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The memorandum discusses the Sewer Rate Setting Audit Report, which recommends accepting the audit report on sewer rate setting as proposed by the Transportation and Environment Committee. The audit identifies areas for improvement in the Environmental Services Department's (ESD) rate-setting process, including reviewing assumptions in the rate model, developing formal reserve policies, and enhancing transparency around the rate-setting process. The report outlines findings and recommendations aimed at ensuring that sewer rates reflect current conditions and improve communication with stakeholders.
Key points
The audit report recommends accepting the sewer rate setting audit as proposed by the Transportation and Environment Committee.
The audit identifies the need for ESD to review assumptions in its rate model and update them as necessary.
ESD should develop formal reserve policies for the Sewer Service and Use Charge Fund.
Improving transparency around the rate-setting process is necessary, including better documentation and communication with stakeholders.
Limitations
The text contains unresolved placeholders such as specific dates and details regarding the audit report's presentation.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 62,824 chars
COUNCIL AGENDA : 3/3/2026 FILE : 26-183 ITEM : 3.3 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: SEE BELOW FROM: Toni J. Taber, MMC City Clerk DATE: February 19, 2026 SUBJECT: Sewer Rate Setting Audit Report Recommendation As recommended by the Transportation and Environment Committee on February 9, 2026, accept the audit report on sewer rate setting. CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-009, Staff Reports, Assessments, Annual Reports, and Informational Memos that involve no approvals of any City action. (City Auditor) [Transportation and Environmental Committee referral 2/9/2026 - Item (d)4] Office of the City Auditor Report to the City Council City of San José SEWER RATES: REVIEWING RATE MODEL ASSUMPTIONS AND DEVELOPING RESERVE POLICIES WOULD IMPROVE THE RATESETTING PROCESS Report 26-01 February 2026 This page was intentionally left blank Office of the City Auditor Joe Rois, City Auditor February 2, 2026 Honorable Mayor and Members Of the City Council 200 East Santa Clara Street San José, CA 95113 Sewer Rates: Reviewing Rate Model Assumptions and Developing Reserve Policies Would Improve the Rate-Setting Process The City of San José sets sewer rates to recover the costs of...
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Generated summaryAI-assisted
The report from the City Auditor discusses the sewer rate-setting process in San Jose, highlighting the need for improvements in rate model assumptions, reserve policies, and transparency. It includes six recommendations aimed at enhancing the Environmental Services Department's practices.
Key points
The City sets sewer rates to recover costs associated with sanitary sewer and wastewater treatment services.
Rates are based on the volume and concentration of pollutants in wastewater.
A 2015 study indicated discrepancies between actual wastewater strength and assumptions in the rate model.
Recommendations include reviewing rate model assumptions, developing formal reserve policies, and improving transparency in the rate-setting process.
Limitations
The document does not specify the exact nature of the six recommendations mentioned in the conclusion.
There are unresolved placeholders regarding specific dates and details in the report.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 3,142 chars
Sewer Rates: Reviewing Rate Model Assumptions and Developing Reserve Policies Would Improve the Rate-Setting Process A Report from the City Auditor Issued February 2026 http://www.sanjoseca.gov/auditor Presenters: Joe Rois, City Auditor Alison Pauly, Supervising Auditor Ebelechukwu Obi, Senior Program Performance Auditor Hiwad Haider, Program Performance Auditor II Transportation and Environment Committee Agenda Item (d) 4 1 Background • The City sets sewer rates to recover the costs of providing sanitary sewer and wastewater treatment services to residents and businesses. • ESD sets rates based on the volume of a customer’s wastewater and the concentration of pollutants within the wastewater. • All customers pay the same unit rate for each wastewater component. • How a customer is billed depends on the type of residence or business and the assumed or actual volume and strength of their wastewater. 2 Finding I: ESD Should Review Assumptions Within Its Rate Model • In 2014, the state determined that the City’s rate model complied with Clean Water State Revolving Fund requirements. Recommendations: To ensure its rate model assumptions reflect current conditions, ESD should: • A...
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The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.
This document is a public comment submitted by Brian Darb regarding Item 4.1, the City Auditor's report on Sewer Rate Setting. Darb expresses concerns about outdated rate modeling assumptions, the absence of formal reserve policies, and the need for improved transparency in the decision-making process for rate changes. He urges the City Council to take action on these issues to ensure fair and reliable sewer rates.
Key points
Comment submitted regarding the City Auditor's report on Sewer Rate Setting.
Concerns about inaccurate rate modeling assumptions.
Lack of formal reserve policies for sewer rates.
Need for improved documentation and transparency in rate change decisions.
Request for a timeline to modernize assumptions and establish reserve policies.
Limitations
The document appears to be a draft as it contains placeholders and lacks a formal closing signature.
Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.
Extracted text preview · 2,442 chars
R Outlook FW: Public Comment: Item 4.1 - Sewer Rate Setting Audit (February 24, 2026) From City Clerk <city.clerk@sanjoseca.gov> Date Mon 2/23/2026 7:51 AM To Agendadesk <Agendadesk@sanjoseca.gov> From: brian darb Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 3:39 AM To: City Clerk <city.clerk@sanjoseca.gov> Subject: Public Comment: Item 4.1 — Sewer Rate Setting Audit (February 24, 2026) [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council Members, lam submitting this formal comment regarding Item 4.1, the City Auditor's report on Sewer Rate Setting. As someone who does business in San Jose, | have a vested interest in the long-term fiscal health and infrastructure reliability of the city. While the work of the Environmental Services Department is vital, the findings of this audit raise points that warrant the Council's attention. lam particularly concerned by the following issues highlighted in the report: 1. Inaccurate Rate Modeling Assumptions The audit indicates that the department is using outdated or inconsistent assumptions in the math used to set sewer rates. Accurate modeling is essential to ensuring that rates are...