Report 2013-126 Recommendation 6 Responses
Report 2013-126: Antelope Valley Water Rates: Various Factors Contribute to Differences Among Water Utilities (Release Date: July 2014)
Recommendation #6 To: Quartz Hill Water District
To ensure that its water customers have access to Quartz Hill Water District's rate methodology and other factors that help it determine rate increases, the utility should keep all documentation it uses to calculate or otherwise explain the need for rate increases for as long as the rate increases are in effect.
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2016
During the March, 2016 regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors the new rate structure and rate study were adopted. This rate study plainly and thoroughly shows the methodology of how the rates were determined and derived. This aforementioned rate study was posted to our website prior to the Board of Director Meeting and made available during the meeting held on March 17, 2016.
- Completion Date: March 2016
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Fully Implemented
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Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From September 2015
We have not performed a rate increase/ rate study. However, during the September 2015 Board of Director meeting the Board of Directors authorized staff to execute a contract with Urban Future Inc. to perform a comprehensive rate study. It is anticipated at this time the rate study will conclude prior to January 1st 2015.
- Estimated Completion Date: 03/01/2016
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
1-Year Agency Response
We have not performed another rate study.
- Estimated Completion Date: 11//01/2015
- Response Date: July 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: No Action Taken
The district has not increased its rates since our report was released, therefore we cannot determine whether or not its public notice provides reasonably sufficient details of the basis of its fee methodology. Furthermore, Quartz Hill has not developed any written procedures to address the recommendation.
6-Month Agency Response
We have not performed another rate study.
- Estimated Completion Date: November 2015
- Response Date: January 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Partially Implemented
The district has not increased its rates since our report was released, therefore we cannot determine whether or not its public notice provides reasonably sufficient details of the basis of its fee methodology. Furthermore, Quartz Hill has not developed any written procedures to address the recommendation.
60-Day Agency Response
The District has not completed another rate study, however it is expected that during November of 2014 the District will conduct another rate study that could affect rates. To ensure all "customers have access to Quartz Hill Water District's rate methodology and other factors that help it determine rate increases" all documents used in the determination will be maintained and scanned upon completion of the report. If a rate increase is determined to be necessary at that point then the scanned packet will be made available on QHWD website.
- Estimated Completion Date: November 2014
- Response Date: September 2014
California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: No Action Taken
The district has not increased its rates since our report was released, therefore we cannot determine whether or not it retained relevant documentation. Furthermore, Quartz Hill has not developed any written procedures to address the recommendation.
All Recommendations in 2013-126
Agency responses received are posted verbatim.