Report 2013-126 Recommendation 1 Responses
Report 2013-126: Antelope Valley Water Rates: Various Factors Contribute to Differences Among Water Utilities (Release Date: July 2014)
Recommendation #1 To: Quartz Hill Water District
To ensure that water customers are able to have an understanding of how rate increases are determined, Quartz Hill Water District should include information in its public notices providing reasonably sufficient details of the basis of its fee methodology.
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.
- Completion Date: March 2016
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Fully Implemented
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 a rate increase.
- 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: 11//01/2015
- Response Date: January 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month 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.
60-Day Agency Response
QHWD will comply with this recommendation when another rate increase is proved to be necessary. QHWD will consult legal council during the drafting of the Prop 218 mailer to ensure "reasonably sufficient details of the basis of its fee methodology" is included.
- Estimated Completion Date: 11/01/2014
- 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 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.
All Recommendations in 2013-126
Agency responses received are posted verbatim.