions
Equipment Rental
Fines
Gas and Oil
Hauling
lnterest Expense
Laundry
Legal and Accounting
Miscellaneous and Other
Non-Oeductable
Office Expense
Operating Supplies
Other lnsurance
Other Taxes
Outside Services
Parts
Public Relations and Promotion
Recycling
Rent
Telephone
Tires
Travel
Truck lnsurance
Truck Repairs
S lorx'r{r * ,aF'72 $ 2Adn S
'qRR
R I Aflo
.ffm ae 79a A A'E ? non t4 74n
' ,corfxI1 a6 727 a 425 3 og8 l5 750
: : :: ::*llill:?OM ffn 334 tnn
. 1d.ooo 8.3m I OOI 700 oI :l nm..430 1l}0 70 o
em.am 271 410 32 700 22.ASO 2.600
lo {xx}R3m I O(X)'7f}r)o
at.m 2S.050 3.500 t aqn n
ld (}0(l 7 l3A a60 6(12 1 doo
ts.fin 12.450 1.500 1.050 0
o 8rn 2 qns 350 24F 6 3aX)
qffi 4 t4n 500 q6n n
ao.3txt 32 47.r 3 qoD 2 73(}t 3fx)
3an fifio 2ta aa )a 1it 1R q7n 4q mn
530.OOO 439 900 s3 (x)o 37.tOO o
3r frro
'A
D'6 i lrn 2 3An o
24-OO0 19.920 2.4ffi 1.640 ,o
E ataYt ! 160 40n 350 o
ooffi il Aq7 A 4An d A1?a4 mo
25.froo 20 75,O 2 5(n I 750 o
tn frln t3m 10m 7n'l ROm
.tO.dX]32.7a5 3.950 2.744 500
:lofio 2 ,,9,r]3()0 21r}o
lem .495 tao 125 2.800
a6 nfxl 34 A6n 4 2rrl 20 3 004)
ttm ? l2n 400 2AO 7.OOO
3{) floo 1a 770 1qm I 330 It rx)o
3.t.820.2m 3t 36s 500 sl65 orx)st t5 s{to st70 2(y)
Utilities
5t. Tolel Other General and Adminlatratlye Cosls
52. Total Tlpping Fees
&?. Tolal F anchlso Fac
54. Tolal AB 9:19 and Rcgulatory FGcs
55. Total Lease Prymenls to Afliliated Companles
56. Total Cosl
Fiscal Year:Page 4 ol 6
Page lll-6
EXHIBIT trI-2
Page 5 of6
Sample Base Year Rate Adi us tm ent ADD lic ation
City ol San Luis Obispo
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
Base Year Revenue Oftsbt Summary For lnformation Purposes Only
. .., SddonylHaasqrgrL.ta rt. , , ::,..:. ,
cih,
csustn Adjac€nt PrcNing
FAcilitu
nesidential Revenue (without lncrcasa in Base Yr.)
5Z Singlo Family Residential
Multiunit Residential Dumpsler
58. Number of Accounts
59. Revenues
60. Less Allowance lor Uncollectible Residenlial Accounts
6t. Tolal Residential Revenue
Non-resiclentlal Reyenue (wlthoul lncratse ln Bas6 Yr.)
A@ount Type
63.
62.
Non-residenlial Waste Wheeler
64. Number ol Accounts65. Revenues
Non-residential Dumpster
66. Number of Accounts
67. Flevenues
68.
Non-residential Can
Number of Accounts
Revenues
'l rltsl g0g t06 71 n
t orn {]rV|l st -523 50o *171 qno sl 14.600 so
Less: Allowance lor Uncollectible
Non-residenlial Accounts:
69. Tolal Non-residentiel Revenue
Prccessing Fscllity Revenuea
70. Scrap Payments lor all Materials Sold
71. Calilomia Redemption Value (CRV) and processing Fees72. Fees lrom Other Cities
73. Revenuss trom Processlng Fscllity
3't20.fix] I $o $o $o st20 mn
gt!,o.oaxl I $n $0 $o s140.0O0
330.flx1 I so $o sn sso
ltoro.oo0l so $o so s3l n fion
74. lnterest on lnyeatmenta
75. Other lncome
26. Tolal Revenue Otlseta
Fiscal Year: pade sot6
Page lll-7
E)CIIBIT In.2
Page 6 of6
Sample Base Year Rate Adiustment ADDlication
City ot San Luis Obispo
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
Operating lnformation
Hisloricel Cu16nt
I 902
P€m€nt
(:hend6 I CO3
Por@nl
Chanoe 19c4
P€rc6nt
Chande
Baae Yeat
1095
Psr€nt
tooa
. Sectlon tx..Op€rating Ddr
nesldcntlal
Z/. Accounls
28. Routes
29. Tons Collected
80. Dirst Labor Hou6
9,250 2.20/"9,450 2.1"/a 9,650 2.O"h l.ttv.lo,(ruo
4 o.ooh 4 o.oo/"4 o.o/", ,,4 0.0%4
1 1,350 1.4"/"11,550 1 1,750 2.',t70 lZ,(xX'1.7%12,200
't5.700 o.60/"'t5.800 o.6./"15.900 o.60/"t8.000 0.60/.t6.100
Non-residential
81. Accounts
82. Roules
83. Tons Collected
84. Oirect Labor Hours
necyctablc Materials
85. Fees fiom Other Cilies
86. Tons lrom Other Cilies
8Z CostperTon
$30.000 33.3%$40.000 12.5%$45.000 11.'lo/"35f} (rlr'l I O Ool"$55 000
750 20.gyo 900 5.60/"950 5.3y"1.0@ 5.0%1,050
40 10.00/.44 6.8Y"47 6.40/"50 4.0/"52
Fiscal Year:
gs 1.995I,435 2.ZYo I,475 2.1.h 1,9t5 Z.lYo 2,U-/o
0.00/.440.0v"4 0.oy"4 0.o%il
20.200r8,700 2.1"h 19,100 2.1%19,500 1.50h 2.Oo/"
9.700 1.O%9.800 1.Oo/"9.900 1.OV"0{x}1.0%10.100
Pg,6of6
Page lll-8
(Base Rate
Description of Tasks
a. Enter Prior T\vo Years
Audited Information
Financial information from audited
financial statements is consolidated into
specific categories identified on page 2 of
the application. These categories include:
Line 6 Direct Labor
Line 7 Corporate Overhead
Line 8 Office Salaries
Line 9 Other General and
Administrative Costs
Line 13 Tipping Fees
Line 14 Franchise Fees
Line 15 AB 939 and Regulatory Fees
Line 16 Lease Payments to Affiliated
Companies.
The specific components of these cost
categories are described in Exhibit m-3, on
the following page. Supplemental
documentation should be prepared by the
hauler which reconciles the franchise hauler's
financial audit to information prowided in the
application. This documentation, along with
a copy of each audit, should be included in
the application package.
Total cost information for residential, non-
residential, and recycling services should be
reported in this initial task, and in tasks b, c,
and d below. Segregation of costs for
residential, non-residential, and recycling is not
required.
For informational purposes only, the
franchise hauler should further segregate
total costs into four areas:
tr San Luis Obispo (within city limits)
tr California State Universiry at San
Luis ObisPo (CSU SLO)
tr Adjacent unincorPorated areas
tr Materials Processing facilitY'
This segregation also is provided on page 4
of the application. Suggestions of factors to
allocate any indirect costs are summarized in
the "standardized" chart of accounts in
Appendix B of this manual'
b. Enter CurrentYear
Estirnated Information
Current year costs are determined from
actual costs to-date and estimated costs that
will be incurred during the remainder of the
current year. Total coss for the current year
Franchise Hauler
Prepared during steP 1' of the
base year rate adiustment Process
(refer to Section II-A)
^. Enter Prior Two Years Audited
Information
b. Enter Current Year Estimated
Information
c. Enter Base Year Projected Information
d. Enter Future Year Projected Information
e. Enter OPerating Information
Tasks
ResponslbilitY:
Timing:
Buse Ycot"
St ep I
EllEnNsr*YouNc Page lll-9
E)AIIBIT Iu.3
Defi Terms fromnition of Financial
Base Year Rate Adiustment APPlication
6. Direct Labor All costs associated with solid waste and recyclable materials collection,including wages; overtime,payroll taxes, health and welfare benefits,workers compensation,and pension benefits
7. Corporate Overhead Salaries paid to the franchise hauler's corporate officers. The amount ofthis item cannot exceed $1.2O,O0o per year in1.994 dollars (the $r 20,000will be adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index as published bythe Bureau of Labor Staristics in their Montbly Labor Reuieu.D.
8. Office Salaries !flages and related benefits paid to office and administrative staff,including wages,oveftime,payroll taxes, health and welfare benefits,workers compensadon,and pension benefits
9. Other General and
Administrative Cosrs
16. Lease Payments to
affiliated Companies
All general and administrative
overhead and office salaries.
. Collection fees. Computer equipment and
services
. Depreciation
. Dues and subscriptions. Insurance
. Janitorial. Laundry and uniform. Interest expense. Licenses
. Medical expenses
costs with the exception of corporate
This item includes the following .ort,. Office rent
a
a
a
o
a
a
a
a
a
Office supplies
Postage
Professional fees
Promotion
Office repair and maintenance
Telephone
Travel
Trucking
Uriliries
10. Toral Allowable Cosrs Sum of direct labor, corporate oveihead, office salaries, and othergeneral and administrative costs
11. Operating Ratio
12. Allowable Operatrng
Profit
Established by the allowable operaring rario
13. Tipping Fees Costs to dispose of solid
faciliries, or landfills
v/aste at transfer stations, transformation
14. Franchise Fee.s Payments to the Ciry of 6.0
residential and commercial
sales)
percent of gross revenues (revenues frombillings only; excludes recyclable -u,.ri"J
15. AB 939 and Regulatory
Fees
Pa yrnents to the Ciry of San Luis Obispo to meet AB g39 programs
Lease
made
Page ltt-l0
paymen$ for trucks, office space, and other operating facilitiesto affiliated companies
S. -,bn lll. Base Year Rate Settino Methodoloorr
should be similar to the prior audited year,
after taking into account increases due to
inflation and changes in the number of
residential, non-residential, and recycling
customers served. Any significant changes
should be explained and documented. A
significant change includes any increase in
cost which is greater than the Consumer
Price Index as reported by the Bureau of
Labor in their Montbly Labor Reuiew, or any
decrease in a cost item.
c. Enter Base Year Projected
Information
Base year costs are projected by the
franchise hauler. These projected costs then
are used to calculate the net surplus/shortfall
in revenues and, subsequently, the percent
adjustment in rates. These projected costs
should be based on anticipated service levels
during the base year, and expenses which
will be incurred to provide these services.
Each cost element in the application should
be reviewed and any anticipated increase in
specific line items should be included in the
base year projection. For example, if
negotiated labor rates or workers
compensation are expected to change, or if
tipping fees are expected to change, these
changes should be included in cost
projections for the base year.
The franchise fee for the base year (year
four of the application) is not estimated in
this task, but is estimated in step 3. Because
franchise fees are based on gross revenues
from residential and non-residential services,
the projected franchise fee in the base year is
calculated using revenue projections
developed in step 2.
d. Enter Future Year Projected
Information
Costs are projected for the year after the
base year. Although these costs will not be
used for any rate adjustments made by the
Ciry, the projection provides the Ciry
information to use for evaluating future rates
Projected costs should be based on
anticipated service levels and significant
changes in operating costs.
e. Enter Operating Information
Operating information requested in the
application provides an important indicator
of the franchise hauler's performance. If
costs are changing at an unusual rate,
operating data may provide some
explanation of these changes. For example,
cost increases could be attributed to the
increased level of service provided (i.e.,
accounts served). Five operating
characteristics are required in the application
for both residential and non-residential
customers:
tr Accounts served
tr Routes
tr Tons of solid waste collected
D Direct labor hours
tr Tons of recyclable materials received at
processing facility, and the fees charged
to process these materials.
Five years of operating data are
required in the application. Prior year data
are based on actual annual operating
results. Current year peiformance is based
on performance to-date plus estimated
performance for the remaining months of
the current year. Projected operating results
are the franchise hauler's best estimate of
service levels during the new base year and
the year after that.
Year-to-year percentage changes then
are determined for each of the four
operating characteristics above. Any
significant changes should be documented
and explained by the franchise hauler. A
significant change in an operating
characteristic is an increase or decrease of
more than two percent.
Ctty of San Luts OHspo Page lll-11
Se ,.rn lll. Base Year Rate Settlno Methodoloov
Note that page 5 of the application
contains the total number of residential and
non-residential accounts serviced by the
franchise hauler ih the new base year.
These totals should agree with the account
information used to calculate residential and
non-residential revenue (page 3 of the
application)
Page llhl2 Ctty of San Luis Owspo
S- -roo lll. Base Year Rate Settino Methodoloqv
Franchise Hauler
Prepared during step 1 of the
base year rate adjustment process
(refer to section II-A)
a. Determine Residential Revenue
b. Determine Non-residential Revenue
c. Determine Allowance for Uncollectible
Accounts
d. Determine Revenues from
Processing Facility
e. Calculate Total Revenue Offsets
Tasks
Responsibility:
Timing:
Bctsc YcarStep 2
a. Determine Residential Revenue
Single family residential revenues are
provided for all five years. For the base
year only, the hauler also provides
revenues; by service type, at existing rates.
The calculation of base year single family
residential revenues under the Ciry's current
rate structure is documented on page 3 of
the application. The hauler provides the
projected number of accounts by service
type, and the existing monthly rate for each
service rype. Total revenue for each service
rype then is calculated as follows:
Multiplied by
Rate per month
Twelve months
Rate per year
Projected average
number of single family
residential accounts
during year
Equals Revenue by service type
For economy service an additional
amount is added for bag package purchases
as follows:
Description of Tasks
Multiplied by
Rate per package of
bags
Number of packages
purchased
Equals Revenue for packages
purchased
Revenue by service type then is entered
under the base year (fourth column of cells).
These values then are summed and entered
on line 28.
The number of accounts in each service
category may change throughout the year
(e.g., new customers, or customers which
switch to a different service). The auerage
number of accounts by service type is to be
used in these calculations. In addition, the
number of accounts identified for these
calculations must agree with operating data
provided on page 5 of the application.
The number of multiunit residential
customers and estimated revenues for each
of the five years are also provided by the
hauler on page 3. Finally, the franchise
hauler should provide sufficient information
to support any figures included in this
portion of the form.
Equals
Multiplied by
City of San Luis Obispo Page lll-13
Sc .on lll. Base Year Rate Settinq Methodoloqv.
b. DetermineNon-residential
Revenue
Non-residential revenue information is
entered on page 3 of the application. For
each service type (e.g., can, waste wheeler,
or dumpster) both the number of accounts
and annual revenues are reported.
Information for the first two years should
tie to supporting audited financial
information. Non-residential revenues for
the current ye r are based on actual
revenue to-date plus an estimate of the
revenue that will be received through the
end of the year. Non-residential revenue
in the current year should be comparable
to revenue in the prior two years, after
taking into account increases in rates and
service Ievels.
Projected non-residential revenue
information for the base year and year after
also are provided on page 3. The non-
residential rate structure and account
summary assumed for each of these years
(by service type and frequency of pick-up)
should be documented separately by the
franchise hauler, and provided to the City.
Operating data provided on page 5 of the
application should correspond to the
numbers of accounts provided on page l.
c. Determine Allowance for
Uncollectible Accounts
The franchise hauler will likely not be
paid by all customers served. While this
amount is expected to be relatively small, it
must be accounted for in,the calculation of
base year net revenues. These amounts are
reported on page 3 of the application
(allowance for uncollectible residential
accounts and allowance for uncollectible
non-residential accounts).
These amounts can be calculated based
on a formula, such as a percentage of
anticipated revenues, or based on actual
experience. All assumptions relaped to the
projection of uncollectible accounts must be
documented and included as a supplement
to the application.
d. Determine Revenues from
Processing Facility
If the franchise hauler owns and operates
a processing facility used to process
recyclable materials collected from City
residences and businesses, the revenueb
from operating the processing facility shall
be an offset to the hauler's revenue
requirements for purposes of establishing
City residential and non-residential rates.
On page 3 of the application, the hauler
is to provide annual scrap payments received
for all materials sold, annual California
Redemption Value (CRV) and processing
fees received for beverage containers, and
fees from other cities. The result is added to
total revenue offsets on page 3.
e. Calculate Total Revenue Offsets
Total revenue offsets are determined as
follows:
Line 32 Total residential revenue
Plus
Line 4O Total non-residential
revenue
Plus
Line 44 Revenues from processing
faciliry
Plus
Line 45 lnterest on investments
Plus
Line 46 Other income
Equals Total revenue offsets
Total revenue offsets are entered on page 3,
line 47, and on page 2,line 19 of the
application.
Page lll-14 '=!l EnNsr*YouNc
S .on lll. Base Year Settino Methodoloql
Franchise Hauler
Prepared during step 1 of the
base year rate adjustment process
(refer to Section II-A)
^. Calculate Allowable Operating Profit
b. Determine Franchise Fee
c. Calculate Revenue Requirement
Tasks
Responsibility:
Timing:
Base Ye&r
St ep 3
Description of Tasks
a. Calculate Allowable Operating
Profit
The operating ratio method is used to
establish allowable operating profit. The
operating ratio establishes revenue
requirements based on allowable costs.
The equation for the operating ratio is:
Divided by
Allowable costs
Total operating revenues
Equals Operating ratio
The operating ratio effectively determines the
profit allowed to the franchise hauler on its
allowable costs.
In the first base year, the operating ratio
will be p2 percent. In each succeeding base
year, the operating ratio will range from 90
to !4 percent, which will help stabilize rate
adjustments and afford the franchise hauler
an incentive to reduce costs. In any
succeeding base year, if the franchise hauler
earned an.operating ratio outside this range,
then 92 percent would be reestablished.
The following operating costs are
included as operating costs in the allowable
operating profit calculation:
tl Direct labor
tr Corporate overhead
tr Office salaries
tr Other general and administrative costs.
A definition of the components of these cost
categories is provided earlier in Exhibit III-
3.
The actual or projected operating ratio
and operating profit received by the franchise
hauler is entered on line l.L for each of the
five years. To calculate actual or projected
operating ratio, the hauler first determines
allowable revenues as total revenues minus
all pass through costs. Then, the hauler
divides allowable costs by allowable revenues
to determine the operating ratio.
To calculate the allowable operating
profit each year, the following equarion is
utilized:
Allowable costs
Divided by ratio
Equals
Minus
Allowable revenues
Allowable costs
Allowable operating profit.
-=Jl EnNsraYouNc
Equals
Page lll-15
Sr .rn lll. Base Year Rate Settino Methodoloqv
b. Determine Franchise Fee
The franchise fee is six percent (6%o) of
gross residential and non-residential solid
waste collection revenue collected. Any
services which are provided by the franchise
hauler but which fall outside the Ciry's
jurisdiction are not subject to the franchise fee
payment. An adjustment for these services
should be included in the franchise fee
calculation. Flistorical and projected franchise
fees should be entered on line 14 of the
application.
Note that the franchise fee attributed to
any requested adjustment in rates will be
accounted for separately in the franchise fee
adjustment factor. This adjustment factor is
computed in step 4. Therefore, annual
payments of franchise fees in the base year
are estimated based on revenues received at
existing monthly rates.
After total franchise fees are determined,
total annual costs can be calculated. Lines
13 through 16 should be added and the
result entered on line 17 , total pass through
costs. Any significant changes in total pass
through costs for the base year should be
explained and documented.
c. Calculate Revenue
Requirement
The revenue requirement establishes the
level of revenue needed to meet all
allowable costs, operating profit, and pass
through costs. This includes solid waste and
recyclable material collection costs, and
assumes a reasonable profit margin based on
the operating ratio calculation.
Total revenue requirements are
determined as the sum of:
tr Allowable costs
tr Allowable operating profit
tr Pass through costs.
The revenue requirement is entered on
line 18 of the application.
Page lll-16 --Jl EnNsr*YouNc
! ,on lll. Base Year Rate Settinq Methodologr
Franchise Hauler
Prepared during step L of the
base year rate adjustment process
(refer to Section II-A)
a. Calculate Net Surplus/Shortfall
b. Calculate Percent Change In Rates
Tasks:
Responsibility:
rrrrrrng:
Bsse Year
St ep 4
Description of Tasks
a. Calculate Net ShortfalVsurplus
The net shortfall/surplus is determined
based on the following calculation:
Line 18 Revenue requirement
Less Line 19 Total revenue offsets
Equals Net shortfall/surplus
The net shortfall/surplus is enrered on line
20. This number is used to calculate the
required percent change in existing rates.
b. Calculate Percent Change in Rates
The percent change in rates is the
amount that residential and non-residential
rates must be adjusted in order to generate
revenues sufficient to meet total revenue
requirements.
The percent change in existing rates is
calculated as follows:
Equals Percent change in rates
without franchise fee
adjustment.
The percent change in rates is entered
on line 22 of the application.
In order to account for additional
franchise fees which must be paid on the
additional (or lower) revenue that will be
collected, an adjustment is made to the
rate increase. The franchise fee
adjustment is based on the following
equation:
Line 22 Percent change in rates
without franchise fee
adjustment
Divided by
Line 23 Franchise fee
adjustment factor
(1 - franchise fee)
Equals Percent change in
existing rates.
The percent change in existing rates is
entered on line 24 of the application.
Line 20
Divided by
Line 21
Net shortfall/surplus
Total residential and
non-residential revenues
without increase
(line 32 + line 40)
City of San Luis Obispo Page llhl7
Sr. rn lll. Base Year Rate Setting Methodoloqy
Franchise Hauler
Prepared during step 1. of the
base year rate adjustment process
(refer to Section II-A)
a. Calculate New Rates
b. Sign and Submit the Application
Tasks
Responsibility:
Timing:
Bas e Ye ar
.St ep 5
Description of Tasks
a. Calculate New Rates
The rate adjustment identified on page
2,|ine 24 should be entered on page 1, line
1 of the Base Year Rate Adjustrnerxt
Application Current monthly single family
residential rates for solid waste collection
should be entered in the first column of
lines 2-4. Adjusted rates then are calculated
by multiplying the current rate by one plus
the rate adjustment identified in line 1.
These adjusted rates are entered in the
second column of lines 2-4. In column
three of lines 2-4, the adjusted rates are
rounded up to the nearest five cent
increment. 1'his sin-rplifies record keeping
for the franchise hauler ar-rd shor.rld not
make a material difference to customers.
The adjustment required to reach the
nearest five cent increment should be
calculated and entered in the third column
of lines 2-4.
To determine new single family
residential rates, column rwo on lines 2-4
should be added to column three and the
result should be entered in column four.
This column provides the new single family
residential rate schedule.
Line 5 of page L identifies the rate
increase to be applied to multiunit residential
and non-residential rates. Multiunit
residential and non-residential rates should
be rounded up to the nearest $1.00. The
franchise hauler should provide supporting
documentation for the requested multiunit
residential and non-residential rates for the
base year.
b. Sign and Submit the Application
An authorized representative from the
franchise hauler should sign and date the
application. This signature provides a
certification of the franchise hauler that the
application is complete, accurate, and
consistent with the instructions provided in
this manual.
Page lll-18 Ctty of San luis Oblspo
cn lll. Base Year Rate Setting Methodologt
Franchise Hauler
Prepared during step 1. of the
base year rate adjustment process
(refer to Section II-A)
a. Complete Solid \7aste Fee Survey
b. Summary of Survey
Tasks:
Responsibility:
Timing:
Bsse Year
St ep 6
Description of Tasks
a. Complete Solid Waste Fee Survey
As a check of the reasonableness of
existing and new integrated solid waste
management rates, a survey of residential
and non-residential rates in similar
communities should be conducted durino
each base year (once every three years).
This survey covers questions concerning
both residential and non-residential service.
Exhibit [I-4, following this page, is a
sample survey form. The survey should be
conducted by telephone instead of by mail
in order to ensure complete responses to
each question. A minimum of six cities
should be contacted. The Ciry and the
franchisee hauler will agree on which cities
will be surveyed.
Vhile all questions in the survey provide
valuable comparative information, there are
several key questions including:
tr Monthly rates for all residential
service types
tr Monthly rate for standard non-
residential services (i.e., one to six
cubic yard bins picked up once per
week)
tr Tipping fees charged the hauler
tr Responsibility for billing customers.
b. Summary of Suney
After the survey has been conducted,
the results are summarized for comparison
with the franchise hauler's rate application.
This summary is included as an attachment
to the Base Year Rate Adjustment
Application, as described in Section II-A,
step 3. This information also is used in the
evaluation of the franchise hauler's
application.
II Ctty of San Luis Obispo Page llFl9
HAIIBIT M-4
Page 1 of2
Sample Solid Waste Fee Suruey
City of San Luis Obispo
Solid Waste Fee Survey
Section I - lntroduction
1. Name ot City/County
2. Contact Person
3. Title ot Contact Person
4. Telephone Number
5. Date Contacted
6.Are residential curbside
collection and disposal
services provided by the
municipality or private
contractor?
7. ls a franchise for refuse
collection granted to the
hauler?
8. ls a franchise lor recyclable
material collection granted to
the hauler?
9. ls there a franchise fee?
lf so, how much is it?
t0. What is the franchise
haulefs disposal cost per
ton?
t t. Who bills customers?
Section lll - Residential Service
12. Are residential rates
regulated?
/3. What is the monthly charge
for residential service?
14. How many cans are picked
up at this charge?
t5. What is the charge for
additional cans?
6
/
N{
ANV- "
q '.Y"
\7
Fiscal Year:Page 1 of2
Page lll-20
EXHIBIT III.4
Page2 of 2
Sample Solid'Waste Fee Suruey
City ol San Luis Obispo
Solid Waste Fee Survey
16. ls there a separate charge for
yard waste collection?
17. Are there any City-wide
clean-up days provided at
no additional charge by
the hauler?
18. Does your community have
a curbside recycling
program?
t9. ls there an additional
charge to residents for this
program, or is it included in
the monthly charge for
solid waste collection?
20. lf separate, what is the
charge per month?
21 . Are non-residential rates
regulated?
22. Ptovide the monthly fee for
the following services,
assuming pick-up is one
time per week:
23. 1 cubic yard
24. 11/2 cubicyards
25. 2 cubic yards
26. 3 cubic yards
22. 6 cubic yards
28. Etleclive period of
ratesquoted:
Section lll..Residential
^6,Section V -- Non-residential Service ^^.\
"RilV
AJ,
Fiscal Year:Page 2 of 2
Page lll-21
-a
Section IV
Interim Year Rate
Setting Methodology
I
j
I')
IV. Interim Year Rate Setting MethodologJ/
The Interim Year Rare Adjustment
Application is completed by rhe franchise
hauler and is used to calculate the
adjustments in rates effective for the interim
year. The application documents changes in
tipping fees, and AB 939, and regulatory
charges.
The Interim Year Rate Adjustment
Application is used to calculate new
interim year rates. This docurnent is
prepared by the franchise hauler. Interim
year rate adjustments are based on a
weighted average change in controllable
and pass through costs. Inflators for this
process inciude changes in the U.S.
National Consumer Price Index and
changes in pass through costs.
The application is a two-page form.
Page 1 provides summary information
about the rate adjustment and the resulting
new rates. Page 2 includes detailed
calculations required to determine the rate
adjusrment. Steps 1 through 3 of the
methodology describe how to complete
page 2 of the application. Steps 4 and 5
describe how to complete page 1 of the
application.
bftibit fV-l, following this p ge,
provides an civerview of the steps and
related tasks which must be completed to
prepare the application form and calculate
new rares. Exhibit fV-2, following Exhibit
IV-1, is a sample of the two page application
as it might be prepared by the franchise
hauler, This exhibit includes references to
various steps which must be completed to
prepare the application. Following Exhibit
IV-2 is a detailed description of each step
and related tasks. Please note tbat tbe data
included in this sanxple exbibit are prouided
for illustratiue putposes only and are not
intended to reflect actual operating or
financial conditions.
i
!City of San Luis Obtspo Page lV-l
EXIIIBIT IV-l
Preparation of the Interim Year Rate Adiustment Application
3
1.
)
Determination of Base Year Costs and Weighting
a. Identify Prior Base Year Controllable Costs
b. Identify Prior Base Year Pass Through Costs
c. Calculate Veightings
Calculation of Percent Changes in Controllable and
Pass Through Costs
^. Enter Controllable and Pass Through Cost Information
b. Review Mathematical Accuracy
Calculation of Weighted Change in Rates
a. Calculate'Weighted Change in Controllable Costs
b. Calculate'$Teighted Change in Pass Through Costs
c. Caiculate Total Percent Change in Cost
d. Calculate Franchise Fee Adjustment '
e. Calculate Percent Adjustment in Existing Rates
Preparation of the Summary Forrn
a. Enter Rate Adjustment
b. Calculate New Rates
Application Certification
a. Sign Application
b. Submit Application to Ciry
4.
Page lV-2
EICIIBIT IV.2
Page 1 of2
Sample Base Year Rate A di ustm ent Applic ation
at
City ol San Luis Obispo
Interim Year Rate Adjustment Application
Summary
Requested lncr€rsg
r. Rate lncrease Requested 4.9'/o
Rate
)
Rete Crrrrcht Retp
lncreased
Rate Adiustment
New
Rate
Single Family Residentiat
2. Economy Seruice (collection)
Economy Seruice (orange bags)
3. Slandard Service
4. Premium Service
$ 2.O0 $2to $0.o0 3 2.10
$ 1.O0 sloS $0.00 s1.(F
't3.40 't4 06 0.()4 14-10
18.2s 19 14 0.01 lg-t5
(a) Calculated ntes are rounded up to the nearest $0.0S.
5. Multiunit Residential and Non-residentiat Rate increases of 4.56/"will be applied
to all rates in each structure with each rate rounded up to
ihp hFrrFct ( 1 .o0.
Cerlitication
To the best of my knowledge, the data and information in this application is complete, accurate, and consistent with
the instructions provided by the City of San Luis Obispo.
Name: John Brown Title: Controller
Signature: JofuEnrun Date: May i, igxx
Page lV-3
EJCIIBIT IV.2
Page2 ofZ
Sample Interim Year Rate Adiustment APPlication
City of San Luis Obispo
lnterim Year Rate Adjustment Application
Financial lnformation
S€ctlon F-Baco Ys.r Costs
6.
7.
8.
9.
Base Year Controllable Costs
Total Allowable Costs
Plus Allowable Operating Profit
Plus Lease to Affiliatod Companies
Equals Total Controllable Costs
10.
11.
12.
Base Ysar Pasa Through Costc
Tipping Fees
Plus AB 939 and Fees
Equals Total Pass Through Costs
13. Base Year Revenue Requiremenls (Less Franchise Fee)
14.
Sectlon lrchanges ln Cost
Change in Controllable Cost
Historical Percentage Change in Consumer Price lndex 4.Oo/"
15.
16.
17.
Change in Pass Through Cost
Prior Year Tipping Fees
Plus:AB 939 and Fees
Equals: Total Prior Y6ar Pass Through Costs
18.
19.
20.
21.
Plus:
Projected lnterim Year Tipping Fees
Projected lnterim Year AB 939 and Regulatory Fees
l[ $.8-s!.qo-q-i;1 rzo,ooo ll
Equals:Totat Projected tnter,im Year p@f $1 poopoo ll
Projected Percentage Change in Pass Through Costs 6.4"/.
22.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
Sectlon lll-Calculation of P6rcent Change ln Rates
Weighted Change in Controllable Costs
Controllable Costs as a Percent of Base Year Revenue Requirements
Multiplied by Percent change in CPI
ll tz sv"llF---- 40%ll
Equals Weighted Percent Change in Controllable Costs
Weighted Change in Pass Through Costs
Pass Through Costs as a Percent ol Base Yr. Bevenue Requirements
ll s.r%Jl
Percent in Pass Costs
Equals .
Total Change
rcenl
Total Percent Change in Cost
Divided for Franchise F€e ( l - 6.0 percent)
Equals Percent Change in Existing Rates
Fiscal Year:
25,000
$840.OOO
100,000
$940.000
22.70/"
6 ao/^
1.5v"
4.60/"
94 00/^
Page 2 of 2
Page lV-4
Se. ,n lV. Interim Year Rate Setting MethodoloE,
Franchise Hauler
Prepared during step 2 of the
interim ye r rate adjustment process
(refer to Section II-C)
^. Identify Prior Base Year
Controllable Costs
b. Identi$r Prior Base Year
Pass Through Costs
c. Calculate\Teightings
Tasks
Responsibility:
Timing:ApPlicatiott
St ep I
Description of Tasks
a. Identify Prior Base Year
Controllable Costs
Controllable costs are those items which
can be reasonably managed by the franchise
hauler in order to minimize future rate
increases. Increases in these costs are adjusted
by the annual change in the U.S. National
Consumer Price Index (CPI), as published by
the Bureau of Labor Statistics in their Montbly
Labr,,r Reuieu.t.
In order to streamline the interim year
process, controllable costs are changed based
on an annual change in the CPI, rather than
projected changes in each cost item. This
eliminates the need to conduct a detailed
review of the franchise hauler's financial and
operating staten]ents.
The following table identifies the line items
in the base year application which must be
entered on the controllable cost portion of the
interim year application. The name of each
line item is the same in both applications.
Base Year
Application
Line Number
The total of lines 6,7, and 8 is entered on
line 9 of the application and is used to
calculate the weighted change in
controllable costs.
b. Identify Prior Base Year
Pass Through Costs
Pass through costs are those
expenses which the franchise hauler is
allowed to recover through rates but for
which no profit is allowed. These
include tipping fees, and AB 939 and
regulatory charges. Changes in these
cost categories do not necessarily match
changes in CPI. Therefore, changes in
pass through costs during an interim year
are based on the franchise hauler's
projection of total annual costs, not
projected changes in the CPL Total costs
in the prior base year must be identified
in order to determine the weighting of
controllable costs and pass through costs
to total costs.
The following table identifies line
items from the prior base year
application which must be entered on
the interim year application. The
name of each line item is the same in
both forms.
10
t2
t6
lnterim Year
Application
Line Number
il.
Name of
Line Item
Total Allowabie Cost
Allowable Operating
Profit
Lease Payments to
Affiliated Companies
6.
7
Ell EnNsraYouNc Page lV-5
Ser .t lV. lnlerim Year Rate Settinq Methodoloqr
Base Year
Application
Line Number
Interim Year
Application
Line Number
Name of
Line Item
13.Tipping Fees
L5 11 AB 939 and
Regulatory Fees
The amounts in lines 10'and 11 are
added and the total entered on line 12
c. CalculateWeightings
Total controllable costs (line 9) plus total
pass through costs (line L2) equals total base
year costs (excluding franchise fees). This
total is entered on line 13 of the application
(base year revenue requirement less
franchise fee).
A weighting for both controllable costs and
pass through costs is calculated as follows'
Controllable Costs Wetgbttng
Line 9 Total controllable costs
. Divided by
Iine 13 Base year revenue
requirement
Equals Controllable costs as a
percentage of base year
revenue requirements.
This percentage figure is entered on line 9,
column 2, andline 22.
Pass Tbrougle Costs Weigbting
Line 12 Total pass through costs
Divided by
Line 13 Base year revenue
requirement
Equals Pass through costs as a
percentage of base year
revenue requirements.
This percentage figure is entered on line 12,
column 2, andline 25.
Page lV-6 Clty of San Luts Obtspo
Se. ;h lV. lnterim Year Rate Settino Meihodoloo.
Franchise Hauler
Prepared during step 2 of the
interim year rate adjustment process
(refer to Section II-C)
a. Enter Controllable and Pass Through Cost
Information
b. Review Mathematical Accuracy
Tasks
Responsibility:
Tirning:Applicatiotr
St ep 2
Description of Tasks
a. Enter Controllable and
Pass Through Cost Information
The historical Consumer Price Index
(CPI) percentage change in line 8 of the
application is entered on lines 14 and 23 of
the application. This percenrage change in
historical CPI (the previous 12 months) is
used to determine the weighted average
change in controllable costs.
Figures on lines 1 through 6 of the
application (actual and projected pass
through costs) are entered on lines 15
though 20, respectively, of the application.
Any significant changes in these costs are
documented by the franchise hauler. A
significant change would be any increase
greater than the annual change in the CPI, or
a decrease of any amount. If a significant
change has not been adequately explained,
additional information is requested from the
franchise hauler.
b. Review Mathematical Accuracy
The mathematical accuracy of the
franchise hauler's calculations of total prior
year pass through costs (line 17), and total
projected interim year pass through cost (line
20) are checked during this task. The percent
change in pass through costs should be
calculated as follows:
line 20 - line 17
line L7
After the percentage change in pass through
costs has been verified, this figure is entered
on line 21 of the application.
-=Jl EnNsr*YouNc Page lV-7
Sec -n lV. lnterim Year Rate Settinq Methodologr
Rates ::, .:
Franchise Hauler
To be prepared during step 2 of the
interim ye r rate adjustment process
(refer to Section II-C)
a. Calculate \Teighted Change in
Controllable Costs
b. Calculate Weighted Change in Pass
Through Costs
c. Calculate Total Percent Change in Cost
d. Calculate Franchise Fee Adjustment
e. Calculate Percent Adjustment in Existing
Rates
Tasks:
Responsibility:
Timing:ADltlicatiort
St ep 3
Description of Tasks
a. Calculate Weighted Change in
Controllable Costs
Figures should have been entered on line
22 of rhe application (controllable costs as a
percent of base year revenue requirements),
and line 23 of the application (change in CPI,
based on calculations completed in previous
tasks). To obtain the weighted increase in
controllable costs, line 22 is multiplied by line
23 and the result entered online 24.
b. Calculate Weighted Change in
Pass Through Costs
Line 25 (pass through costs as a percent
of base year revenue requirements) and line
26 (percent change in pass through costs)
should now have an entry based on
calculations completed in previous tasks. To
obtain the weighted change in pass through
cosrs, line 25 is multiplied by line 26 and rhe
result entered on line 27.
c. Calculate Total Percent Change in Cost
To calculate total percentage change in
costs, line 24 (weighted percent change in
controllable costs) is added to Line 27
(weighted percent change in pass through
costs), and the result entered on line 28
(total percent change in costs).
d. Calculate Franchise Fee
Adiustment
In order to account for changes in the
franchise fee resulting from a change in
rates, an adjustment is made to the
percentage change in total costs which was
entered on line 28. The adjustment factor is
equal to one minus the franchise fee (1.00 -
0.06 = 0.94). This value should be entered
on line 29.
€. Calculate Percent Adjustment
in Existing Rates
The final task in this step is to calculate
the percent adjustment in existing rates; To
determine this adjustment, line 28 (total
percent change in costs) is divided by line 29
(adjustment for franchise fee), and the result
entered on line 30. The value on line 30
should be greater than the value on line 28.
The difference accounts for the increase in
franchise fees.
Page lV-8 City of San Luis Obispo
Se ,h lV. lnterim Year Rate Settino Methodotog.
Franchise Hauler
Prepared during step 2 of the
interim ye r rate adjustment process
(refer to Section II-C)
Tasks:
Responsibility:
Timing:
a. Enter Rate Adjustment
b. Calculate New Rates
Applicatiotr
St ep 4
Description of Tasks
^. Enter Rate Adiustment
The rate adjustment identified on line 30
should be entered on page L, lines 1 and 5 of
the application.
b. Calculate New Rates
Current rates for single family residences
are entered in the first column of lines 2
through 4 on page 1, by service type. The
adjusted rates then are calculated by
multiplying the current rare by one plus the rate
increzise identified on line L. The adjusted rates
are entered on the second column of lines 2
through 4.
The adjusted rates then are rounded up to the
nearest five cent increment. The adjustment
amount required to reach the nearest five cent
increment is calculated and entered on the third
column of lines 2 through 4.
To determine new rates, colurnn two, lines 2
through 4, is added to column three and the result
is entered on column four. This column provides
the new schedule of single family integrated solid
waste management residential rates.
To determine multiunit and non-residential
rate adjustments, the rate adjustment in line 5 is
applied riniformly to all rates in each rare
structure. Rates are rounded up to the nearest
$0.05.
City of San Luis Obispo Page lV-9
Se, n lV. lnterim Year Rate Setting Methodolog,
Franchise Hauler
Prepared during step 1 of the
base year rate adjustment process
(refer to Section II-C)
Tasks
Responsibility:
Timing:
a. Sign Application
b. Submit Application to City
Alrlrlicatiott
.St ep 5
Description of Tasks
a. Sign Application
An authorized representative from the
franchise hauler should sign and date the
application. This signature provides
certification by the franchise hauler that
the application is complete, accurate, and
consistent with the instructions provided in
this manual.
b. SubmitApplication to City
At this point, the application should be
submitted to the Ciry for review of the rate
adjustment
Page lV-10 City of San Luis Obtspo
n a
Appendix A
Blank Forms and
Worksheets
I)
l
City of San Luis Obispo
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
Summary
Bequestedlncrsasa ;
r. Rate lncrease Requested
Rale Scheduls
Rate Schedule Current Rate
lncreased
Rate Adiustment (a)
New
Rate
Single Family Residential
2. Economy Service (collection)
Economy Service (orange bags)
3. Standard Service
4. Premium Service
5. Multiunit Residential and Non-residential
(a) Calculated rates are rounded up to the nearest $0.05.
Rate increases of will be applied
to all rates in each structure with each rate rounded up to
the nearest $1.00.
Certilication
To the best ol my knowledge, the data and inlormation in this application is complete, accurale, and consistent with
the instructions provided by the City of San Luis Obispo.
Name: John Brown Title: Controller
Signature: John Brown Date: May 1,19XX
Fiscal Year:Pg.1of6
City of San Luis Obispo
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
Financial lnformation Historical Current Projected
Base Year
(kom Pg.4)
Sec{on l-Allowablr Co6tg
6. Direct Labor
Z. Corporate Overhead
8. Office Salaries
9. Other General and Administrative Costs
/0. Total Allowable Costs
Sectlon ll- Allowable Opetating Protlt
//. Operating Ratio
/2. Allowable Operating Profit
Section lll-Paes Through Gosts
/3. Tipping Fees
14. Franchise Fees
15. AB 939 and Regulatory Fees
16.Affiliated
17. Tolal Pass Through Costs
Sectlon lv-Revenue Requlrement
18. RevenueRequirement
19. Total Revenue Offsets (from Pg.3)
Ssction V-Nst Shortfall (Swplus)
20. Net Shortfall (Surplus)
Section Vl-Percent Chango ln Ratos
21. fo|al Residential and Non-residential Revenue without increase
in Base Year (Pg. 3, lines 32+40)
22. Percent Change in Residential and Non-residential Revenue Requirement
23.ranchise Fee ustment Factor 1-6.0
24. Percenl Change in Existing Rates
Fiscal Year:Page 2ot6
City ol San Luis Obispo
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
Revenue Offset Summary
Hi.lorical ()rrrranl Proisctsd
Base Year
Residenthl nevenue (wlthout lncrcase in Base YL)
Current Projecled Pric€ per No. ot
Accounl Type
25, EconomySeMce
?6. Standard SeMce
27. Premium Service
Packaog PackaoesEl t-:.1Months
12
12
'12
28. Single Family Residential
Multiunit Residential Dumpster
29. Number of Accounls
30. Revenues
37. Less Allowance for Uncollectible Residenlial Accounts
32. Tolal Residential Fevenue
Non-residential Revenue (wlthout lncreese ln Sese Yr,)
Account Type
Non-residential Can
33. Number of Accounls
34. Revenues
Non-residential Waste Wheeler
35- Number of Accounts
36. Bevenues
Non-residenlial Dumpsler
Number of Accounts
Revenues
39.
38.
Less: Allowance tor Uncolleclible
Non-residenlial Accounls:
40. Tolal Non-residenlial Revenue
41.
43.
44.
P rc cess I ng Fe c I I ity Bevenues
Scrap Payments for all Malerials Sold
Califomia Redemplion Value (CRV) and Processing Fees
Fees from Other Cities
Revenues from Processing Facility
45. Inteteat on lnvestments
46. Othet lncome
47- Tolal Revenue Oflsets
Fiscal Year:Page Sofo
City of San Luis Obispo
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
Cost and Revenue Summary for Base Year For lntormation Purposes Only
Section Vlll-Basa Year Coil Allocrffo'l
Description of Cost
Labor
Payroll Taxes
48. Tolal Direct Labor
49. Total Corporate Overhead
Office Salary
Payroll Taxes
50. Total Office Salaries
Computer Services
Depreciation on Building and Equipment
Depreciation on Truck and Containers
Dues and Subscriptions
Equipment Rental
Fines
Gas and Oil
Hauling
lnterest Expense
Laundry
Legal and Accounting
Miscellaneous and Other
Non-Deductable
Office Expense
Operating Supplies
Other lnsurance
Other Taxes
Outside Services
Parts
Public Relations and Promotion
Recycling
Rent
Telephone
Tire s
Travel
Truck lnsurance
Truck Repairs
U tilities
5t. Total Other General and Administrative Costs
52, Total Tipping Fees
53. Total Franchise Fee
54. Tolal AB 939 and Regulatory Fees
55. Total Lease Payments to Afliliated Companies
56. Total Cost
il
Total Citv
cs.J
sLo ntn
Fiscal Year:Pase 4ol6
City ol San Luis Obispo
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
Base Year Revenue Offset Summary For lnformation Purposes Only
Secdofl Vlt-Rawilr. Otffi
Total Cltv
csu
sLo
Adjaenl
llnincomoralavl
Procossing
Fa.ilitu
Resldentlal nevenue (wlthout lncraase In Base Yt.)
52. Single Family Besidenlial
Multiunit Residential Dumpst6r
58. Numberol Accounts
59. Revenues
60. Less Allowance lor Uncollectible Residenlial Accounts
6t. Tolal Resldenllal Revenue
Non-rcslclential Revenue (wlthout lncrease In Base Yr.)
Account Type
Non-residential Can
62. Number ot Accounts
63. Revenues
Non-residential Waste Wheeler
64. Numberol Accounts
65. Revenues
Non-residential Dumpster
66. Numberol Accounls
67. Revenues
68.
il
Less: Allowance lor Uncollectible
Non-residential Accounts:
69. Tolal Non-residential Revenue
70.
71.
72.
Ptocess Ing Fac ll lty Revenues
Scrap Payments for all Materials Sold
Calitomia Redemption Value (CRV) and Processing Fees
Fees from Olher Cities
Revenues from Processhg Faclllty
74. lnterest on tnvestmenls
75. Othet lncome
26. Total Revenue Oflsels
Fiscal Year:Pag6 5 016
City of San Luis Obispo
Base Year Rate Adjustment Application
Operating lnformation
Hislorical Current Proiected
Percent
Chanoe
Percent
Chanoe
Percent
Chanoe
Base Year Percent
Chanoe
nesidential
ZZ. Accounts
78. Routes
29. Tons Collected
80. Direct Labor Hours
Non-residential
8/. Accounts
82. Routes
83. Tons Collected
84. Diecl Labor Hours
Reyclable Materials
85. Fees from Other Cilies
86. Tons from Other Cities
82. Cost per Ton
Fiscal Year:Pg.6ofo
-1
I City of San Luis Obispo
lnterim Year Rate Adjustment Application
Summary
r. Rate lncrease Requested
Rate Schedule Current Rate
lncreased
Rate Adiustment (a)
New
Rate
-\
I
Sl n g I e Fa mi ly Resl dential
2. Economy Service (collection)
Economy Service (orange bags)
.3. Standard Service
4. Premium Service
5. Multiunit Residentihl and Non.residential
(a) Calculated rates are rounded up to the nearest $0.05.
Rate increases ol will be applied
io all rates in each slruclure with each rate roundod up to
th6 nearest $1.00.
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To the best of my knowledge, the data and inlormation in this application is complete, accurate, and consistent with
the instructions provided by the Cily of San Luis Obispo.
Name: John Brown Titlo: Controller
Signature: John BrOwn Date: May 1 , 19XX
Pg. I of2
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City of San Luis Obispo
lnterim Year Rate Adjustment Application
Financial lnformation
6.
7.
8.
9.
Base Year Controllable Costs
fotal Allowable Costs
Plus Allowable Operating Profit
Plus
10.
11.
12.
Lease to Afliliated
Equals Total Controllable Costs
Base Year Pass Through Gosts
fipping Fees
Plus AB 939 and Regulatory Fees
Equals Total Pass Through Costs
13. Base Year Revenue Requirements (Less Franchise Fee)
Section ll-€hanges in Cost:
14.
Change in Gontrollable Gost
Historical Percentage Change in Consumer Price lndex
Change in Pass Through Cost
Prior Year Tipping Fees
PIus:Prior Year AB 939 and Fees
Equals:Total Prior Year Pass Through Costs
Projected lnterim Year Tipping Fees
Plus:lnterim Year AB 939 and
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21
Fees
Equals:Total Projected lnterim Year Pass Through Costs
Projected Percentage Change in Pass Through Costs
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
Sectlon lll-Galculation ol Percent Change ln Rates
Weighted Change in Controllable Costs
Controllable Costs as a Percent of Base Year Revenue Requirements
Percent ch in CPI
Equals Weighted Percent Change in Controllable Costs
Weighted Change in Pass Through Gosts
Pass Through Costs as a Percent of Base Yr. Revenue Requirements
Percent in Pass
Equals
Total Change
Weighted Percent Change in Pass Through Costs
Total Percent Change in Cost
Divided by Adjustment for Franchise Fee 1-6.0
Equals Percent Change in Existing Rates
Fiscal Year:Page 2 of 2
Cig of San Luis Obispo
Solid Waste Fee Survey
6.
1. Name of City/County
2. Contact Person
3. titte of Contact Person
4. Telephone Number
5. Date Contacted
Are residential curbside
collection and disposal
services provided by the
municipality or private
contractor?
7. ls a franchise for refuse
collection granted to the
hauler?
8. ls a franchise lor recyclable
material collection granted to
the hauler?
9. ls there a franchise fee?
lf so, how much is it?
1O. What is the franchise
hauler's disposal cost per
ton?
1/. Who bills customers?
Section lll - Flesidential Service
12. Are residential rates
regulated?
13. What is the monthly charge
for residential service?
14. How many cans are picked
up at this charge?
/5. What is the charge for
additionalcans?
FiscalYear:Page 1 of2
City of San Luis Obispo
Solid Waste Fee Survey
Section lll - Residential
16. ls there a separate charge for
yard waste collection?
17. Are there any City-wide
clean-up days provided at
no additional charge by
the hauler?
19. ls there an additional
charge to residents for this
program, or is it included in
the monthly charge for
solid waste collection?
20. lt separate, what is the
charge per month?
Section V -- Non-residential Service
21. Are non-residential rates
regulated?
22. Provide the monthly fee for
the following seruices,
assuming pick-up is one
time per week:
23. 1 cubic yard
24. 1 1/2 cubic yards
25. 2 cubic yards
26. 3 cubic yards
22, 6 cubic yards
28. Et'feclive period of
ratesquoted:
18. Does your community have
a curbside recycling
program?
' FiscalYear:Page 2 of 2
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Appendix B
Chart of Accounts
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Appendix B. Sample Chart of Accounts
A chart of accounts is provided in
Exhlbttd following this page. This chart of
accounts provides a suggested framework for
the hauler to record financial transactions,
provides a basis for comparing annual rate
adjustment requests, and presents a suggested
basis for allocating indirect costs and
revenues of operation to different service
areas (e.g., customers within city limits,
adjacent unincorporated areas, Cal Poly, and
the recyclable materials processing faciliry).
The chart identifies account name,
account type (asset, liability, revenue, or
expense), type of revenue or cost (direct or
indirect), and a suggested basis for allocating
indirect revenues and costs (e.g., tons
collected, number of accounts). The
franchise hauler may find other
miscellaneous accounts may be r€quired.
To maintain comparability from year to year,
the franchise hauler should indicate any
major changes to the chart of accounts.
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Ctty of San Luts Oblspo Page B-1
EXIIIBITA
PaSe 1 of3
Sample Chan of Accounts
Accounts Receivable
Accumulated Depreciation
Buildings
Certificate of Deposit
Checking Account
Containers
Fumiture, Fixhrres and Equipment
Income Tax Receivable
Investrnents
Land
Money Market
Notes Receivable
Petcy Cash
Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid Life Insurance
Savings Account
Stockholders-Advance
Tax Refund Receivable
Trucks and Automobiles
Accounts Payable
Accrued Liabilities
Capital Stock
Deferred Interest
Equipment Loans
Retained Eamings
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
L
L
L
t
t
L
A=
L=
R=
E=
Asset
Liability
Revenue
E4pense
D = Direct revenue or cost
I = Indirect revenue or cost
Page B-2
EKIIIBIT A
Page2 of J
Sample Cbart of Accounts
(continu,ed)
DMdend Income
Garbage Service
Interest Income
Other Income
Recycling Materials Sales
Sorting Line Revenue
Computer
Deprecialion
Dues
Equipment Rental
Federal Income Taxes
Fines
Franchise Tax
Fuel
lnterest Expense
Labor
Landfill
Laundry
Legal & Accounting
Meals and Entertainment
Miscellaneous and Other
Office Expenses
I
R
R
R
R
R
R
E
E
D/I Direct where possible, otherwise
number of accounts
None
Direct where possible, otherwise
number of accounts
Direct where possible, otherwise
number of accounts
None
None
Number of accounts
Direct where possible, otherwise
number of accounts
Number of accounts
Number of accounts
None
None
None
Number of accounts
None
None
Number of accounls
Direct where possible, otherwise
number of accounts
None
Number of accounts
Number of accounts
D/I
D
D
D/r
D
D/I
DA
I
I
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
I
D
D
D
D
D
D/I
D
I
I
E
E
E
A
L
R
E
Asset
,Liability
Revenue
Expense
D = Direct revenue or cost
I = Indirect revenue or cost
Page B-3
EXIIIBIT A
Fage 3 of3
Sample Chart of Accounts
(continued)
Office Salary
Officers Salary
Operating Supplies
Other Insurance
Outside Services
Payroll Taxes
Payroll Taxes
Pr & Promotion
Profit Sharing
Rerycling Expense
Rent
Repairs
State Income Taxes
Taxes & Licenses
Telephone
Travel
Truck Insurance
Truck Licenses
Urilities
E DA
I
D/I
I
D/I
Direct where possible, otherwise
number of accounts
Percent of operating wages
Number of accounts
Direct where possible, otherwise
number of accounts
Number of accounts
Direct where possible, otherwise
number of accounts
Direct where possible, otherwise
number of accounts
Number of accounts
None
None
Trucks
Direct where possible, otherwise
factored truck hours
Number of accounts
Direct where possible, otherwise
factored truck hours
Number of accounts
Direct where possible, otherwise
number of accounts
Direct where possible, otherwise
factored Euck hours
None
Number of accounts
E
E
E
I
E
E
E
I
E
E
E
E
E
D
D
I
I
I
D/I
E
E
E
E
E
D/T
D/t
D
Dfi
E
E I
A
L
R
E
Asset
Liability
Revenue
Expense
D = Direct revenue or cost
I = Indirect revenue or cost
Page B-4