CCWWA Agenda 02/29/2024County
COLLIER COUNTY
GOVERNMENT
Growth Management
Community Development
2800 Horseshoe Drive North
Naples, Florida 34104
COLLIER COUNTY
WATER & WASTEWATER
AUTHORITY
Agenda Packet for Regular Meeting
Thursday, February 29, 2024
2:00 PM, Conference Room 609/610
2800 Horseshoe Drive North
Naples, Florida 34104
Authority Members:
Eloy Ricardo, Chairman
Patricia Sherry, Vice Chairman
Eugene Wordehoff
Bryant Collins
VACANT
Legal Counsel:
Derek D. Perry
Assistant County Attorney
Executive Director:
Michael Stark
Director - Operations & Regulatory Management, GMCD
Staff Liaison:
Rey Torres Fuentes
Operations Support Specialist I, GMCD
COLLIER COUNTY WATER AND WASTEWATER AUTHORITY
Conference Room 609/610, Growth Management Community Development
Department
2800 Horseshoe Drive North, Naples, Florida 34104
2:00 p.m., February 29, 2024
Notice: All persons wishing to speak on any agenda item must register prior to
speaking. Requests to address the Authority on subjects, which are not on this
agenda, must be submitted in writing with an explanation to the Executive Director,
Collier County Water and Wastewater Authority, GMCD/Office of Operations and
Regulatory Management, 2800 Horseshoe Drive North, Naples Florida 34104, at least
ten (10) days in prior to the date of the meeting and will be heard under "Open to the
Public." Any person who decides to appeal a decision of this Authority will need a
record of proceedings pertaining thereto, and therefore may need to ensure that a
verbatim record of proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and
evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. All registered public speakers will be
limited to three (3) minutes unless permission for additional time is granted by the
Chairman.
Points of contact: Michael Stark, Director of Operations & Regulatory Management
239.252.8741, or Rey Torres Fuentes, Operations Support Specialist 1239.252.5727.
AGENDA
I. Call to Order (Determination of Quorum) and Roll Call
A. Annual Election of Officers Page 10
II. Approval of Agenda — Meeting of February 29, 2024
III. Approval of Minutes — Meeting of September 18, 2023
IV. Items Requiring Action by Authority
A. Final Order 2024-01 - Annual Price Index Page 11
V. Staff Discussion
VI. Open to the Public
VII. Authority Members Discussion
VIII. Adjourn
Collier County Water and Wastewater Authority
Attendance Roster — Date: February 29, 2024
CCWWA Members
"Must have (3) members for a quorum**
Bryaa�lh Colins:
Patricia Sherry:
Eloy Ric do:
Eugene Wordehoff:
WA
Vacant
Staff Members
James French
Deputy Department Head, GMCD
Michael Stark
Director, Operations & Regulatory Management
Derek D. Perry
Assistant County Attorney
Evelyn Trimino
Manager — Financial Operations, GMCD
Monica Leon
Budget Analyst, Operations & Regulatory Management
Julie Chardon, Operations Support Specialist 11,
Housing Policy & Economic Development Div.
Rey Torres Fuentes, Operations Support Specialist I
Staff Liaison, Operations and Regulatory Management
`*wr,z- a Zem
C
September 18, 2023
MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY
WATER AND WASTEWATER AUTHORITY MEETING
Naples, Florida, September 18, 2023
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, the Collier County Water and Wastewater Authority
in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this
date at 2:00 P.M. in REGULAR SESSION at the Collier County Growth
Management Department Building, Conference Room 609/610, 2800 Horseshoe
Drive N., Naples, Florida, with the following members present:
CHAIRMAN: Eloy Ricardo
VICE -CHAIR: Patricia Sherry
Bryant Collins
Eugene Wordehoff (excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Jamie French, Department Head, GMCD
Michael Stark, Director, Ops & Regulatory Management
Derek Perry, Assistant County Attorney
Julie Chardon, Ops Support Specialist II, GMCD
Evelyn Trimino, Manager, Financial Operations, Operations
Support & Regulatory Management Division
Monica Leon, Budget Analyst II, GMCD
September 18, 2023
Any persons in need of the verbatim record of the meeting may request a copy of the
audio recording from the Collier County Growth Management Department.
I. Call to Order (Determination of Quorum) and Roll Call
Chairman Ricardo called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. Roll call was taken and a
quorum of three was established.
Attorney F. Marshall "Marty" Deterding, of Sundstrum & Mindlin LLP, representing
Ave Maria Utility Co., introduced himself.
II. Approval of Agenda — Meeting of September 18, 2023
No changes
Vice Chair Sherry moved to approve the agenda. Second by Mr. Collins. The motion
passed unanimously, 3-0.
III. Approval of Minutes — Meeting of May 8, 2023
Vice Chair Sherry moved to approve the May 8, 2023, meeting minutes. Second by Mr.
Collins. The motion passed unanimously, 3-0.
IV. Items Requiring Action by the Authority
A. Ave Maria Utility Company Territory Expansion
Mr. Stark said we're here to consider approving the Ave Maria Utility Company
territory expansion, which is on page 6 of the agenda packet. Marty, who represents
Ave Maria, will provide a brief overview.
Attorney Deterling told the CCWWA:
• In December 2022, on behalf of Ave Maria Utility, we filed a request for
expansion of service territory on a 1,000-acre parcel due east of the existing
territory.
• It's an area Ave Maria is looking to develop in the future.
• It's contiguous with the existing territory and next to the existing facilities, so
we're in the best position to provide service. We want to move forward to
expand our service territories to include that area.
• We filed the required notice in accordance with their rules. Anyone who is
substantially affected and has any objection must file an objection within 30
days.
• That period passed in January, so we have everything required by the rules.
Mr. Collins said the water and wastewater treatment says it's 2 million gallons per day.
Is that the current capacity or the potential capacity?
David Jansen, of the Ave Maria Utility Co., said the plant's current capacity is 1
million gallons per day. We're permitting and will start construction on the second
phase, which will increase capacity to 2 million GPD. Ultimately, at buildout, including
this additional housing we're adding to the franchise territory, we expect the capacity
will be around 500,000 GPD to handle the expansion, as needed.
2
September 18, 2023
Vice Chair Sherry asked if the expansion will all take place on the roads. You won't
have easements going for property or rights of way?
Attorney Deterling said it's all in the 1,000-acre parcel and will cross from where it
ends now and go into the new area. We will build large lines across that end and the
treatment facilities will stay where they currently fit and will be expanded there.
Mr. French told the CCWWA:
• He's the former executive director of the Collier County Water & Wastewater
Authority.
• This was a strategic move by us. This application came in. He, Marty and Ken
Kovensky discussed it, but we waited until the Board of County Commissioners
agreed to expand this area.
• This area is an exclusive franchise, meaning exclusivity is granted to the utility
service provider.
• The property is owned by the same developer. This was unique because of that
level of exclusivity.
• It prevents the county or other utility service providers from being able to run
lines through their service territory.
• We learned our lesson years ago, when Orange Tree Utility existed. We have
language that will allow for transmission lines, not service lines, in the event the
county wanted to run a line as they do their regional water plants. There may
not ever be a line there, but if they elected to do that through the Board of
County Commissioners, this has been granted.
• It's a little tardy on our part, but it was done by design because we wanted to
make sure they got through the entitlement process first so they could develop
the site.
• We know they need utilities and we also know that the North Regional Water
Plant would not meet their timeline within a reasonable amount of time, so we
negotiated this with the Public Utilities Department. He and Dr. George Yilmaz
spoke about this, and there was no objection. There is no letter of objection.
Mr. Collins moved to adopt Final Order No. 2023-02 for proposed additions of utility
service into any additional service area and authority to amend franchise certificates
authorizing such actions. Second by Vice Chair Sherry. The motion passed
unanimously, 3-0.
B. Ave Maria Utility Company — Index and Pass -through Increase
i. Water and Wastewater Rate Increases.
Mr. Stark said Ave Maria Utility Co. is applying for a 4.86% increase to its water
service and a 4.67% for wastewater service. In May, when we met, the price index
factor of 7.07% was adopted for final order No. 2023-01. We have representatives here,
if there are any questions.
Mr. Collins said Appendix A lists the report justifying the cost increases. Page 101's
exhibit is a special report that satisfies the requirement authority rules, but there's no
Exhibit A here. It goes to Exhibit E.
3
September 18, 2023
Mr. Stark said this is a cover letter on summary. Page 115 shows Exhibit A, the cover
letter and summary of conclusions by Jacobs.
Mr. Collins said he's confused about Exhibit A. Jacobs seems to be referring more to
the report they did on the assessment, the condition and depreciation.
Attorney Deterling said the agenda package contains Exhibit A to the index
adjustment is the group of schedules that calculate the index -rate adjustment. It's a
group of four schedules that show the calculations of the percentage -increase rates.
A discussion ensued over the rate increase, impacts and the anticipated increase in
annual revenue.
Vice Chair Sherry moved to adopt Final Order No. 2023-03, adjusting the wastewater
rates of Ave Maria Utility Company LLLP by applying the 2023 Price Index Factor to
the allowable 2023 operation and maintenance expenses, and its amortized pass -
through costs for water and wastewater. Second by Chairman Ricardo. The motion
passed unanimously, 3-0.
C. Ave Maria Utility Company- Rate of Depreciation Filing
Mr. Stark said this is on page 109. On August 4, 2023, the Ave Maria Utility Company
applied for a change in revenue rates and petitioned for a change in the average service life of
depreciation rates and the reinstatement of accumulated depreciation on such assets. Exhibit
A, in accordance with Collier County Water & Wastewater Authority Rules and Procedures
Sections 2.14, Sections 5-6 and 9 of Resolution 1996-13, as amended.
A discussion ensued and the following points were made:
• The Jacobs report did a condition assessment report, but the replacement schedule is
empty.
• Is the utility planning to match the O&M, such as the replacement of equipment, in
line with the depreciation schedule? If it had a 15-year life, but wasn't going to be
used because you're under capacity, are you valuing it with a 30-year life?
• That's partly why Ave Maria asked for this. Ave Maria believes it lines up with what
we're estimating the service lines will be. They will be there much longer due to a
combination of factors, including reduced usage and the type of things that were
installed, quality of material and maintenance that has been undertaken.
• It's one of many rewards for the quality of their operations. Jacobs determined that
the combination of those resulted in a need to change the lives of everybody from a
regulatory standpoint and from the standpoint of the authority, we're trying to match
cost to customers receiving the value of those costs.
• The definition of depreciation, as stated in your rule, aligns with what we're
proposing to do here to make sure that the life of the asset and its diminished life over
that period of time matches up with what you put in as depreciation expense and what
you show as accumulated depreciation.
• Ave Maria found that what we did in the past was not correct and based upon these
factors, we're asking to make it make it better fit the circumstance.
.19
September 18, 2023
• The length of the product is longer than the anticipated length, so it tends to keep
rates lower.
Attorney Perry said he represents the authority in a legal capacity. His duty is to ensure you
understand. The CCWWA established a general set of depreciation rates in 1996, and since
then there haven't been changes, Ave Maria is asking for a deviation from its own general
standard from 1996.
Mr. French said this is recognized by the National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commissioners. This is a cost-effective way to better balance the tariff against good sound,
economic and engineering principles based on the life of service. It's not uncommon
throughout the country. This is like the Florida Public Service Commission. It's a common
standard.
Attorney Perry said it's unique and seemed very reasonable. In 30 years' time, machines
have gotten better.
Mr. French said our code could use a little updating, but this is our only remaining regulated
utility company [he later said there are two remaining]. We once had six.
Attorney Deterling said there was a roughly 8% error in some of the calculations of the
impact of the proposed change. We can provide staff with revised figures and schedules. The
impact was 8-9% higher than what we had shown in our schedules.
Brian Stockman, tax compliance manager for Ave Maria Utilities, told the CCWWA:
• It shows the complexities of group depreciation. He was using only our depreciation
system, which stops calculating depreciation and cost, whereas group depreciation
continues to depreciate assets in excess of the cost incurred to install that asset.
• As a result, the difference is about $618,000, so we have an additional $618,000
worth of accumulated depreciation taken on our financial statements and we would be
restating it.
• Our restatement is based on the corrected useful lines of those assets and based on our
data report. It means our restatement is about $618,000 higher than the number we
requested in our statement.
• That came to him today as he was preparing for this meeting
Vice Chair Sherry asked if they had a revised schedule. We need something to vote on.
How can we vote if it's going to change?
Attorney Deterling said he didn't have the entire filing. If you need those schedules
immediately, we could get them. We'd rather do that than delay action.
Mr. Stockman said he can indicate the bottom numbers but doesn't have numbers for each
group. That would exclude a lot of items. We have thousands of assets on our schedule.
Jabobs only looked at a couple hundred.
A discussion ensued over whether to reschedule the meeting for a vote and Mr. Stockman
said he could return to his office and bring back the information in about IS minutes.
5
September 18, 2023
[A recess was taken from 2:30-3: 02 p.m.]
Vice Chair Sherry made a motion to adopt Final Order No. 2023-04 for a proposed change
in service life depreciation rates, restatement of accumulated depreciation rates and
restatement of accumulated depreciation on such assets for Ave Maria Utility Company
LLLP. Second by Chairman Ricardo. The motion passed unanimously, 3-0.
V. Staff Discussion
Mr. Stark said we have one CCWWA opening and have reached out to our Water
Wastewater Collier County contacts, the division directors, and to the public to ensure
they're aware of the opening. Also, Eugene Wardahoff didn't attend today so we need to
discuss that. The process is that we let you know what the reason was for not attending and
you can mark it as excused or not. He did not feel that he had enough time to properly
prepare for today's meeting and wanted to be excused.
Chairman Ricardo said we'll mark it as an excused absence.
VI. Open to Public
(No public comment)
VII. Authority Members Discussion
Mr. Collins said that on the county's website it says the CCWWA meets on the third
Monday of each month. You probably should change that because people will show up and
see that no one is here.
Mr. French said we'll address that and told the CCWWA:
• He was wrong. There are two regulated utilities in Collier County.
• The reason we regulate this at a local level is because in 1996, the Board of County
Commissioners had just regained that utility.
• It was turned over to the state in 1986 and there were complaints coming in from the
utility or private utility customers. They had to drive all the way to Tallahassee to be
heard by the Florida Public Service Commission.
• Under Chapter 367, this authority cannot be granted to anyone at the municipal level.
It can only be given to the county, and if the county were to get this back, it has to be
for no less than 10 years. It has to be awarded by the Florida Public Service
Commission.
• Those meetings are typically held in Tallahassee. Although we only have two
utilities, it's very important that in the event of a billing perplexity, service
commitments not being met, or questions from consumers or private utilities, whether
it's north Marco or Ave Maria, we need to have something locally.
• We have another board, the Construction Board of Appeals, which is recognized by
the Florida Building Commission. If you want to appeal the decision of the building
official or fire official, there's a right of appeal before it goes to the Florida Building
Commission for a final determination.
2
September 18, 2023
Although we do have boards or advisory committees like this, this is quasi judicial,
which is unlike most other boards. There are only a handful of quasi -
Judicial boards:
the Code Enforcement Board, Contractors Licensing Board, the Planning
Commission and CCWWA.
This is a very important board because you interpret and enforce law, and you have
staff dedicated to this function, so we appreciate you volunteering.
We have staff that have been assigned to this and we'll make sure we stay in
communication with you.
Vice Chair Sherry said if people work, they could call the office and say they have concerns
,and we could have a meeting.
Mr. French told the CCWWA:
• The executive director of the authority has powers that are built in and they can order
audits.
• There was one involving Orange Tree. There were a series of meetings based on
reports we received from the Department of Environmental Protection around the
time of Hurricane Charley (2004).
• That's when they all went off lime salt, and they had to go to reverse osmosis or low-
pressure, nano filtration, so it didn't matter what the category was, Category A, B or
C utility. We had some perplexities back then,
• Since that time, Collier County has taken over that utility.
• Staff has myriad opportunities to work with these utilities.
• The executive director should only be bringing it to this authority if they're seeking a
determination.
• They could be having problems with billings or consumer complaints, and we can
audit that.
• He apologized for not being engaged with the committee earlier, but he's here now.
• We'll continue to support staff as we move forward and you're in good hands.
Vice Chair Sherry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Second by Mr. Collins. The
motion passed unanimously, 3-0.
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned
by the order of the chairman at 3:11 p.m.
COLLIER COUNTY WATER AND WASTEWATER
AUTHORITY
Eloy Ricardo, Chairman
The e minutes were approved by the Authority on _Z" 2 �- Z �r , as presented
_, or as amended
S
lib
ct � O
O
O N OHO
ct
ctCt
O cn •O
cn
cn
•� o Q
O ct
4-4 N
ct ct ct
ct 4—a
5��
ci
O
t�t I
V
ct
to
U
U
O
OOO
ct
ct
O
t
t�t I
�"1
ct
c
U
�
�
O
�
�
O
�
U
ct
UU
$U.,
O
ctct
U
. -4
U
ct
ct
ctcn
•
U
c
sa�
--iw All";;
O
ct
ct
O
u
�_
�
O`V
• '--I
ct
Wct
ORO
ct
ct
ct
ct
ct
ct
ct
�C
O
-4-0
7�ct
l
..�
U
ct
c
N
c
�.�
ct
Oct
ct
�
ct
O
U
ct
v
O
O
C�3
ct
•^I
•�
, '
0
cn
u
1 'ME9.
O
� N77]
N �
N
M
0
M
V
�
�
o
M
�
N
N
o
0
N
�
o
N
o
o
N
CA
p�
�
®
o
N
0
M ■
o
O
N
Con
C'n
o
�
N
O
v?
N
N
U
^'
o
CA
�1
•u
o
N
O
^'
M
®
M
�
�
N
o
0 0 0 0 0
ct
U
�
v�
�
O
�
O
U
O
c
4-0
,--
o
♦0
a
o
ct
C,:3ct
N
L�
\O
ct
ct
a4
,�
N
cc
ct
N
c
M=
U
w
ct
>1
I
I
,j -0
W
nc 3
—
W
2
LU
00
z
az
J
a �
u
� in
W > �
~ Lu
z
~ Z:)`n
Q ❑
m 0
},
z d
m O�
Z W a
J �
w
� a =
J
a ❑
W w Q
o
Z W
❑
Lu
ago
w
O W W Z
N a n❑
OrW
w Q p
W W a
o
oc
W Q
m
gy m❑
LL
❑ w J LL
a�cc
❑
z a
W J �
W
o
❑
mo
c
p p Z
of
w w
C
U
E
Q�ii
o p w❑
CL
CC
Q ❑ Q
❑ Lu
m
r
w
a o d
rl
�
cc
v
❑J�
oc�❑
co C a
p� w D
CJ
iQ _
❑ Q ui
W ❑ F-
z m m
� w
N
cW
C LJ W
Z ❑ —
� o
b.A
o
❑
z w
"
Q
Q
m J p
m Q vLA
Z
C)
W ❑ p a
a w
❑ ~ _
= a Q
H
z
U
z
Q w ❑
U Q
Z
Q CaLLI
d
O
m
~ Oz w
Z
0 o
r
z ❑
i
z
Q
w W m
DC
U
m
°A
0
w z
= Q
0 U
bLO
C
J <
J
t
N
❑ Q
U
D
d
Q
w
a
ATHV373 INIYd
3SV37d
1,
\Nk'h-
Lli
__-�-_
�4�.• � a
cO 1eT c014Hty
Growth Management Department
Operations & Regulatory Management Division
TO: Chairman, Collier County Water and Wastewater Authority
FROM: Michael Stark, Director, Collier County Water and Wastewater Authority
and Director of Operations & Regulatory Management, Growth Management
Department
SUBJECT: Authority Agenda Item —February 29, 2024
Annual Election of Officers — Chairman and Vice Chairman
DATE: February 13, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: The Authority elects a Chairman and Vice Chairman to serve the
Authority as officers for the coming year.
REQUESTED ACTION: The Authority, by nomination and vote, selects a Chairman and Vice
Chairman to serve a term of one year, pursuant to Ordinance No. 96-6, as amended.
REPORT: The Collier County Water and Wastewater Authority was established by Ordinance
96-6 on February 27, 1996. The Board of County Commissioners appointed the original members
to the Authority on May 21, 1996. The last election was held on May 08, 2023, and the Authority
has not met in an official capacity since September 18, 2023.
In previous years, the chairman and vice chairman positions have been elected by fellow Authority
members. After selection by majority vote, staff recommends the outgoing chairman pass the gavel
to the incoming chairman, thus turning the meeting over to the new chairman.
Operations & Regulatory Management Division • 2800 North Horseshoe Drive • Naples, Florida 34104.239-252-2400 • wm.callieroountyfl.gov
cO 1eT c014Hty
Growth Management Department
Operations & Regulatory Management Division
TO: Chairman, Collier County Water and Wastewater Authority
FROM: Michael Stark, Director, Collier County Water and Wastewater Authority and
Director of Operations & Regulatory Management, Growth Management
Department
SUBJECT: Authority Agenda Item - Final Order No. 2024-01
DATE: January 10, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: To have the Authority approve Final Order No. 2024-01, establishing
the 2024 Price Index Factor for investor -owned water and/or wastewater utilities operating in
Collier County and in the City of Marco Island.
REQUESTED APPROVAL: Request the Authority review the attached Florida Public Service
Commission (FPSC) Order No. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS issued December 21, 2022,
establishing the 2024 Price Index of 3.24 percent; and approving Final Order No. 2024-01,
establishing the equivalent 2024 Price Index for investor -owned utilities operating in Collier
County and the City of Marco Island.
REPORT: Section 1-6 (I), Collier County Ordinance No. 96-6, as amended, requires the Authority
to adopt a price index for investor -owned water and/or wastewater utilities no later than May 15th
of each year, equivalent to the price index established annually by the FPSC. The 2024 Price Index
was effective on January 11, 2024, via the FPSC's Consummating Order No. PSC-2024-0013-
CO-WS.
The index is applied to the major categories of operation and maintenance costs incurred by water
and/or wastewater utilities, except for the amortization of rate case expenses and those operating
costs subject to pass -through adjustments, reflecting the percentage of increase (or decrease) of
such costs from the most recent 12-month historical period available. The maximum allowable
increase resulting from the application of the 2023 Price Index can be no greater than 3.24 percent.
Staff recommends the adoption of Final Order No. 2024-01, approving the 2024 Price Index and
the forms required for filing the price index adjustment.
Operations & Regulatory Management Division • 2800 North Horseshoe Drive • Naples, Florida 34104.239-252-2400 • wm.callieroountyfl.gov
FILED 12/21/2023
DOCUMENT NO. 06713-2023
FPSC - COMMISSION CLERK
BEFORE THE FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
In re: Annual reestablishment of price increase DOCKET NO.20230005-WS
or decrease index of major categories of ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS
operating costs incurred by water and ISSUED: December 21, 2023
wastewater utilities pursuant to Section
367.081 4 a , F.S.
The following Commissioners participated in the disposition of this matter:
ANDREW GILES FAY, Chairman
ART GRAHAM
GARY F. CLARK
MIKE LA ROSA
GABRIELLA PASSIDOMO
NOTICE OF PROPOSED AGENCY ACTION
ORDER ESTABLISHING 2024 PRICE INDEX FOR
WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITIES
BY THE COMMISSION:
NOTICE is hereby given by the Florida Public Service Commission that the action
discussed herein is preliminary in nature and will become final unless a person whose interests
are substantially affected files a petition for a formal proceeding, pursuant to Rule 25-22.029,
Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).
Background
Since March 31, 1981, pursuant to the guidelines established by Section 367.081(4)(a),
Florida Statutes (F.S.), and Rule 25-30.420, F.A.C., we have established a price increase or
decrease index for major categories of operating costs on or before March 31 of each year. This
process allows water and wastewater utilities to adjust rates based on current specific expenses
without applying for a rate case.
We calculated the 2024 price index by comparing the Gross Domestic Product Implicit
Price Deflator Index for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. This same procedure has been
used each year since 1995 to calculate the price index. The U.S. Department of Commerce,
Bureau of Economic Analysis, released its most recent third quarter figures on October 26, 2023,
Since March 31, 1981, we have received and processed approximately 4,025 index and
pass -through applications. We have jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to Section 367.081,
F.S.
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS
PAGE 2
Decision
1. Price Level Adjustment Index
In I993, the Gross Domestic Product Implicit Price Deflator Index (GDPDEF) was
established as the appropriate measure for determining the water and wastewater price index. At
the same time, the convention of using a four quarter fiscal year comparison was also established
and this practice has been used every year since then.' The GDPDEF is prepared by the U.S.
Department of Commerce. Prior to that time, the Gross National Product Implicit Price Deflator
Index (GDPDEF) was used as the indexing factor for water and wastewater utilities. The
Department of Commerce switched its emphasis from the GNPDEF to the GDPDEF as the
primary measure of U.S. production.
Pursuant to Section 367.081(4)(a), F.S., we, by order, shall establish a price increase or
decrease index for major categories of operating costs incurred by utilities subject to our
jurisdiction reflecting the percentage of increase or decrease in such costs from the most recent
12-month historical data available. Since 1995, the price index adjustment has been determined
by comparing the change in the average GDPDEF for the year ending September 30, instead of
the original December 31, in order to more easily meet the statutory deadline.
In Order No. PSC-2022-0438-PAA-WS, issued December 27, 2022, in Docket No.
20220005-WS, we, in keeping with the practice started in 1993, reiterated the alternatives which
could be used to calculate the indexing of utility revenues. Past concerns expressed by utilities,
as summarized from utility input in previous hearings, are:
1) Inflation should be a major factor in determining the index;
2) Nationally published indices should be vital to this determination;
3) Major categories of expenses are labor, chemicals, materials and supplies, maintenance,
transportation, and treatment expense;
4) An area wage survey, Dodge Building Cost Index, Consumer Price Index, and the GDP
should be considered;
5) A broad measure index should be used; and
6) The index procedure should be easy to administer.
'Order No. PSC-1993-0195-FOF-WS, issued February 9, 1993, in Docket No. 19930005-WS, In re: Annual
reestablishment of price increase or decrease index of major categories of operating costs incurred by water and
wastewater utilities pursuant to Section 367.081(4)(a), F.S.
20rder No. PSC-1995-0202-FOF-WS, issued February 10, 1995, in Docket No. 19950005-WS, In re: Annual
reestablishment of price increase or decrease index of major categories of operating costs incurred by water and
wastewater utilities pursuant to Section 367.081(4)(a), F.S.
ORDER NO. PSC-2023 -03 83-PAA-WS
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS
PAGE 3
Based upon these concerns, we have previously explored the following alternatives:
1) Survey of Regulated Water and Wastewater Utilities;
2) Consumer Price Index;
3) Florida Price Level Index;
4) Producer Price Index —previously the Wholesale Price Index; and
5) GDPDEF (replacing the GNPDEF).
Over the years, we rejected using the Survey of Regulated Water and Wastewater
Utilities because using the results of a survey would allow utilities to pass on to customers all
cost increases, thereby reducing the incentives of promoting efficiency and productivity. We
have also rejected using the Consumer Price Index and the Florida Price Level Index because of
their limited degree of applicability to the water and wastewater industry. Both of these price
indices are based upon comparing the advance in prices of a limited number of general goods
and, therefore, have limited application to water and wastewater utilities.
The Producer Price Index (PPI) is a family of indices that measure the average change
over time in selling prices received by domestic producers of goods and services. We rejected
using PPI because it measures price change from the perspective of the seller, not the purchaser.
The bases for these indices have not changed, and the conclusions reached in Order No. PSC-
2022-0438-PAA-WS continue to apply in this case. Since 1993, we have found that the
GDPDEF has a greater degree of applicability to the water and wastewater industry. Therefore,
we will continue to use the GDPDEF to calculate water and wastewater price level adjustments.
We will calculate the 2024 Price Index by using a fiscal year, four quarter comparison of the
GDPDEF ending with the third quarter of 2023.
The following information provides a historical perspective of the annual price index:
Table 0
Historical Analvsis of the Annual Price Index for Water and Wastewater Utilities
Year
Commission
Approved Index
Year
Commission
Approved Index
2013
1.63%
2019
2.36%
2014
1.41 %
2020
1.79%
2015
1.57%
2021
1.17%
2016
1.29%
2022
1 4.53%
2017
1.51 %
2023
7.07%
2018
1.79%
2024
3.24%
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-Ws
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS
PAGE 4
The table below shows the historical participation in the index and/or pass -through
programs:
Table 2
Percentage of Jurisdictional Water and Wastewater Utilities Filing for Indexes and
Pass-Throuehs
Year
Percentage
Year
Percentage
2012
30%
2018
42%
2013
41%
2019
60%
2014
39%
2020
43%
2015
49%
2021
52%
2016
38%
2022
1 57%
2017
37%
1 2023
1 53%
II. Rate for the 2024 Price Index
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, released the most
recent third quarter 2023 figures on October 26, 2023. Consistent with our establishment of the
2023 Price Index last year, we are using the third quarter amounts to calculate the 2024 Price
Index. Using the third quarter amounts allows time for us to establish the 2024 Price Index by
March 31, 2024, in accordance with Section 367.081(4)(a), F.S. The percentage change in the
GDPDEF using the fiscal year comparison ending with the third quarter is 3.24 percent. This
number was calculated as follows.
GDPDEF Index for the fiscal year ended 9/30/23 122.817
GDPDEF Index for the fiscal year ended 9/30/22 118.962
Difference 3.855
Divided by 9/30/22 GDPDEF Index 118.962
2024 Price Index 3.24%
III. Notice of Indexing Requirements
The package in Attachment 1, attached hereto, shall be sent to every regulated water and
wastewater utility after the expiration of the proposed agency action (PAA) protest period, along
with a copy of the PAA Order once final. The entire package shall also be made available on our
website.
In an effort to increase the number of water and wastewater utilities taking advantage of
the annual price index and pass -through programs, Attachment 2 from the Director of the
Division of Accounting and Finance shall be included with the PAA Order in order to explain the
purpose of the index and pass -through applications and to communicate that Commission staff is
available to assist them.
Based on the foregoing, it is
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS
PAGE 5
ORDERED by the Florida Public Service Commission that the Gross Domestic Product
Implicit Price Deflator Index shall be used in calculating price level adjustments. We calculate
the 2024 Price Index by using a fiscal year, four quarter comparison of the Implicit Price
Deflator Index ending with the third quarter of 2023. It is further
ORDERED that the 2024 Price Index for water and wastewater utilities shall be 3.24
percent. It is further
ORDERED that after the expiration of the Proposed Agency Action protest period, the
Division of Accounting and Finance shall send each regulated water and wastewater utility a
copy of the PAA order establishing index containing the information presented in Attachment I
along with a cover letter from the Director of the Division of Accounting and Finance. The entire
package shall also be available on our website. It is further
ORDERED that, upon expiration of the 14-day protest period, if a timely protest is not
received, the decision shall become final and effective upon the issuance of a Consummating
Order. Any party filing a protest shall be required to prefile testimony with the protest. However,
this docket shall remain open through the end of the year and be closed upon the establishment
of the new docket in January 2024.
By ORDER of the Florida Public Service Commission this 21 st day of December, 2023.
Florida Public Service Commission
2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
(850) 413-6770
www.floridapse.com
Copies furnished: A copy of this document is
provided to the parties of record at the time of
issuance and, if applicable, interested persons.
11 f
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS
PAGE 6
NOTICE OF FURTHER PROCEEDINGS OR JUDICIAL REVIEW
The Florida Public Service Commission is required by Section 120.569(1), Florida
Statutes, to notify parties of any administrative hearing that is available under Section 120.57,
Florida Statutes, as well as the procedures and time limits that apply. This notice should not be
construed to mean all requests for an administrative hearing will be granted or result in the relief
sought.
Mediation may be available on a case -by -case basis. If mediation is conducted, it does
not affect a substantially interested person's right to a hearing.
The action proposed herein is preliminary in nature. Any person whose substantial
interests are affected by the action proposed by this order may file a petition for a formal
proceeding, in the form provided by Rule 28-106.201, Florida Administrative Code. This
petition must be received by the Office of Commission Clerk, 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard,
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850, by the close of business on January 4, 2024.
In the absence of such a petition, this order shall become final and effective upon the
issuance of a Consununating Order.
Any objection or protest fled in this/these docket(s) before the issuance date of this order
is considered abandoned unless it satisfies the foregoing conditions and is renewed within the
specified protest period.
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-03$3-PAA-WS
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS
PAGE 7
FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
PRICE INDEX APPLICATION
APPLICABLE TEST YEAR
Attachment 1
Page 1 of S
Department of Environmental Protection Public Water System ID NO.
Department of Environmental Protection Wastewater Treatment Plant ID NO.
WATER WASTEWATER
Operation & Maintenance Expenses] $ $
LESS:
(a) Pass -through Items:
(1) Purchased Power
(2) Purchased Water
(3) Purchased Wastewater Treatment
(4) Sludge Removal
(5) Other'
(b) Rate Case Expense Included in Expenses
(c) Adjustments to Operation & Maintenance Expenses
from last rate case, if applicable:3
(1)
(2)
Costs to be Indexed $ $
Multiply by Annual Commission -Approved Price Index 3.24% 3.24%
Total Indexed Costs $ $
Add Change in Pass -Through Items:4
(1)
(2)
Divide Index and Pass -Through Sum by Expansion
Factor for Regulatory Assessment Fees .955 .955
Increase in Revenue
Divide by Applicable Test Year Revenues $ $
Percentage Increase in Rates
FOOTNOTES APPEAR ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS Attachment 1
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS Page 2 of 8
PAGE 8
PAGE I FOOTNOTES
'This amount must match last year's annual report.
20ther expense items may include increases in required Department of Environmental Protection
testing, ad valorem taxes, permit fees charged by the Department of Environmental Protection or
a Iocal government authority, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System fees, and
regulatory assessment fees. These items should not be currently embedded in the utility's rates.
'This may include adjustments that follow a methodology referenced in the Order from a utility's
last rate case (i.e. averaged bad debt expense or excessive unaccounted for water percentage
applied to chemicals expense).
'This may include an increase in purchased power, purchased water, purchased wastewater
treatment, sludge hauling, required Department of Environmental Protection testing, ad valorem
taxes, and permit fees charged by the Department of Environmental Protection or a local
government authority providing that those increases have been incurred within the 12-month
period prior to the submission of the pass -through application. Pass -through National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System fees and increases in regulatory assessment fees are eligible as
pass -through costs but not subject to the twelve month rule. All pass -through items require
invoices. See Rule 25-30.425, F.A.C. for more information.
'If rates changed after January I of the applicable test year, the book revenues must be adjusted
to show the changes and an explanation of the calculation should be attached to this form. See
Annualized Revenue Worksheet for instructions and a sample format.
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS Attachment 1
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS Page 3 of 8
PAGE 9
ANNUALIZED REVENUE WORKSHEET
Have the rates charged for customer services changed since January 1, of the applicable test
year?
(} If no, the utility should use actual revenues. This form may be disregarded.
} If yes, the utility must annualize its revenues. Read the remainder of this form.
Annualizing calculates the revenues the utility would have earned based upon the previous year's
customer consumption at the most current rates in effect. To complete this calculation, the utility
will need consumption data for the previous year to apply to the existing rate schedule. Below is
a sample format which may be used.
CALCULATION OF ANNUALIZED REVENUES*
Consumption Data for Applicable Test Year
Number of Current Annualized
BIIVGal. Sold X Rags Revenues
Residential Service:
Bills:
518"0/41" meters
1 " meters
1 2" meters
2" meters
Gallons Sold
General Service:
Bills:
518"x314" meters
1 " meters
1 2" meters
2" meters
3" meters
4" meters
6" meters
Gallons Sold
Total Annualized Revenues for the Applicable Test Year $
*Annualized revenues must be calculated separately if the utility consists of both a water system
and a wastewater system. This form is designed specifically for utilities using a base facility
charge rate structure. If annualized revenues must be calculated and Further assistance is needed,
contact the Commission Staff at (850) 413-6900.
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-FAA-WS Attachment 1
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS Page 4 of 8
PAGE 14
AFFIRMATION
1, , hereby affirm that the figures and calculations
re upon which the change in rates is based aaccurate and that the change will not cause
to exceed the range of its last authorized rate of return on
(name of utiIity)
equity, which is
I, the undersigned/officer of the above -named utility, have read the foregoing and declare that, to
the best of my knowledge and belief, the information contained in this application is true and
correct.
This affirmation is made pursuant to my request for a price index and/or pass -through rate
increase, in conformance with Section 367.081(4), Florida Statutes.
Further, I am aware that pursuant to Section 837.06, Florida Statutes, whoever knowingly makes
a false statement in writing with the intent to mislead a public servant in the performance of his
official duty shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.
Sworn to and subscribed
,2a .
My Commission expires:
(SEAL)
Signature:
Title:
Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
before me this
Notary Public
State of Florida
day of
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS Attachment ]
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS Page 5 of 8
PAGE I I
STATEMENT OF QUALITY OF SERVICE
Pursuant to paragraphs 25-30.420(2)(h) and (i), Florida Administrative Code,
(name of utility)
[ ] does not have any active written complaints, corrective orders, consent orders, or outstanding
citations with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or the County Health
Departments.
[ ] does have the attached active written complaint(s), corrective order(s), consent order(s), or
outstanding citation(s) with the DEP or the County Health Department(s). The attachment(s)
includes the specific system(s) involved with DEP permit number and the nature of the active
complaint, corrective order, consent order, or outstanding citation.
This statement is intended such that the Florida Public Service Commission can make a
determination of quality of service pursuant to Section 367.081(4)(a), Florida Statutes, and Rule
25-30.420(4)(a), Florida Administrative Code.
Name:
Title:
Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
Date:
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS
PAGE 12
Exception
Attachment 1
Page 6 of 8
hereby waives the right to implement
(name of utility)
a pass -through rate increase within 45 days of filing, as provided by Section 367.081(4)(b),
Florida Statutes, in order that the pass -through and index rate increase may both be implemented
together 60 days after the official filing date of this notice of intention.
Signature:
Title:
(To be used if an index and pass -through rate increase are requested jointly.)
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS Attachment 1
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS Page 7 of 8
PAGE 13
NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS
Pursuant to Section 367.081(4)(a), Florida Statutes, water and wastewater utilities are permitted
to adjust the rates and charges to its customers without those customers bearing the additional
expense of a public hearing. These adjustments in rates would depend on increases or decreases
in non -controllable expenses subject to inflationary pressures such as chemicals, and other
general operation and maintenance costs.
m
filed its notice of
(date) (name of utility)
intention with the Florida Public Service Commission to increase water and wastewater rates in
County pursuant to this Statute. The filing is subject to review by the
Commission Staff for accuracy and completeness. Water rates will increase by approximately
% and wastewater rates by %. These rates should be reflected for service rendered
on or after
(date)
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS Attachment 1
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS Page 8 of 8
PAGE 14
NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS
Pursuant to Section 367.081(4)(b), Florida Statutes, water and wastewater utilities are permitted
to pass through, without a public hearing, a change in rates resulting from: an increase or
decrease in rates charged for utility services received from a governmental agency or another
regulated utility and which services were redistributed by the utility to its customers; an increase
or decrease in the rates that it is charged for electric power, the amount of ad valorem taxes
assessed against its used and useful property, the fees charged by the Department of
Environmental Protection in connection with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System Program, or the regulatory assessment fees imposed upon it by the Commission; costs
incurred for water quality or wastewater quality testing required by the Department of
Environmental Protection; the fees charged for wastewater bio solids disposal; costs incurred for
any tank inspection required by the Department of Environmental Protection or a local
governmental authority; treatment plant and water distribution system operator license fees
required by the Department of Environmental Protection or a local governmental authority; water
or wastewater operating permit fees charged by the Department of Environmental Protection or a
local governmental authority; and consumptive or water use permit fees charged by a water
management district.
On
filed its notice of
(date) (name of utiIity)
intention with the Florida Public Service Commission to increase water and wastewater rates in
County pursuant to this Statute. The filing is subject to review by the
Commission Staff for accuracy and completeness. Water rates will increase by approximately
% and wastewater rates by %. These rates should be reflected on your bill for
service rendered on or after
(date)
If you should have any questions, please contact your local utility office. Be sure to have account
number handy for quick reference.
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS
PAGE 15
Commissioners:
Mike La Rosa, Chairman
Art Graham
Gary F. Clark
Andrew Giles Fay
Gabriella Passidomo
Attachment 2
Page 1 of 3
D1v1sIoN of
AccouNTING AND FINANCE
ANDREW L. MAUREY
DIRECTOR
(850)413-6900
Public Service Commission
Month Day, 2023
All Florida Public Service Commission
Regulated Water & Wastewater Utilities
Re: Docket No. 20230005-WS - 2024 Price Index
Dear Utility Owner:
Since March 31, 1981, pursuant to the guidelines established by Section 367.081(4)(a), Florida
Statutes (F.S.), and Rule 25-30.420, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), the Commission has
established a price increase or decrease index for major categories of operating costs. This
process allows water and wastewater utilities to adjust rates based on current specific expenses
without applying for a rate case. The intent of this rule is to ensure that inflationary pressures are
not detrimental to utility owners, and that any possible deflationary pressures are not adverse to
customers. By keeping up with index and pass -through adjustments, utility operations can be
maintained at a level sufficient to ensure quality of service for the customers.
Pursuant to Rule 25-30.420(1)(a), F.A.C., all operation and maintenance expenses shall
be indexed with the exception of:
a) Pass -through items pursuant to Section 367.081(4)(b), F.S.;
b) Any amortization of rate case expense; and
c) Disallowances or adjustments made in an applicant's most recent rate proceeding.
Please note that all sludge removal expense should now be removed from operation and
maintenance expenses for the purpose of indexing. Incremental increases in this category of
expense may now be recovered using a pass -through request.
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS
PAGE 16
All Florida Public Service Commission
Regulated Water & Wastewater Utilities
Page 2
Month Day, 2023
Attachment 2
Page 2 of 3
Upon the filing of a request for an index and/or pass -through increase, staff will review the
application and modify existing rates accordingly. If for no other reason than to keep up with
escalating costs, utilities throughout Florida should file for this rate relief on an annual basis.
Utilities may apply for a 2024 Price Index anytime between April 1, 2024, through March 31,
2025 by mail or by emailing Applications@psc.state.fl.us. The attached package will answer
questions regarding what the index and pass -through rate adjustments are, how to apply for an
adjustment, and what needs to be filed in order to meet the filing requirements. For your
convenience, the Commission -approved Price Index is reflected on Form PSC 1022, attached.
While the increase for any given year may be minor, (see chart below), the long -run effect of
keeping current with rising costs can be substantial.
Year
Annual
Commission
Approved Index
Year
Annual
Commission
Approved Index
1999
1.21%
2012
2.41%
2000
1.36%
2013
1.63%
2001
2.50%
2014
1.41 %
2002
2.33%
2015
1.57%
2003
1.31 %
2016
l .29%
2004
1.60%
2017
1.51 %
2005
2.17%
2018
1.76%
2006
2.74%
2019
2.36%
2007
3.09%
2020
1.79%
2008
2.39%
2021
1.17%
2009
2.55%
2022
4.53%
2010
0.56%
2023
7.07%
2011
1.18%
2023
3.24%
Please be aware that pursuant to Section 837.06, F.S., whoever knowingly makes a false
statement in writing with the intent to mislead a public servant in the performance of his or her
official duty shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. Our staff is available at (850)
413-6900 should you need assistance with your filing. If you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to call.
Moreover, additional rate relief mechanisms are available to water and wastewater utilities as
alternatives to full rate cases. Water and wastewater utilities whose total gross annual operating
revenues are $335,000 or less for water service or $335,000 or less for wastewater service, or
$670,000 or less on a combined basis, may petition the Commission for staff assistance in
ORDER NO. PSC-2023-03$3-PAA-WS Attachment 2
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS Page 3 of 3
PAGE 17
Florida Public Service Commission
Regulated Water & Wastewater Utilities
Page 3
Month Day, 2022
alternative rate setting. Please refer to Rule 25-30.456, F.A.C., for additional details.
Furthermore, water utilities whose total gross annual operating revenues are $335,000 or less and
wastewater utilities whose total gross annual operating revenues are $335,000 or less may file an
application for a limited alternative rate increase of up to 20 percent applied to metered or flat
recurring rates of all classes of service. Please refer to Rule 25-30.457, F.A.C., for additional
details.
Finally, the Commission reminds water and wastewater utilities that the Utility Reserve Fund
exists to help address concerns over deferred maintenance of critical infrastructure and delays in
necessary repairs. The availability of the reserve funds may allow a utility to avoid or defer the
need for a future rate case, the expenses of which are ultimately borne by customers. Please refer
to Rule 25-30.444, F.A.C., for additional details.
Sincerely,
Andrew L. Maurey
Director
Enclosures
FILED 1/11/2024
DOCUMENT NO. 00147-2024
FPSC - COMMISSION CLERK
BEFORE THE FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
In re: Annual reestablishment of price increase DOCKET NO. 20240005-WS
or decrease index of major categories of ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0013-CO-WS
operating costs incurred by water and ISSUED: January 11, 2024
wastewater utilities pursuant to Section
367.081 4 a , F.S.
CONSUMMATING ORDER
BY THE COMMISSION:
By Order No. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS, issued December 21, 2023, this Commission
proposed to take certain action, subject to a Petition for Formal Proceeding as provided in Rule
25-22.029, Florida Administrative Code. No response has been filed to the order, in regard to
the above mentioned docket. It is, therefore,
ORDERED by the Florida Public Service Commission that Order No. PSC-2023-0383-
PAA-WS has become effective and final. It is further
ORDERED that this docket shall remain open.
By ORDER of the Florida Public Service Commission this 1 lth day of Janua , 2024.
2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
(850) 413-6770
www.floridapsc.com
Copies furnished: A copy of this document is
provided to the parties of record at the time of
issuance and, if applicable, interested persons.
ME
ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0013-CO-WS
DOCKET NO.20230005-WS
PAGE 2
NOTICE OF FURTHER PROCEEDINGS OR JUDICIAL REVIEW
The Florida Public Service Commission is required by Section I20.569(1), Florida
Statutes, to notify parties of any judicial review of Commission orders that is available pursuant
to Section 120.68, Florida Statutes, as well as the procedures and time limits that apply. This
notice should not be construed to mean all requests for judicial review will be granted or result in
the relief sought.
Any party adversely affected by the Commission's final action in this matter may request
judicial review by the Florida Supreme Court in the case of an electric, gas or telephone utility or
the First District Court of Appeal in the case of a water and/or wastewater utility by filing a
notice of appeal with the Office of Commission Clerk and filing a copy of the notice of appeal
and the filing fee with the appropriate court. This filing must be completed within thirty (30)
days after the issuance of this order, pursuant to Rule 9.110, Florida Rules of Appellate
Procedure. The notice of appeal must be in the form specified in Rule 9.900(a), Florida Rules of
Appellate Procedure.
DOCKET NO. 20240005-WS
FILED 1/3/2024
DOCUMENT NO. 00005-2024
FPSC - COMMISSION CLERK
BEFORE THE FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
In re: Annual reestablishment of price increase DOCKET NO. 20230005-WS
or decrease index of major categories of DOCKET NO. 20240005-WS
operating costs incurred by water and ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0005-PCO-WS
wastewater utilities pursuant to Section ISSUED: January 3, 2024
367.081(4)(a), F.S.
ORDER ESTABLISHING 2024 DOCKET NUMBER
BY THE COMMISSION:
In order to avoid confusion and reduce administrative handling problems in this active
and continuing docket, we are establishing a new docket number for the calendar year 2024.
Beginning January 3, 2024, Docket No. 20230005-WS, In re. Annual reestablishment of price
increase or decrease index of maior categories of oneratinia costs incurred by water and
wastewater utilities pursuant to Section 367.081(4){a), F.S. will be identified as Docket No.
20240005-WS.
The establishment of a new docket number is for administrative convenience only and the
Commission retains its continuing jurisdiction over matters considered in previous planning
dockets.
A new docket number will be used by all parties on the effective date of January 3, 2024,
and thereafter. Intervenors will not remain as parties to this docket unless they notify the Office
of Commission Clerk in writing of their intent to remain parties. Intervenors and interested
persons must reestablish their status in order to remain on the docket mailing list.
It is therefore
ORDERED by the Florida Public Service Commission that beginning January 3, 2024,
all matters previously the subject of Docket No. 20230005-WS, shall be part of Docket No.
20240005-WS. It is further
ORDERED that the Commission shall retain jurisdiction over matters considered in
previous annual reestablishment of price increase or decrease index dockets.
ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0005-PCO-WS
DOCKET NO. 20230005-WS
DOCKET NO.20240005-WS
PAGE 2
By ORDER of the Florida Public Service Commission this 3rd day of Janua , 2024.
ADAM J. /TEItZMAN'
Commission Cle�k
Florida Public Service Commission
2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
(850)413-6770
www.floridapsc.com
Copies furnished: A copy of this document is
provided to the parties of record at the time of
issuance and, if applicable, interested persons.
NOTICE OF FURTHER PROCEEDINGS OR JUDICIAL REVIEW
The Florida Public Service Commission is required by Section 120.569(1), Florida
Statutes, to notify parties of any administrative hearing or judicial review of Commission orders
that is available under Sections 120.57 or 120.68, Florida Statutes, as well as the procedures and
time limits that apply. This notice should not be construed to mean all requests for an
administrative hearing or judicial review will be granted or result in the relief sought.
Mediation may be available on a case -by -case basis. if mediation is conducted, it does
not affect a substantially interested person's right to a hearing.
Any party adversely affected by this order, which is preliminary, procedural or
intermediate in nature, may request: (1) reconsideration within 10 days pursuant to Rule 25-
22.0376, Florida Administrative Code; or (2) judicial review by the Florida Supreme Court, in
the case of an electric, gas or telephone utility, or the First District Court of Appeal, in the case
of a water or wastewater utility. A motion for reconsideration shall be filed with the Office of
Commission Clerk, in the form prescribed by Rule 25-22.0376, Florida Administrative Code.
Judicial review of a preliminary, procedural or intermediate ruling or order is available if review
of the final action will not provide an adequate remedy. Such review may be requested from the
appropriate court, as described above, pursuant to Rule 9.100, Florida Rules of Appellate
Procedure.
ATTACHMENT "A"
Final Order No. 2024-01
RE: Establishment of 2024 Price Index Factor
February 29, 2024
Collier County
Water and Wastewater Authority
CAO
FINAL ORDER NO.2024-01
COLLIER COUNTY WATER AND WASTEWATER AUTHORITY
A FINAL ORDER OF THE COLLIER COUNTY WATER AND WASTEWATER
AUTHORITY, PURSUANT TO SECTION 1-6, COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE NO.
96-6, AS AMENDED, PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE 2024 PRICE INDEX
FACTOR SET ANNUALLY BY THE FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, FOR
UTILIZATION IN PRICE INDEX RATE APPLICATIONS FOR INVESTOR -OWNED
WATER AND/OR WASTEWATER UTILITIES OPERATING IN COLLIER COUNTY
AND THE CITY OF MARCO ISLAND.
WHEREAS, Collier County Ordinance No. 96-6, as amended, provides for the Collier
County Water and Wastewater Authority (AUTHORITY) to adopt a price index factor for water
and/or wastewater utilities on or before May 15' of each calendar year for the utilization in price
index rate application; and
WHEREAS, Collier County Ordinance No. 96-6, as amended, provides that the price
index factor shall be equivalent to the price index factor set annually by the Florida Public Service
Commission (COMMISSION); and
WHEREAS, the COMMISSION issued Order No PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS on
December 21, 2023, establishing the 2024 Price Index of 3.24 percent for water and/or wastewater
utilities; and
WHEREAS, the COMMISSION issued Consummating Order No. PSC-2024-0013-CO-
WSon January 11, 2024, enabling Order No. PSC-2023-0383-PAA-WS to become final and
effective on January 11, 2024
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED by the Collier County Water and
Wastewater Authority, in public meeting assembled, that:
1. The 2024 Price Index is 3.24 percent.
2. Any water and/or wastewater utility that intends to increase its rates by implementation
of this price index must notify the AUTHORITY on or after the effective date of this
Final Order of such intent and shall apply the 2024 Price Index to applicable 2023
calendar year operation and maintenance expenses.
3. Utilities using the 2024 Price Index shall use the forms attached as Appendices "A",
"B", "C" and "D", and shall follow all price index application requirements specified
in Collier County Ordinance No. 96-06, as amended, before implementing any index.
4. This Order shall become effective upon adoption by the AUTHORITY and shall
remain in effect until the AUTHORITY authorizes a change.
[24-OPS-0 1079/1845897/1 ] Page 1 of 8
090
This Final Order adopted this 29th day of February 2024, after motion, second, and
majority vote favoring the same.
COLLIER COUNTY WATER AND
WASTEWATER AUTHORITY
BN:
Eloy Ricardo, Chair
Derek D. Perry, Esq.
Assistant County Attorney
[24-OPS-01079/1845897/1] Page 2 of 8
C�
70
APPENDIX "A"
2024 PRICE INDEX APPLICATION
TEST YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023'
Utility: WATER WASTEWATER
2023 Operation and maintenance Expenses (O&M)
LESS:
(a) Pass -Through Items:
(1) Purchased Power
(2) Purchased Water
(3) Purchased Sewage
Treatment
(4) Other2:
(b) Rate Case Expenses Included In
2023 Expenses
(c) Adjustments to O&M Expenses from
last rate case, if applicable:
(1)
(2)
Costs to be Indexed
Multiply by the 2024 Price Index Factor 0.0324 0.0324
Indexed Costs
Add: Pass -Through Items
Total of Indexed Costs and Pass -Through Items
Divide Total of Indexed Costs and Pass -Through Items
by Expansion Factor for Regulatory Assessment Fees 0.980 0.980
Increase in Revenue
Divide by 2023 Annualized Revenue
Percentage Increase in Rates
'This amount should be for the calendar year 2023. If the utility is on a fiscal year, a pro
rata distribution between the utility's two affected annual reports should be included as a
supplemental attachment. The annual reports or general ledgers should be used as the source
document(s). The utility is required to send a worksheet showing the pro rata distribution.
[24-OPS-01079/1845897/1] Page 3 of 8
G
2If applicable, deduct on this line any other expenses for which a pass -through has been
received. Specify the type of expense, which is being deducted.
3If rates changed during or subsequent to calendar year 2023, the book revenues must be adjusted
to show the changes and an explanation of the calculation should be attached to this form. (See
Appendix `B" for instructions and sample format.)
[24-OPS-01079/1845897/11 Page 4 of 8
P)
a
0
APPENDIX "B"
ANNUALIZED REVENUE WORKSHEET
Have rates charged for customer services changed since January 1, 2023?
( ) If no, the utility should use actual revenues. This form may be disregarded.
( ) If yes, the utility must annualize its revenues. Complete the remainder of this form.
Annualizing calculates the revenue the utility would have earned based upon 2023 customer
consumption at the most current rates in effect. To complete this calculation, the utility will need
consumption data for 2023 to apply to the existing rate schedule. Below is a sample, which may
be used.
CALCULATION OF ANNUALIZED REVENUES'
Number of
Bills/
Gallons Sold x
Residential Bills:
5/8" x 3/4" meters
1" meters
1 '/2" meters
2" meters
Total No. Bills
Gallons Sold
Other Revenue
General Service:
5/8" x 3/4" meters
1" meters
1 %2" meters
2" meters
3" meters
4" meters
6" meters
Total No. Bills
Gallons Sold
Other Revenue
Total Annualized Revenues for 2023
2
2
Current
Rates
2
2
Annualized
Revenues
`A
►A
[24-OP S-01079/ 1845 897/ 1 ]
Page 5 of 8
'Annualized revenues must be calculated separately if the utility consists of both a water
system and a sewer system. This form is designed specifically for utilities using a base facility
charge rate structure. If annualized revenues must be calculated and further assistance is needed,
contact the Utility Regulation Staff at (239) 252-4150.
2Complete only if billing charge is separate.
[24-OPS-01079/1845897/11 Page 6 of 8
AO
0
I,
authorized representative of
APPENDIX "C"
AFFIDAVIT
UNDER OATH hereby affirms that I am the duly
and that the figures and
calculations upon which the change in rates is based are accurate and that the change will not cause
said to exceed its last authorized or calculated rate of return, which is
This affidavit is made pursuant to this utility's request for a 2024 price index rate increase.
Title
(Print Name)
Pursuant to Section 117.05(13)(a), Florida Statutes, the following notarial certificate is sufficient
for an oath or affirmation:
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF
Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed before me by means of ❑ physical presence or ❑ online
notarization, this day of ear , by (name of person making statement)-.
(Signature of Notary Public - State of Florida)
(Print, Type, or Stamp Commissioned Name of Notary Public)
Personally Known OR Produced Identification
Type of Identification Produced
[24-OPS-01079/1845897/11 Page 7 of 8
APPENDIX "D"
NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS
On February 29, 2024, the Collier County Water and Wastewater Authority adopted
provisions permitting water and wastewater utilities to adjust the rates it charges to its customers
without those customers bearing the additional expense of a public hearing. The adjustments in
rates would depend on increases or decreases in non -controllable expenses subject to inflationary
pressures such as chemicals, and other operational and maintenance costs.
On ,
filed notice of intent with
the Growth Management Department (GMD) Operations & Regulatory Management Division, to
increase water and wastewater rates as a result of this action. If acknowledged and approved by
the Collier County Water and Wastewater Authority, water rates will increase by approximately
and wastewater rates by %. The adjusted rates should be reflected on your
bill.
Should you have any questions, please contact your local utility office. Be sure to have
your account number handy for quick reference. Customers may also direct inquiries to the GMD
Operations & Regulatory Management Division, 2800 Horseshoe Drive North, Naples, Florida
34104 at (239) 252-4150.
[24-OPS-01079/1845897/11 Page 8 of 8
O`d0
LocaliQ
Florida
GANNETT
PROOF OF PUBLICATION
Collier County Water Disu•.
Collier County Water Uistr
3299 7amiami TRL E # 700
Naples FL 34112-5749
STATE OF WISCONSIN, COUNTY OF BROWN
Before the undersigned authority personally appeared, who
on oath says that he or she is the Legal Advertising
Representative of the Naples Daily News, a newspaper
published in Collier County, Florida; that the attached copy
of advertisement, being a Legal Ad in the matter of Public
Notices, was published on the publicly accessible website of
Collier and Lee Counties, Florida, or in a newspaper by print
in the issues of, on:
02/23/2024
Affiant further says that the website or newspaper complies
with all legal requirements for publication in chapter 50,
Florida Statutes.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, by the legal clerk, who
is personally known to me, on 02/23/2024
Legal Clerk
Notary, State of WI, ounty of /Brown
( -" %
My commission expires
Publication Cost: $108.50
Order No: 9876963 # of Copies:
Customer No: 1125507 1
PO #: 4500226652
THIS IS NOT AN INVOICE!
Please do not use this form for payment remiillonce.
KATHLEEN ALLEN
Notary Public
State of Wisconsin
PO Box 631244 Cincinnati, OH 45263-1244
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
AND FINAL ORDER NO. 2024-01
COLLIER COUNTY WATER AND
WASTEWATER AUTHORITY
2800 NORTH HORSESHOE DRIVE
NAPLES, FL 34104
CONFERENCE ROOM 609/610
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024
2:00 P.M.
FINAL ORDER NO. 2024-01
COLLIER COUNTY WATER AND
WASTEWATER AUTHORITY
A FINAL ORDER OF THE
COLLIER COUNTY WATER AND
WASTEWATER AUTHORITY,
PURSUANT TO SECTION 1-6,
COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE
NO. 96-6, AS AMENDED, PROVID-
ING FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE
2024 PRICE INDEX FACTOR SET
ANNUALLY BY THE FLORIDA
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION,
FOR UTILIZATION IN PRICE
INDEX RATE APPLICATIONS
FOR INVESTOR -OWNED WATER
AND/OR WASTEWATER UTILI-
TIES OPERATING IN COLLIER
COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
MARCO ISLAND.
ELOY RICARDO, CHAIRMAN
2/23/24 9876963
Page 1 of 1