Rate Study

Water and 
Wastewater 
Utility Rate Study 
Town of Wickenburg 
31 May 2023 
    The Power of Commitment

The Power of Commitment 
 
 
Project name 
Wickenburg Utility Rate Study 
Document title 
Water and Wastewater |  Utility Rate Study 
Project number 
12592989 
File name 
12592989 - Wickenburg Utility Rate Study Revised Final Draft 190523.docx 
Status 
Code 
Revision 
Author 
Reviewer 
Approved for issue  
Name 
Signature 
Name 
Signature  
Date 
S3 
 
Oscar Sharp 
Wennie van 
Lint 
 
F. Tack 
 
5.30.23 
[Status 
code] 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GHD  
4747 North 22nd Street, Suite 200 
Phoenix, Arizona 85016, United States 
T  602.216.7200  |  E info-northamerica@ghd.com  |  ghd.com 
© GHD 2023 
This document is and shall remain the property of GHD. The document may only be used for the purpose for 
which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of Engagement for the commission. Unauthorized 
use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
i 
 
Contents 
1. 
Introduction 
1 
1.1 
Purpose of this report 
1 
1.2 
Goals and objectives 
2 
1.3 
Assumptions 
2 
2. 
Background 
2 
2.1 
Utility Ratemaking 
3 
2.1.1 
Revenue Sufficiency Analysis 
3 
2.1.2 
Cost of Service Analysis 
3 
2.1.3 
Rate Design Analysis 
3 
3. 
Utility Ratemaking Study and Model Development 
4 
3.1 
Revenue Sufficiency Development 
4 
3.2 
Cost of Service Development 
5 
3.3 
Rate Design Development 
6 
3.4 
General Model Inputs 
6 
4. 
Analysis of Results and Discussion 
7 
4.1 
Revenue Sufficiency and Rate Design Analysis 
7 
4.1.1 
Reserve Fund Balance 
7 
4.1.2 
Budgeted Expenditures 
7 
4.1.3 
General Assumptions 
9 
4.1.3.1 
Customer and demand growth 
9 
4.1.3.2 
Other revenues 
9 
4.1.4 
Revenue Sufficiency Results 
9 
4.2 
Rate Design Analysis 
19 
4.2.1 
Water and Wastewater Rates 
19 
4.2.2 
Rate design analysis results 
20 
4.2.3 
Customer rate design analysis 
21 
5. 
Capacity Fee evaluation 
23 
6. 
Conclusions and Recommendations 
24 
7. 
Appendices 
27

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
ii 
 
Table index 
Table 1 – Revenue inputs 
4 
Table 2 – Cost inputs 
5 
Table 3 – Pipe Diameter Summary 
6 
Table 4 – Operating expenditure and depreciation inputs 
6 
Table 5 – CAPEX growth factors 
7 
Table 6 – Reserve/Capital Account Inputs 
7 
Table 7 – Capital Expenditures FY23-34 ($) 
8 
Table 8 – Capital Expenditures FY35-44 ($) 
8 
Table 9 – Population and Demand Inputs 
9 
Table 10 – Base Case/Do Nothing Option 
10 
Table 11 – Option 1 – Optimal Rate 
11 
Table 12 – Option 2 - Reserve Fund Balance to $0 
12 
Table 13 – Option 3 – 10% increase to service fee and base fee 
13 
Table 14 – Option 4 – Focus on Commercial and high demand users 
14 
Table 15 – Option 5 – Increase of service rates, base fees kept to inflation 
15 
Table 16 – Option 6 – increase base fee and keep service rates at 5% 
16 
Table 17 – Option 7 – Smoothing of base fee increases 
17 
Table 18 – Option 8 – another smoothing attempt 
18 
Table 19 – Water service fee rates and base fees 
19 
Table 20 – Wastewater service fees rates and base fees 
19 
Table 21 – Water rates used in analysis 
20 
Table 22 – Wastewater rates used in analysis 
20 
Table 23 – Option 5 – rate design analysis 
21 
Table 24 – Option 6 – rate design analysis 
22 
Table 25 – Option 7 – Rate Design Analysis 
22 
Table 26 – Recommended capacity fees 
23 
Table 27 - Recommended Water & Wastewater Utility Rate Change 
25 
Table 28 - Recommended rate change comparison 
25 
 
Appendices 
Appendices 1 – Operating Expenditure used in financial modeling 
28 
Appendices 2 – Current Utility Summary - Primary Rates/Fees 
31 
Appendices 3 – Other Revenues used in financial modeling 
32 
Appendices 4 – Financial Results – Option 1 
36 
Appendices 5 – Financial Results – Option 2 
37 
Appendices 6 – Financial Results – Option 3 
38 
Appendices 7 – Financial Results – Option 4 
39 
Appendices 8 – Financial Results – Option 5 
40 
Appendices 9 – Financial Results – Option 6 
41 
Appendices 10 – Financial Results – Option 7 
42

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
1 
 
1. 
Introduction 
GHD was engaged by the Town of Wickenburg (the Town) in evaluating the water and wastewater utility rates and 
impacts of infrastructure development on financial performance, through a study to identify recommendations for 
updates and improvements to rate structure(s), with the focus of identifying the path towards a sustainable 
revenue stream to fund operations, maintenance, and capital projects. 
The results of the study presented in this report include ratemaking analysis and rate’s structure designed to 
provide revenues sufficient to cover ongoing operating and capital costs for the Town’s water and wastewater 
utilities. 
A financial model was developed as part of this study, with this report delivering the findings. The model utilizes 
historic data from the Town’s various water and wastewater utilities. This data includes financial performance, 
customer levels, usage demand and forecasted budgets. The data was used to inform modelling of revenues, 
costs, and overall financial performance. 
The model forecasts the following financial metrics, which are used to complete the analysis: 
− 
Service revenue (revenue from providing water and wastewater services) 
− 
Operating costs (costs associated with the ongoing operations of the utilities) 
− 
Capital expenditure and Reserve Capital (expenditures from capital works and money inflows from 
Reserve Capital accounts and other external sources not related to rendering of services) 
These financial metrics are then used to complete the following analyses: 
− 
Revenue Sufficiency Analysis (assessing that revenues generated from utility rates are sufficient to cover 
all costs – operational and capital expenditures) 
− 
Cost of Service (analysis of costs based on demands for the utility service)  
− 
Rate Design Analysis (developing proportionate and sustainable fixed and variable rates for the customers 
of the utilities) 
The model considers these financial metrics across two (2) water utility systems, and two (2) wastewater utilities 
systems. Those utilities include the following: 
− 
Town Water 
− 
Town Wastewater 
− 
Wickenburg Ranch Water 
− 
Wickenburg Ranch Wastewater 
The data that was supplied by the Town and available within GHD for this project allowed for this level of 
granularity. 
The forecast modelling is from fiscal year 2023 (FY23) ending June 30, 2023, and fiscal year 2034 (FY34), ending 
June 30, 2034. The model length is based on the capital expenditure budgets provided, which have expected 
capital works up to 2034. 
1.1 
Purpose of this report 
The report provides an overview of the study and the associated financial model, including a discussion of the data 
sources, assumptions, forecasting methods, scenarios, and results. The areas of analysis in modelling are water 
and wastewater utility revenue sufficiency, cost of service, and rate design analysis. Results from the analysis are 
presented in this report, with the Town to utilize the report as a reference for future decisions concerning the 
financial governance of water utilities.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
2 
 
1.2 
Goals and objectives 
The primary goal of the study is to quantify and validate service rates level(s), structure, and other 
recommendations that would promote the ability for the Town water and wastewater utilities to meet ongoing costs 
commitments, in particular the upcoming capital expenditures planned. 
In depth analysis of the forecasted capital expenditures are separately identified and discussed in the recent Town 
Water System Master Plan, and the recent Town Unified Wastewater Master Plan reports. 
The modeling also investigated various cost scenarios, to assess the cost-of-service for the utilities and identify 
opportunities for cost reductions and reconfigurations. 
1.3 
Assumptions 
GHD made the following assumptions in development of the rate study model: 
− 
The historic data on water and wastewater utilities provided by the Town is correct and suitable for use as 
the basis for the assessment. 
− 
The forecasted budgets provided by the Town aligns with Town goals and as developed by GHD is 
suitable for use as the basis for the assessment. 
− 
The demand and population forecasts developed by GHD are suitable for use as the basis for the 
assessment. 
Whilst the model and report provide valuable insight into utility rates for the Town, a number of information gaps 
create limitations, which included the following: 
– 
The proposed utilities’ rates are based on pipe diameter. Therefore, the granularity on both the water and 
wastewater service influences the precision of the forecast and recommendations. This study assumed that 
all water residential customers utilize a pipe size of 5/8-inch diameter, and all water commercial customers 
use a 1-inch diameter. Given the differences in service fee rates and base fees for various sizes, this 
assumption means that the revenue model does not account for the full division amongst various services 
sizes within each customer type. 
– 
Capital expenditure is often non-linear, so developing a model that is solely based on growth rates can be 
inaccurate. Future budget and expense evaluation with greater granularity in labor, maintenance, and 
consumables expenditures and forecasts can return a reliable capital expenditure forecast, specifically across 
the utilities servicing the Wickenburg Ranch customer base. 
– 
Lack of definitive direction around the desired or required “contingency” funding or the magnitude of, or 
approach in development of reserve funds increased the percent increase proposed and recommended for 
the cost of operating the utilities. 
– 
Contingency is a significant and highly variable cost in the historic records of the utilities. Confirmation of how 
contingency and reserves are desired to be used the logic or scenario for implementation could improve the 
forecast of the model and recommendations. 
2. 
Background 
The development of this rate model is related to the Wickenburg Water System Master Plan and Wickenburg 
Unified Wastewater Master Plan (The Master Plans) developed in 2019 and 2023 respectively, and the 
Wickenburg Ranch Wastewater Master Plan developed in 2018 by GHD for the Town. Those Master Plans outline 
the broader strategy for the Town’s water and wastewater utilities, with extensive population, demand, and 
infrastructure development forecasts. 
The model provides additional information on the utilities’ financial position and provides insights into future 
financial performance and options, given the forecasts present in the Master Plan. The core objective of the model 
is to capture the following:

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
3 
 
− 
Future financial performance, especially around capacity for service revenue to cover future capital 
expenditures. 
− 
Rate analysis (modelling revenue and overall financial results of various rate levels) to provide insight into 
potential rate levels across residential and commercial water and wastewater customers. 
− 
Analysis of Reserve Capital and cash needs for future capital expenditures. 
− 
A snapshot of current financial situation. 
2.1 
Utility Ratemaking 
This study develops utility rates based on future cost budgets, forecasts, and growth assumptions. Utility rates 
must be sufficient to cover costs, with an inability to do so opening the potential for system failure, as there are 
inadequate funds for maintenance and improvements. 
While the rates for a utility are based on a variety of factors, the development of rates should be consistent with 
general rate‐making principles set forth in utility rate‐making practice and literature. In short, rates designed for any 
utility should strike a reasonable balance between several key factors. These are: 
− 
Generate, as much as possible, a stable rate which produces a sufficient revenue to meet financial goals 
and obligations of the utilities. 
− 
Be fair and equitable to customers and charge different classes of customer in fair and equitable levels. 
− 
Be easy to understand for customers and the staff of the utilities. 
In addition to the principles above, ratemaking studies include the following analyses: 
Revenue sufficiency analysis: this compares revenues to upcoming expense to determine required rate 
adjustment. To attain revenue sufficiency, revenues must cover all costs without the need for external funds. 
Cost of service analysis: revenues requirements given fixed, and variables costs of providing service. 
Rate design analysis: analyzing the rate levels and structures to deliver required revenues. 
2.1.1 
Revenue Sufficiency Analysis 
Revenue Sufficiency is where revenues generated from utility rates are sufficient to cover all costs, including 
operational and capital expenditures. Core considerations for revenue sufficiency analysis are: 
Ratemaking: rates must be set at a level that is sufficient to cover expenses from operations and capital works. 
Capital funding vs. debt: determining appetite to take on debt to fund future expenses. Alternative is to use cash 
from operations and/or a build-up of cash. This is sometimes referred to as “pay-as-you-go” (PAYGO) and is only 
possible when operating in Revenue Sufficiency. 
Financial plans: use of forecasts and budgets, as well as historic records to determine when and where future 
expenses will occur is important in setting rates. Requirements for cash requirements may fluctuate over time, 
which gives scope for rate changes. Appropriately considering financial plans also requires robust forecasting 
methods for costs, as well as conservative approaches to expectations around future revenues. 
2.1.2 
Cost of Service Analysis 
To determine the required revenues levels, a cost-of-service analysis was undertaken. That analysis was focused 
on determining the required costs for operating, maintaining, and upgrading water and wastewater infrastructure. 
The process of cost allocation was completed by GHD and the Town, through the Masterplans and other 
assessments. The analysis also draws upon the historic financial records of the utilities. 
2.1.3 
Rate Design Analysis 
Once the revenue requirements were established, the setting of rates across various customer types and modes 
of service can be undertaken. The analysis considers a variety of factors in establishing rates, including cost 
allocations across the various utilities and customer impact. The rate design process is aimed to approximate a 
balance between the need for revenue sufficiency, and the need for providing a service in a fair and equitable 
manner. The rate design also deals with the timing of rate changes.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
4 
 
3. 
Utility Ratemaking Study and Model 
Development 
This section outlines the revenue sufficiency, cost of service analysis and rate design analysis carried out by the 
model. It details the elements used in these analyses, the source data, and assumptions. 
3.1 
Revenue Sufficiency Development 
As noted in section 2.1.1, the level of revenues generated by rates must be sufficient to cover all expenditures of 
the utility. Where current water or wastewater rates are not sufficient to meet the annual revenue requirements of 
the systems, revenue increases were modelled to provide the revenue necessary to meet those expenditure 
needs.  
The service revenue forecast is based on the following inputs: 
− 
Population and Subscriber Penetration 
− 
Usage demand 
− 
Service rates for residential and commercial customers 
− 
Base fees for residential and commercial customers 
These inputs were combined to deliver a total revenue for each of the utility providers1. Given the data that was 
supplied for the model, residential and commercial revenues were calculated for the providers. 
The table below depicts the basis for the growth factors used for each of the inputs used in the service revenue 
development. It also shows the source of the inputs and information that drives the growth factors. 
Table 1 – Revenue inputs 
Input 
Logic for input  
Source  
Population and Subscriber 
Penetration 
Population data and subscriber 
penetration are used to determine 
total customer numbers. 
Subscriber penetration refers to the 
percentage of the population that 
uses water and wastewater 
services. Historic customer data is 
used as a basis for modelling. 
Additionally, the masterplans 
included population growth 
forecasts for the Town of 
Wickenburg, which are utilized in 
the model. 
These forecasts inform the base 
case scenario for future customer 
numbers. The other scenarios are 
sensitivity analysis to this. 
Utility masterplans 
Historic financial records 
Usage demand 
The masterplans include usage 
demand forecasts which are used 
in the developing the rates in the 
scenarios. The base case utilizes 
this forecast, with the other 
scenarios based on sensitivity 
analysis. 
Utility masterplans 
Historic financial records 
 
1 Number of customers, the usage demand and rates are multiplied to produce a total service revenue

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
5 
 
Input 
Logic for input  
Source  
Usage demand forecasts in the 
Masterplan are for residential and 
commercial customers. Therefore, 
the model includes separate usage 
demand forecasts for residential 
and commercial customers. 
Service rates  
Uses current rates provided by the 
Town. Current rates are escalated 
and reduced to observe impacts on 
revenue sufficiency and overall 
financial performance. 
Historic financial records 
Base Fees 
Uses base fees provided by the 
Town. Current rates are escalated 
and reduced to observe impacts on 
revenue sufficiency and overall 
financial performance. 
Historic financial records 
3.2 
Cost of Service Development 
The key cost items considered in the model are: 
− 
Capital expenditure 
− 
Salaries and personnel cost 
− 
Other operating expenditure 
− 
Materials and maintenance  
− 
Utilities 
Table 2 – Cost inputs 
Input 
Logic for input  
Source  
Capital expenditure 
For the utilities of Town Water and 
Town Wastewater, capital 
expenditure forecasts for FY23 – 
FY34 have been provided. 
Wickenburg Ranch utilities based 
on historic averages.  
US Inflation data 
Historic financial records 
Salaries and personnel costs 
Based on historic averages across 
each utility. Growth rates in 
modelling based on inflation data. 
US Inflation data 
Historic financial records 
Other operating expenditure 
Based on historic averages across 
each utility. Growth rates in 
modelling based on inflation data. 
US Inflation data 
Historic financial records 
Materials & Maintenance 
Separated from other operating 
expenditure due to volatility. 
Growth rates based on historic 
data and reverted to inflation over 
life of model. 
US Inflation data  
Historic financial records 
Utilities costs 
Separated from other operating 
expenditure due to volatility. 
Growth rates based on historic 
data and reverted to inflation over 
life of model. 
US Inflation data  
Historic financial records

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
6 
 
3.3 
Rate Design Development 
The historic financial records used in developing this model show the utility providers have access to Reserve, or 
Capital accounts. These are funds on which the utilities can draw funds to conduct business. Typically, these 
funds are used primarily for capital expenditure. 
To conduct rate design analysis, the model considers the balance of the Reserve or Capital Account. Analyzing 
the final balance of this Reserve Account allows for the development of different rate design and structures. It 
allows for the model to consider various rate changes and how these impact the bottom line of the utilities. 
To account for these funds, the model considers a Reserve Account, which can be drawn upon to fund capital 
expenditures if the cashflow from operations (total revenues less total operating costs) is insufficient to cover these 
capital expenditures. 
If there is money remaining after operations and capital expenditure, this money is modelled to be return to the 
Reserve Account, where it will be utilized in the future, as required. Additional money in this Reserve Account is 
also assumed to be able to generate interest, which is added to the utilities’ revenues. The scenarios allow for 
modelling a range of starting balances in the Reserve Account, as well as loan interest rates. 
3.4 
General Model Inputs 
Below is a list of the model inputs, with the growth factor assumptions, along with sources. These inputs are used 
to complete the revenue sufficiency, cost of service and rate design analyses. The model allows for changes to the 
rates assumed currently. Users of the model can influence a variety of different inputs that will deliver differing 
financial outcomes. 
Table 3 – Pipe Diameter Summary 
Utility & Customer Type 
 
Pipe Size 
Source 
Town Water 
residential 
5/8” 
Assumption provided by the Town 
Town Water 
commercial 
1” 
WR Water 
residential 
5/8” 
WR Water 
commercial 
1” 
Town Wastewater 
residential 
5/8” 
Town Wastewater 
commercial 
1” 
WR Wastewater 
residential 
5/8” 
WR Wastewater 
commercial 
1” 
Table 4 – Operating expenditure and depreciation inputs 
Item 
% Factor 
Source 
Salaries 
2.50% 
Inflation data 
Other Personnel Cost 
2.50% 
Inflation data 
Other Operational Costs (excluding 
Depreciation) 
2.50% 
Inflation data 
Materials & Maintenance 
2.50% 
Inflation data 
Utilities Costs 
2.50% 
Inflation data

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
7 
 
Table 5 – CAPEX growth factors 
Item 
% Factor 
Source 
Town Water 
2.50% 
GHD Assumption 
Town Wastewater 
2.50% 
GHD Assumption 
Wickenburg Ranch Water 
2.50% 
GHD Assumption 
Wickenburg Ranch Wastewater 
2.50% 
GHD Assumption 
4. 
Analysis of Results and Discussion 
This section shows the results from the modelling. The analysis focuses on: 
− 
Revenue Sufficiency Analysis 
− 
Rate Structure and Design Analysis 
4.1 
Revenue Sufficiency and Rate Design Analysis 
4.1.1 
Reserve Fund Balance 
This section develops a rate design that will allow for revenue sufficiency across the utilities. The four utilities 
source funds from a Reserve Capital fund. This is a pool of money that exists outside of the utilities operational 
cashflow and can be drawn upon as required. 
The modelling includes an assessment of this funding mechanism. This fund has a certain starting balance, which 
can be drawn upon as required by the expenditures each fiscal year. In years where revenues exceed 
expenditure, this surplus money is added to the Reserve Fund balance. Where expenditures exceed revenues, 
this balance will decrease and potentially fall into a deficit (i.e., Below $0). 
Of course, the utilities need to operate such that this Reserve Capital balance does not go below zero. The actual 
balance of this fund was not provided by the client, so an assumption has been provided by the Town, which is 
listed in Table 6 below. 
Table 6 – Reserve/Capital Account Inputs 
Item 
$ amount/% Factor 
Source 
Reserve Fund Account Opening Balance 
$1,000,000 
Assumption provided by the 
Town 
4.1.2 
Budgeted Expenditures 
Of course, understanding and forecasting future expenditures is crucial in understanding future revenue levels 
needed to deliver revenue sufficiency. The key cost items considered in the model are: 
− 
Capital expenditure 
− 
Salaries and personnel cost 
− 
Other operating expenditure 
− 
Materials and maintenance 
− 
Utilities 
The Town provided capital expenditure budgets for the utilities of Town Water and Town Wastewater from FY23 to 
FY34. From FY35-FY44, a ten-year historic average is used for capital expenditures for both Town utilities. For the 
Wickenburg Ranch based utilities, only FY23 has capital expenditure forecasted/budgeted by the utilities. A 
historic average of the previous three fiscal years is used to estimate future capital expenditures from FY24-FY44. 
These estimates then escalated by a long-term inflation estimate growth factor of 2.5%.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater
8 
 
Table 7 – Capital Expenditures FY23-34 ($) 
 
FY23 
FY24 
FY25 
FY26 
FY27 
FY28 
FY29 
FY30 
FY31 
FY32 
FY33 
FY34 
Town Water 
1,582,803 
1,071,500 
5,639,913 
4,806,285 
2,000,146 
3,305,696 
1,785,447 
1,954,956 
1,961,028 
2,357,418 
2,188,376 
1,969,681 
Town 
Wastewater 
614,095 
7,273,000 
4,977,535 
4,705,019 
2,763,686 
2,751,237 
3,478,323 
4,561,016 
30,313,442 
15,594,219 
3,249,702 
4,622,313 
Wickenburg 
Ranch Water 
41,000 
950,826 
974,597 
998,962 
1,023,936 
1,049,534 
1,075,773 
1,102,667 
1,130,234 
1,158,490 
1,187,452 
1,217,138 
Wickenburg 
Ranch 
Wastewater 
1,207,410 
694,015 
711,365 
729,149 
747,378 
766,062 
785,214 
804,844 
824,965 
845,590 
866,729 
888,397 
Total 
3,445,308 
9,989,341 
12,303,410 
11,239,415 
6,535,146 
7,872,530 
7,124,757 
8,423,484 
34,229,669 
19,955,716 
7,492,259 
8,697,530 
Table 8 – Capital Expenditures FY35-44 ($) 
 
FY35 
FY36 
FY37 
FY38 
FY39 
FY40 
FY41 
FY42 
FY43 
FY44 
Town Water 
2,640,040 
2,782,635 
2,522,883 
2,315,300 
2,343,951 
2,256,520 
2,299,344 
2,330,652 
2,364,255 
2,521,358 
Town Wastewater 
3,899,593 
4,228,142 
3,923,657 
3,818,269 
3,729,594 
3,826,185 
3,933,679 
3,979,215 
3,995,627 
3,925,996 
Wickenburg Ranch Water 
1,079,055 
1,090,713 
1,101,269 
1,110,569 
1,118,445 
1,124,709 
1,129,158 
1,131,566 
1,131,688 
1,159,980 
Wickenburg Ranch Wastewater 
787,610 
796,119 
803,823 
810,612 
816,361 
820,933 
824,180 
825,938 
826,027 
846,677 
Total 
8,406,298 
8,897,609 
8,351,631 
8,054,750 
8,008,350 
8,028,347 
8,186,362 
8,267,372 
8,317,596 
8,454,011 
For the operating costs listed above of salaries and personnel cost, other operating expenditure, materials and maintenance and utilities, only cost budgets for 
FY23 were provided. Average costs across these categories for the fiscal years FY21-23 are then used to estimate future operating expenditures. These 
estimates then escalated by a long-term inflation estimate growth factor of 2.5%, as noted in Section 3.4.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
9 
 
4.1.3 
General Assumptions 
To develop the financial and rate projections, assumptions were made regarding elements of the revenue 
sufficiency analysis. A summary of those assumptions is presented below. 
4.1.3.1 
Customer and demand growth 
Customer and usage demand growth is informed by Masterplans previously developed by GHD for the Town. 
These Masterplans include forecasted population and water usage demand, which have been reused in this 
analysis. These are shown in the table below. 
Note that as Well Users decreases, these customers are then absorbed into the Towns’ customer base. 
Table 9 – Population and Demand Inputs 
Item 
% Factor 
Source 
Town Total Population Growth Rate 
1.06% 
Utility Masterplan 
Well User Growth Rate  
-4.00% 
Utility Masterplan 
Wickenburg Ranch Population Growth Rate 
1.06% 
Utility Masterplan 
Residential Demand 
2.18% 
Utility Masterplan 
Commercial Demand 
0.55% 
Utility Masterplan 
4.1.3.2 
Other revenues 
Other Revenues are shown in the utility’s historic records. These are all revenues received besides those from 
service fees and base fees. For the purpose of the analysis, these are assumed to increase at a rate of 2.5% per 
year from FY22 levels. 
4.1.4 
Revenue Sufficiency Results 
In short, Revenue Sufficiency is achieved when the Reserve Fund is maintained at a balance above $0. This 
section analyzes the impact of rate changes on this revenue sufficiency and produces different rate designs and 
structures that can be adopted to ensure revenue sufficiency of the Reserve Capital account. 
The objective of this analysis is to explore how service rate and base fee changes can alter the Reserve Capital 
balance and what level of rate adjustment is required to ensure the balance does not become negative. It also 
shows the impact of the rate changes for the customers. This analysis informs the rate design and what rate 
changes will deliver revenue sufficiency. In the analysis, base fees for both water and wastewater are increased at 
the same rates. 
The following tables show the Reserve Capital account balance given various rate increases across residential 
and commercial customers. The purpose of presenting various scenarios is to provide the Town with a set of 
options for modifying rates. Note that the assumed starting balance at the end of FY22 is $1,000,000. 
Table 10 below shows the Base Case/Do nothing option. Base fees and service rates are increased in line with a 
long-term inflation assumption of 2.5%. From FY24 onwards the Reserve Fund balance will be negative, with the 
deficit increasing each year except for a slight uplift in FY34. The results from this option underscore the urgent 
need to increase rates to fund future expenditures.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
10 
 
Table 10 – Base Case/Do Nothing Option 
FY 
Base Fee Increase 
(residential) 
Base Fee Increase 
(commercial) 
Service Rate 
Increase 
Reserve Fund 
Balance 
FY2024 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$5,724,376 
FY2025 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$14,432,162 
FY2026 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$21,846,720 
FY2027 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$24,319,921 
FY2028 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$27,885,215 
FY2029 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$30,448,875 
FY2030 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$34,048,449 
FY2031 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$63,182,048 
FY2032 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$77,759,772 
FY2033 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$79,581,925 
FY2034 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$82,306,593 
FY2035 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$84,426,164 
FY2036 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$86,711,583 
FY2037 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$88,113,455 
FY2038 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$88,868,241 
FY2039 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$89,213,232 
FY2040 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$89,201,061 
FY2041 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$88,955,381 
FY2042 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$88,384,192 
FY2043 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$87,441,065 
FY2044 
2.50% 
2.50% 
2.50% 
-$86,195,861 
Table 11 below uses an optimization process, to deliver yearly rate increases that ensure the Reserve Fund 
balance remains at or above zero. This option keeps service rate and base fee increases the same. As the table 
shows, significant increases are required in FY24-FY26 to ensure revenue sufficiency. 
It is then possible to decrease rates by 0.14% each year following this. Beyond FY33, as capital expenditure 
declines, the Reserve Fund Balance undergoes significant growth, reaching over $99.6 million by FY44.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
11 
 
Table 11 – Option 1 – Optimal Rate 
FY 
Base Fee Increase 
(residential) 
Base Fee Increase 
(commercial) 
Service Rate 
Increase 
Reserve Fund 
Balance 
FY2024 
134.09% 
134.09% 
134.09% 
$891,059 
FY2025 
27.90% 
27.90% 
27.90% 
$0 
FY2026 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$0 
FY2027 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$1,404,564 
FY2028 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$7,848,548 
FY2029 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$13,285,239 
FY2030 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$19,795,076 
FY2031 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$25,327,177 
FY2032 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$5,370,023 
FY2033 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$0 
FY2034 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$7,403,162 
FY2035 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$13,907,619 
FY2036 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$21,006,994 
FY2037 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$27,916,136 
FY2038 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$35,669,985 
FY2039 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$44,017,354 
FY2040 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$52,705,914 
FY2041 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$61,667,664 
FY2042 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$70,763,207 
FY2043 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$80,068,401 
FY2044 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
-0.14% 
$89,613,096 
Table 12 below shows the rate changes required each year to produce a Reserve Fund balance of $0. As the 
results show, the changes year-on-year can be extreme, especially during high levels of capital expenditure such 
as in FY31, where rates would need to increase 258 percent. 
In years of lower capital expenditure, such as FY27 and FY33, there is scope for customer to receive reductions of 
over around 40 percent on both service fees and base fees.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
12 
 
Table 12 – Option 2 - Reserve Fund Balance to $0 
Financial Year 
Base Fee Increase 
(residential) 
Base Fee Increase 
(commercial) 
Service Rate 
Increase 
Reserve Fund 
Balance 
FY2024 
134.09% 
134.09% 
134.09% 
$0 
FY2025 
27.90% 
27.90% 
27.90% 
$0 
FY2026 
-10.31% 
-10.31% 
-10.31% 
$0 
FY2027 
-39.45% 
-39.45% 
-39.45% 
$0 
FY2028 
14.67% 
14.67% 
14.67% 
$0 
FY2029 
-10.24% 
-10.24% 
-10.24% 
$0 
FY2030 
13.08% 
13.08% 
13.08% 
$0 
FY2031 
258.17% 
258.17% 
258.17% 
$0 
FY2032 
-41.48% 
-41.48% 
-41.48% 
$0 
FY2033 
-59.35% 
-59.35% 
-59.35% 
$0 
FY2034 
11.51% 
11.51% 
11.51% 
$0 
FY2035 
-4.62% 
-4.62% 
-4.62% 
$0 
FY2036 
3.16% 
3.16% 
3.16% 
$0 
FY2037 
-6.86% 
-6.86% 
-6.86% 
$0 
FY2038 
-4.58% 
-4.58% 
-4.58% 
$0 
FY2039 
-2.04% 
-2.04% 
-2.04% 
$0 
FY2040 
-1.32% 
-1.32% 
-1.32% 
$0 
FY2041 
0.13% 
0.13% 
0.13% 
$0 
FY2042 
-0.64% 
-0.64% 
-0.64% 
$0 
FY2043 
-0.92% 
-0.92% 
-0.92% 
$0 
FY2044 
-0.05% 
-0.05% 
-0.05% 
$0 
Table 13 considers increasing rates by 10% for both service rates and base fees for both Residential and 
Commercial customers. The result is negative Reserve Fund balance from FY24 until FY38, where the surplus is 
over $4 million. From here, the Fund Balance rises exponentially as capital expenditures ease. 
The prolonged period of negative balance may be possible for the utilities to absorb with loans and/or drawing 
upon other external funding sources.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
13 
 
Table 13 – Option 3 – 10% increase to service fee and base fee 
Financial Year 
Base Fee Increase 
(residential) 
Base Fee Increase 
(commercial) 
Service Rate 
Increase 
Reserve Fund 
Balance 
FY2024 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$5,398,124 
FY2025 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$13,391,786 
FY2026 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$19,634,855 
FY2027 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$20,400,894 
FY2028 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$21,635,172 
FY2029 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$21,144,731 
FY2030 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$20,855,521 
FY2031 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$45,140,214 
FY2032 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$53,767,989 
FY2033 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$48,380,908 
FY2034 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$42,459,446 
FY2035 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$34,296,713 
FY2036 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$24,440,154 
FY2037 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
-$11,589,789 
FY2038 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
$4,298,786 
FY2039 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
$23,302,994 
FY2040 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
$45,722,752 
FY2041 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
$71,829,249 
FY2042 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
$102,156,590 
FY2043 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
$137,246,140 
FY2044 
10.00% 
10.00% 
10.00% 
$177,582,004 
Table 14 considers changing rates on a more granular level. the focus here is to focus price increases, especially 
for service fees, on commercial customers as they have higher demand per customer. Historical records show that 
for water customers, residential users are highly unlikely to use more than 50,00 gallons in a month. As the table 
shows, service rates are increased for usage over 50,000 gallons by customers by 25% from FY24-FY26, whilst 
keeping other increases at 5%. 
Furthermore, commercial wastewater customers receive a 25% increase during this period compared to 5% for 
residential customers. A base fee increase of 30% in FY24 is for all customers, with previous options showing 
there is a need for a large base fee increase, and increasing only commercial base fees will be insufficient to stop 
a negative Reserve Fund balance. The results show negative results for FY24-FY4`, before returning to positive, 
with the largest deficit of over $50 million in FY32. Negative results are aligned with capital expenditure 
movements in other years. 
Again, this option may be possible if the Town is able to ensure debt or other types of funding for the years with 
higher capital expenditures.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
14 
 
Table 14 – Option 4 – Focus on Commercial and high demand users 
FY 
Base 
Fee 
Increase 
(res.) 
Base 
Fee 
Increase 
(com.) 
Water 
(W) 
Service 
Rate 
Increase 
(SRI) 
0-10k gal 
W SRI 
10k-20k 
gal 
W SRI 
20k-50k 
gal 
W SRI 
50,000+ 
gal 
Res. 
Wastew
ater 
(WW) 
SRI 
Com. 
WW SRI 
Reserve 
Fund 
Balance 
24 
30.00% 
30.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
25.00% 
5.00% 
25.00% 
-$4,871,412 
25 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
25.00% 
5.00% 
25.00% 
-$12,119,958 
26 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
25.00% 
5.00% 
25.00% 
-$17,304,105 
27 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$17,244,984 
28 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$17,947,664 
29 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$17,287,980 
30 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$17,270,843 
31 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$42,359,371 
32 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$52,426,147 
33 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$49,231,259 
34 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$46,389,685 
35 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$42,347,609 
36 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$37,826,458 
37 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$31,723,773 
38 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$24,219,153 
39 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$15,488,965 
40 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$5,520,567 
41 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$5,632,316 
42 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$18,136,595 
43 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$32,118,939 
44 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$47,595,433 
Table 15 considers keeping base fee increases at 5 percent per year, and only increasing service rates such that 
revenue sufficiency is achieved. As the table shows, there is a service rate increase of 137 and 60 percent 
respectively in FY24 and FY25, before a possibility of decreasing rates by 0.69 percent from FY26. 
Reserve balance hits $0 again in FY32 after the significant capital expenditures of FY31-32. As these costs drop, 
the Reserve Fund Balance grows.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
15 
 
Table 15 – Option 5 – Increase of service rates, base fees kept to inflation 
FY 
Base Fee 
Increase 
(residential) 
Base Fee Increase 
(commercial) 
Service Rate Increase 
Reserve Fund Balance 
24 
5.00% 
5.00% 
214.63% 
$0 
25 
5.00% 
5.00% 
33.86% 
$0 
26 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$1,366,658 
27 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$7,753,314 
28 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$13,132,071 
29 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$19,602,571 
30 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$25,133,572 
31 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$5,233,691 
32 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$0 
33 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$7,639,851 
34 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$14,503,328 
35 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$22,106,761 
36 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$29,688,517 
37 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$38,307,930 
38 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$47,739,153 
39 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$57,756,230 
40 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$68,318,636 
41 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$79,315,650 
42 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$90,853,079 
43 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$102,992,107 
44 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-0.54% 
$115,678,628 
Option 6 below retains the concept of Option 5, but instead increases Base Fees and keep service fee rates 
constant. We see rate increases of over 200 and 66 percent in FY24 and FY25, before a decline of 2.96 year-on-
year from FY27 becomes possible.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
16 
 
Table 16 – Option 6 – increase base fee and keep service rates at 5% 
FY 
Base Fee 
Increase 
(residential) 
Base Fee Increase 
(commercial) 
Service Rate 
Increase 
Reserve Fund Balance 
24 
341.04% 
341.04% 
5.0% 
$0 
25 
34.52% 
34.52% 
5.0% 
$0 
26 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$1,419,885 
27 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$7,883,098 
28 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$13,334,581 
29 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$19,849,407 
30 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$25,374,228 
31 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$5,397,903 
32 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$0 
33 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$7,372,522 
34 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$13,852,291 
35 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$20,944,401 
36 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$27,877,952 
37 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$35,704,942 
38 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$44,194,098 
39 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$53,115,925 
40 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$62,428,246 
41 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$72,020,581 
42 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$82,000,896 
43 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$92,434,477 
44 
-2.79% 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
$103,273,309 
The proposed rate increases in Table 17 is unrealistic to implement. In turn, a smoothing of these FY24 base fee 
increase is proposed, with a series of consecutive base rate increases over FY24-FY26. Service fees are also 
increased by 25 percent from FY24-27.  
Base fees are then increased by 5 percent only. Whilst there are a number of years with a negative Reserve Fund 
Balance, following FY35 the rate design produces revenue sufficiency, as well as producing a positive balance in 
FY29 and FY30.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
17 
 
Table 17 – Option 7 – Smoothing of base fee increases 
Financial Year 
Base Fee Increase 
(residential) 
Base Fee Increase 
(commercial) 
Service Rate 
Increase 
Reserve Fund 
Balance 
24 
60.00% 
60.00% 
25.00% 
-$4,160,722 
25 
60.00% 
60.00% 
25.00% 
-$8,824,610 
26 
30.00% 
30.00% 
25.00% 
-$9,675,403 
27 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$4,897,068 
28 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$471,040 
29 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$5,751,880 
30 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$11,793,309 
31 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$6,781,759 
32 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
-$9,816,122 
33 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$961,698 
34 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$11,970,172 
35 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$24,798,563 
36 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$38,763,012 
37 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$55,005,791 
38 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$73,389,496 
39 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$93,782,483 
40 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$116,244,797 
41 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$140,772,957 
42 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$167,587,131 
43 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$196,870,444 
44 
5.00% 
5.00% 
5.00% 
$228,698,824 
In a further attempt to spread the load of price increases, Option 8 shown below takes the concept of Option 4, 
and focusing the bulk of service fee increases on commercial and high-user customers. It also spreads the 
necessary base fee increases across Fy24-27, with a 30 percent increase in each of these years. 
From FY27 onwards it is possible to then increase service and base fees by less than inflation – 0.48 precent. The 
primary concern is that this option does have negative Reserve Fund Balance from FY24-FY27.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
18 
 
Table 18 – Option 8 – another smoothing attempt 
FY 
Base 
Fee 
Increase 
(res.) 
Base 
Fee 
Increase 
(com.) 
Water 
(W) 
Service 
Rate 
Increase 
(SRI) 
0-10k gal 
W SRI 
10k-20k 
gal 
W SRI 
20k-50k 
gal 
W SRI 
50,000+ 
gal 
Res. 
Waste
water 
(WW) 
SRI 
Com. 
WW 
SRI 
Reserve 
Fund 
Balance 
24 
30.0% 
30.0% 
10.0% 
10.0% 
10.0% 
50.0% 
10.0% 
50.0% 
-$3,992,341 
25 
30.0% 
30.0% 
10.0% 
10.0% 
10.0% 
50.0% 
10.0% 
50.0% 
-$8,944,889 
26 
30.0% 
30.0% 
10.0% 
10.0% 
10.0% 
50.0% 
10.0% 
50.0% 
-$9,603,634 
27 
30.0% 
30.0% 
10.0% 
10.0% 
10.0% 
50.0% 
10.0% 
50.0% 
-$882,559 
28 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$6,981,546 
29 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$16,076,028 
30 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$24,356,925 
31 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$7,319,659 
32 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$5,047,589 
33 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$15,733,783 
34 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$25,713,414 
35 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$36,487,226 
36 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$47,277,257 
37 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$59,125,711 
38 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$71,788,747 
39 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$85,021,481 
40 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$98,763,449 
41 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$112,882,908 
42 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$127,463,482 
43 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$142,542,916 
44 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
0.48% 
$158,042,329

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
19 
 
4.2 
Rate Design Analysis 
Section 4.1 outlined the various options for rate increases to ensure revenue sufficiency, with this section 
analyzing the design and structure of these possible rate changes. The analysis considers the impact of rate and 
base fee increases on customers and how adjustments can be shared amongst different classes of customers. It 
is crucial for the Town to consider how rate changes will impact the average monthly bills of customers and assess 
the likelihood of acceptance from the Wickenburg community. 
From the analysis above, three options GHD identified as feasible to implement include Options 5, 6 and 7. Only 
those were considered in the rate design analysis. 
4.2.1 
Water and Wastewater Rates 
The current service fee rates and base fees for FY23 across each of the utilities, customer types and pipe sizes 
are shown below. 
Table 19 – Water service fee rates and base fees 
Monthly Base 
Town Water 
Wickenburg Ranch Water 
5/8" residential 
$12.06 
$16.95 
1" Residential 
$13.06 
$18.46 
5/8" commercial 
$12.06 
$18.19 
1" commercial 
$13.06 
$19.69 
1.5" 
$50 
$32.01 
2" 
$100 
$49.51 
3" 
$150 
$69.44 
4" 
$200 
$90.56 
6" 
$250 
$454.66 
8" 
$300 
$504.66 
10" 
$350 
$554.66 
12" 
$400 
$604.66 
Usage per 1,000 gallons 
 
 
0 to 10,000 
$1.09 
$1.75 
11,000 to 20,000 
$1.49 
$2.39 
21,000 to 50,000 
$2.98 
$4.32 
51,000 and over 
$3.14 
$4.59 
Table 20 – Wastewater service fees rates and base fees 
Monthly Base 
Town Wastewater 
Wickenburg Ranch 
Wastewater 
5/8" residential 
$13.63 
$40 
1" Residential 
$18.63 
$57.3 
5/8" commercial 
$13.63 
$47.16 
1" commercial 
$18.63 
$64.46 
1.5" 
$100 
$127.44 
2" 
$150 
$200.8

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
20 
 
Monthly Base 
Town Wastewater 
Wickenburg Ranch 
Wastewater 
3" 
$200 
$271.63 
4" 
$250 
$441.87 
6" 
$251.66 
$1,179.07 
8" 
$294.98 
$1,209.07 
10" 
$338.32 
$1,239.07 
12" 
$381.33 
$1,269.07 
Usage per 1,000 
gallons 
 
 
Residential 
$2.23 
$2.64 
Commercial small 
$3.72 
$3.00 
Commercial medium 
$4.49 
$3.75 
Commercial large 
$5.88 
$4.90 
4.2.2 
Rate design analysis results 
As noted previously, the financial modelling assumes: 
− 
All water residential customers in the Town and Wickenburg Ranch have a 5/8” pipe 
− 
All water commercial customers in the Town and Wickenburg Ranch have a 1” pipe  
Therefore, the rate design analysis will only consider impacts on these customer types. The rates for these 
customers is shown below. 
Table 21 – Water rates used in analysis 
Monthly Base 
Town 
Water 
Wickenburg Ranch 
Water 
5/8" residential 
$12.06 
$16.95 
1" commercial 
$13.06 
$19.69 
Usage per 1,000 
gallons 
 
 
0 to 10,000 gallons 
$1.09 
$1.75 
11,000 to 20,000 
$1.49 
$2.39 
21,000 to 50,000 
$2.98 
$4.32 
51,000 and over 
$3.14 
$4.59 
Table 22 – Wastewater rates used in analysis 
Monthly Base 
Town 
Wastewater 
Wickenburg Ranch 
Wastewater 
5/8" residential 
$13.63 
$40 
1" commercial 
$18.63 
$64.46 
Usage per 1,000 
gallons 
 
 
Residential 
$2.23 
$2.64

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
21 
 
Monthly Base 
Town 
Wastewater 
Wickenburg Ranch 
Wastewater 
Commercial small 
$3.72 
$3.00 
Commercial medium 
$4.49 
$3.75 
Commercial large 
$5.88 
$4.90 
4.2.3 
Customer rate design analysis 
This section analyses the impacts on rates for customers if the options discussed in Section 4.1 are actioned. It 
shows the changes in base and service fees for customers and the corresponding changes to monthly bills and 
cumulative spend from FY23-FY44. 
This is important for the Town to understand, as achieving revenue sufficiency must be achieved in a fair and 
equitable manner. The table below lists the impact from FY23-FY44 of adopting Option 5. 
Table 23 – Option 5 – rate design analysis 
 
Change 
$ FY23-
FY44 
Change % 
FY23-FY44 
Accumulative 
spend FY23-FY44 
Average 
Yearly 
Spend 
Town Water 
 
 
 
 
Residential 
$72.63 
167% 
$26,671.69 
$1,212 
Commercial 
$171.90 
165% 
$55,053.80 
$2,502 
Town Wastewater 
 
Residential 
$53.40 
164% 
$22,750.59 
$1,034 
Commercial 
$215.55 
164% 
$70,668.73 
$3,212 
Wickenburg Ranch Water 
 
Residential 
$71.50 
192% 
$28,020.74 
$1,274 
Commercial 
$310.84 
167% 
$96,407.41 
$4,382 
Wickenburg Ranch Wastewater 
 
Residential 
$115.46 
217% 
$51,751.11 
$2,352 
Commercial 
$537.12 
170% 
$184,322.90 
$8,378 
 
The table below shows the impacts of adopting Option 6. The average yearly spend for Option 6 is lower for all 
Town Water customers and commercial Town Wastewater. Residential customers in Wickenburg Ranch utilities 
have lower yearly spends in Option 5, whilst commercial customers have a lower average spend in Option 6.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
22 
 
 
Table 24 – Option 6 – rate design analysis 
 
Change $ FY23-
FY44 
Change % 
FY23-FY44 
Accumulative spend 
FY23-FY44 
Average 
Yearly Spend 
Town Water 
 
 
 
 
Residential 
$66.74 
153% 
$24,832.79 
$1,129 
Commercial 
$165.52 
159% 
$53,062.42 
$2,412 
Town Wastewater 
 
 
 
 
Residential 
$46.74 
144% 
$20,672.30 
$940 
Commercial 
$206.46 
157% 
$67,828.05 
$3,083 
Wickenburg Ranch Water 
 
 
 
 
Residential 
$63.22 
170% 
$25,436.22 
$1,156 
Commercial 
$301.23 
162% 
$93,405.10 
$4,246 
Wickenburg Ranch Wastewater 
 
 
 
 
Residential 
$95.93 
181% 
$45,651.95 
$2,075 
Commercial 
$505.65 
160% 
$174,494.10 
$7,932 
Table 25 below shows the results for Option 7, where the large base fee increases are smoothed over three years. 
The accumulative spend is higher for all customer types compared with Option 6, as is average yearly spend, 
although the results are similar. 
Table 25 – Option 7 – Rate Design Analysis 
 
Change 
$ FY23-
FY44 
Change % 
FY23-FY44 
Accumulative spend 
FY23-FY344 
Average Yearly 
Spend 
Town Water 
 
 
 
 
Residential 
$98.93 
227% 
$25,850.28 
$1,175 
Commercial 
$200.37 
192% 
$54,164.28 
$2,462 
Town Wastewater 
 
 
 
 
Residential 
$83.12 
255% 
$21,822.25 
$992 
Commercial 
$256.17 
195% 
$69,399.84 
$3,155 
Wickenburg Ranch Water 
 
 
 
 
Residential 
$108.46 
291% 
$26,866.28 
$1,221 
Commercial 
$353.77 
190% 
$95,066.32 
$4,321 
Wickenburg Ranch Wastewater 
 
 
 
 
Residential 
$202.67 
382% 
$49,026.71 
$2,228 
Commercial 
$677.67 
215% 
$179,932.52 
$8,179

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
23 
 
5. 
Capacity Fee evaluation 
Capacity fees, also commonly referred to as a development impact fee, provide a revenue path for the utilities to 
recover the costs of either establishing, expanding, or replacing infrastructure to be able to sustain compliant 
operation, and continued service to customers. Such fees are charged for the creation of new water and 
wastewater supply or treatment infrastructure. They are typically charged to existing or proposed customers at the 
time of a new proposed water or wastewater connection for services, or an upgrade or change in service, to 
support a residential or commercial development. 
The fee level is in line with the level of demand likely from the new development, as more demand means more 
infrastructure and operating costs. As such, capacity fees increase with the service size(s) installed. 
Neither of the four utilities currently charge capacity fees. With new developments of housing and commercial 
buildings anticipated to continue with in the service areas, it would be appropriate for the Town to consider 
Capacity Fees. 
The recommended approach is to line-item the fees, based on water meter size, which can be equated to the 
volume of wastewater anticipated to be generated for collection, treatment, and disposal. The capacity fee is a 
sum of the water meter cost for the Town to provide, plus the fee for the Town to turn on the water meter once 
installation is completed and approved, plus a deposit for the water meter, based on the size of the water meter, 
plus the water system capacity fee. Then in addition, the capacity fee for the sewer system capacity is added for 
the total capacity fee. 
Since the rate and magnitude of new development or customers is not known or defined, and can vary widely, the 
revenue from the capacity fees is not recommended to inclusion in the annual operating budget for the Town water 
and wastewater utilities. Instead, the capacity fee revenue should be funneled into the capital reserve fund 
specifically for capital investments to renew, replace, or expand the utility infrastructure to proactively sustain 
compliant service and operation. 
The proposed capacity fees for Town water and wastewater new connections and new utility customers are 
outlined in Table 26 below. 
Table 26 – Recommended capacity fees 
Water Meter 
Size 
Meter Cost 
Turn-on Fee 
Deposit 
Water System 
Capacity Fee 
Sewer System 
Capacity Fee 
Total* (meter + 
fees) 
5/8” 
$300 
$50 
$50 
$1,729 
$1,879 
$4,007 
1” 
$350 
$50 
$50 
$5,511 
$5,962 
$11,923 
1.5” 
$1,800 
$50 
$50 
$21,100 
$32,000 
$55,000 
2” 
$2,100 
$75 
$150 
$42,200 
$48,001 
$92,525 
3” 
$2,600 
$100 
$150 
$63,299 
$64,001 
$130,150 
4” 
$4,400 
$100 
$150 
$84,399 
$80,001 
$169,050 
6” 
$5,200 
$200 
$300 
$105,499 
$80,532 
$191,731 
8” 
$5,600 
$400 
$350 
$126,599 
$94,395 
$227,344

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
24 
 
12” 
$6,300 
$400 
$375 
$147,699 
$108,264 
$263,038 
16” 
$6,600 
$600 
$400 
$168,799 
$122,027 
$298,426 
18” 
$6,800 
$600 
$450 
$197,468 
$140,176 
$345,494 
20” 
$71,000 
$700 
$500 
$231,006 
$161,025 
$464,230 
24” 
$78,000 
$800 
$550 
$270,240 
$184,974 
$534,564 
36” 
$82,000 
$800 
$600 
$316,138 
$212,485 
$612,023 
Note that these have been developed for Town customers only, as the Wickenburg Ranch area has a separate 
development agreements. 
These have been calculated based on costs for utilities to supply services to the various services sizes. What that 
table reflects is that as the costs to operate and maintain the utility increase, based on capacity needs, the cost to 
support and recover increase. 
6. 
Conclusions and Recommendations 
In evaluation of each of the funding and rate adjustment alternatives evaluated and described in the chapters 
above, and in coordination with Town staff, the alternatives were distilled down to the following two Options as 
feasible and considered and evaluated for final recommendations: 
− 
Option 5: aims to maintain the base fee low, and only increase at a similar rate to inflation, of 
approximately 5% and increase the service fee, or unit fee for the resources used to overcome the 
financial shortfall. 
− 
Option 6: aims to maintain the unit fee for the resources used low, and only increase at a similar rate to 
inflation, of approximately 5% and increase the base fee to overcome the financial shortfall. 
Based on a holistic consideration of the immediate capital investment needs, maintenance investment needs, and 
overall utility optimizations, Option 6 is recommended to achieve a revenue sufficient utility. As detailed in the 
chapters above, and in the financial model, for the next two (2) years, the based fee will need to increase each 
year, and the service rate will also increase. 
This will result in an approximate zero ($0) balance in the capital and operating fund (equating to all budget 
expended), and does not consider any capacity fee revenue, and only moderate grant funding or debt addition. 
However, by FY2026 a steady decrease in in the base fee could be applied, reducing the long-term burden, and 
helping to counteract the ongoing service rate increase of 5% annually. 
The proposed rate change is outlined through FY44 in Table 27 below.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
25 
 
Table 27 - Recommended Water & Wastewater Utility Rate Change 
FY 
Base Fee 
Increase 
Service Rate 
Increase 
FY 
Base Fee 
Increase 
Service Rate 
Increase 
23 
0.0% 
0.0% 
34 
-2.79% 
0.0% 
24 
341.04% 
5.0% 
35 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
25 
34.52% 
5.0% 
36 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
26 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
37 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
27 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
38 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
28 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
39 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
29 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
40 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
30 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
41 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
31 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
42 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
32 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
43 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
33 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
44 
-2.79% 
5.0% 
When compared with the current base and service rate fees, as included in Appendices 2, the customer impact is 
summarized in Table 28 below. 
Table 28 - Recommended rate change comparison 
 
Change 
$ monthly 
bill FY23-
FY44 
Change % 
monthly bill 
FY23-FY44 
Accumulative 
spend FY23-FY44 
Average Yearly 
Spend 
Town Water 
 
 
 
 
Residential 
$66.74 
153% 
$24,832.79 
$1,129 
Commercial 
$165.52 
159% 
$53,062.42 
$2,412 
Town Wastewater 
 
 
 
 
Residential 
$46.74 
144% 
$20,672.30 
$940 
Commercial 
$206.46 
157% 
$67,828.05 
$3,083 
Wickenburg Water 
 
 
 
 
Residential 
$63.22 
170% 
$25,436.22 
$1,156 
Commercial 
$301.23 
162% 
$93,405.10 
$4,246 
Wickenburg Wastewater 
 
 
 
 
Residential 
$95.93 
181% 
$45,651.95 
$2,075 
Commercial 
$505.65 
160% 
$174,494.10 
$7,932 
 
There is a significant investment that is required to overcome previous deferred maintenance and lack of 
investment, that will continue to negatively impact the ability for the utility to stay solvent, meet the level of service 
required and desired, and to efficiently plan and implement utility improvements and optimization to be able to 
accommodate new development, economic growth, and to sustain the health, safety, and welfare of the public. 
It is recommended that the rate structure is reviewed annually and compared against the previous fiscal year 
budget and expenditures, and the utility rates structure should be formally re-evaluated at least every 5 years.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
26 
 
   ghd.com 
In all options that show revenue sufficiency in all years, Base fees for all customer types will need to be raised by 
over 50%, for consecutive years, or pass on a base fee increase of over 100%. The reality is, if the Town desires 
revenue sufficient utilities, average bills will need to almost double from FY23 levels by FY27. 
However, this rate change, as recommended to support the identified and prioritized improvements, will help 
stabilize the water and wastewater utilities, ensure improved compliance, and support the ability for Town staff to 
focus on efficiencies in the utilities, which is the most valuable effort to invest and support, as it will help reduce the 
long-term cost to operate.

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
27 
 
7. 
Appendices

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater
28 
 
Appendices 1 – Operating Expenditure used in financial modeling 
FY24 
FY25 
FY26 
FY27 
FY28 
FY29 
FY30 
FY31 
FY32 
FY33 
FY34 
FY35 
FY36 
FY37 
Town Water 
Salaries 
$154,944 
$158,818 
$162,788 
$166,858 
$171,029 
$175,305 
$179,688 
$184,180 
$188,784 
$193,504 
$198,342 
$203,300 
$208,383 
$213,592 
Other 
Personnel 
Cost 
$73,756 
$75,600 
$77,490 
$79,427 
$81,413 
$83,448 
$85,534 
$87,673 
$89,864 
$92,111 
$94,414 
$96,774 
$99,194 
$101,673 
Admin and 
Operations  
$322,372 
$330,431 
$338,692 
$347,159 
$355,838 
$364,734 
$373,852 
$383,199 
$392,779 
$402,598 
$412,663 
$422,980 
$433,554 
$444,393 
Utilities 
$128,187 
$131,391 
$134,676 
$138,043 
$141,494 
$145,031 
$148,657 
$152,373 
$156,183 
$160,087 
$164,090 
$168,192 
$172,397 
$176,707 
Materials & 
Maintenance 
$245,031 
$251,157 
$257,436 
$263,872 
$270,469 
$277,231 
$284,161 
$291,265 
$298,547 
$306,011 
$313,661 
$321,502 
$329,540 
$337,778 
Total 
$924,290 
$947,397 
$971,082 
$995,359 
$1,020,243 
$1,045,749 
$1,071,893 
$1,098,690 
$1,126,157 
$1,154,311 
$1,183,169 
$1,212,748 
$1,243,067 
$1,274,143 
Town 
Wastewater 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries 
$134,031 
$137,382 
$140,816 
$144,337 
$147,945 
$151,644 
$155,435 
$159,321 
$163,304 
$167,386 
$171,571 
$175,860 
$180,257 
$184,763 
Other 
Personnel 
Cost 
$57,184 
$58,613 
$60,079 
$61,581 
$63,120 
$64,698 
$66,316 
$67,973 
$69,673 
$71,415 
$73,200 
$75,030 
$76,906 
$78,828 
Admin and 
Operations 
$278,173 
$285,127 
$292,255 
$299,562 
$307,051 
$314,727 
$322,595 
$330,660 
$338,926 
$347,400 
$356,085 
$364,987 
$374,111 
$383,464 
Utilities 
$110,947 
$113,721 
$116,564 
$119,478 
$122,465 
$125,526 
$128,665 
$131,881 
$135,178 
$138,558 
$142,022 
$145,572 
$149,211 
$152,942 
Materials & 
Maintenance 
$118,700 
$121,668 
$124,709 
$127,827 
$131,023 
$134,298 
$137,656 
$141,097 
$144,625 
$148,240 
$151,946 
$155,745 
$159,638 
$163,629 
Total 
$699,035 
$716,510 
$734,423 
$752,784 
$771,603 
$790,894 
$810,666 
$830,933 
$851,706 
$872,998 
$894,823 
$917,194 
$940,124 
$963,627 
Wickenburg 
Ranch 
Water 
Salaries 
$127,863 
$131,059 
$134,336 
$137,694 
$141,136 
$144,665 
$148,281 
$151,988 
$155,788 
$159,683 
$163,675 
$167,767 
$171,961 
$176,260 
Other 
Personnel 
Cost 
$56,765 
$58,184 
$59,638 
$61,129 
$62,657 
$64,224 
$65,829 
$67,475 
$69,162 
$70,891 
$72,663 
$74,480 
$76,342 
$78,250 
Admin and 
Operations  
$222,588 
$228,153 
$233,856 
$239,703 
$245,695 
$251,838 
$258,134 
$264,587 
$271,202 
$277,982 
$284,931 
$292,055 
$299,356 
$306,840

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater
29 
 
FY24 
FY25 
FY26 
FY27 
FY28 
FY29 
FY30 
FY31 
FY32 
FY33 
FY34 
FY35 
FY36 
FY37 
Utilities 
$93,211 
$95,542 
$97,930 
$100,379 
$102,888 
$105,460 
$108,097 
$110,799 
$113,569 
$116,408 
$119,319 
$122,301 
$125,359 
$128,493 
Materials & 
Maintenance 
$155,236 
$159,117 
$163,095 
$167,172 
$171,352 
$175,636 
$180,026 
$184,527 
$189,140 
$193,869 
$198,716 
$203,683 
$208,775 
$213,995 
Total 
$655,663 
$672,054 
$688,856 
$706,077 
$723,729 
$741,822 
$760,368 
$779,377 
$798,861 
$818,833 
$839,304 
$860,286 
$881,794 
$903,838 
Wickenburg 
Ranch 
Wastewater 
Salaries 
$220,784 
$226,304 
$231,961 
$237,760 
$243,704 
$249,797 
$256,042 
$262,443 
$269,004 
$275,729 
$282,622 
$289,688 
$296,930 
$304,353 
Other 
Personnel 
Cost 
$95,165 
$97,544 
$99,983 
$102,482 
$105,044 
$107,671 
$110,362 
$113,121 
$115,949 
$118,848 
$121,819 
$124,865 
$127,986 
$131,186 
Admin and 
Operations  
$362,854 
$371,925 
$381,224 
$390,754 
$400,523 
$410,536 
$420,800 
$431,319 
$442,102 
$453,155 
$464,484 
$476,096 
$487,998 
$500,198 
Utilities 
$77,531 
$79,469 
$81,456 
$83,492 
$85,580 
$87,719 
$89,912 
$92,160 
$94,464 
$96,826 
$99,246 
$101,727 
$104,271 
$106,877 
Materials & 
Maintenance 
$77,393 
$79,327 
$81,311 
$83,343 
$85,427 
$87,563 
$89,752 
$91,996 
$94,295 
$96,653 
$99,069 
$101,546 
$104,084 
$106,687 
Total 
$833,727 
$854,570 
$875,934 
$897,833 
$920,278 
$943,285 
$966,867 
$991,039 
$1,015,815 
$1,041,211 
$1,067,241 
$1,093,922 
$1,121,270 
$1,149,302 
Total 
Operating 
Expenditure  
$3,112,714 
$3,190,532 
$3,270,295 
$3,352,052 
$3,435,854 
$3,521,750 
$3,609,794 
$3,700,039 
$3,792,540 
$3,887,353 
$3,984,537 
$4,084,150 
$4,186,254 
$4,290,910 
 
Appendix 1 cont. 
FY38 
FY39 
FY40 
FY41 
FY42 
FY43 
FY44 
Town Water 
Salaries 
$218,932 
$224,405 
$230,015 
$235,766 
$241,660 
$247,701 
$253,894 
Other Personnel Cost 
$104,215 
$106,821 
$109,491 
$112,228 
$115,034 
$117,910 
$120,858 
Admin and Operations  
$455,503 
$466,890 
$478,563 
$490,527 
$502,790 
$515,360 
$528,244 
Utilities 
$181,124 
$185,652 
$190,294 
$195,051 
$199,927 
$204,925 
$210,049 
Materials & Maintenance 
$346,223 
$354,878 
$363,750 
$372,844 
$382,165 
$391,719 
$401,512

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater
30 
 
 
FY38 
FY39 
FY40 
FY41 
FY42 
FY43 
FY44 
Total 
$1,305,997 
$1,338,647 
$1,372,113 
$1,406,416 
$1,441,576 
$1,477,616 
$1,514,556 
Town Wastewater 
Salaries 
$189,382 
$194,117 
$198,970 
$203,944 
$209,043 
$214,269 
$219,625 
Other Personnel Cost 
$80,799 
$82,819 
$84,890 
$87,012 
$89,187 
$91,417 
$93,702 
Admin and Operations  
$393,051 
$402,877 
$412,949 
$423,273 
$433,854 
$444,701 
$455,818 
Utilities 
$156,765 
$160,684 
$164,701 
$168,819 
$173,039 
$177,365 
$181,800 
Materials & Maintenance 
$167,720 
$171,913 
$176,211 
$180,616 
$185,132 
$189,760 
$194,504 
Total 
$987,718 
$1,012,411 
$1,037,721 
$1,063,664 
$1,090,255 
$1,117,512 
$1,145,450 
Wickenburg Ranch Water 
Salaries 
$180,667 
$185,183 
$189,813 
$194,558 
$199,422 
$204,408 
$209,518 
Other Personnel Cost 
$80,207 
$82,212 
$84,267 
$86,374 
$88,533 
$90,747 
$93,015 
Admin and Operations  
$314,511 
$322,374 
$330,433 
$338,694 
$347,161 
$355,840 
$364,736 
Utilities 
$131,705 
$134,998 
$138,373 
$141,832 
$145,378 
$149,013 
$152,738 
Materials & Maintenance 
$219,345 
$224,828 
$230,449 
$236,210 
$242,116 
$248,168 
$254,373 
Total 
$926,434 
$949,595 
$973,335 
$997,668 
$1,022,610 
$1,048,175 
$1,074,380 
Wickenburg Ranch Wastewater 
Salaries 
$311,962 
$319,761 
$327,755 
$335,949 
$344,348 
$352,956 
$361,780 
Other Personnel Cost 
$134,466 
$137,827 
$141,273 
$144,805 
$148,425 
$152,136 
$155,939 
Admin and Operations  
$512,703 
$525,521 
$538,659 
$552,125 
$565,929 
$580,077 
$594,579 
Utilities 
$109,549 
$112,288 
$115,095 
$117,973 
$120,922 
$123,945 
$127,044 
Materials & Maintenance 
$109,354 
$112,088 
$114,890 
$117,762 
$120,706 
$123,724 
$126,817 
Total 
$1,178,034 
$1,207,485 
$1,237,672 
$1,268,614 
$1,300,329 
$1,332,838 
$1,366,158 
Total Operating Expenditure  
$4,398,183 
$4,508,138 
$4,620,841 
$4,736,362 
$4,854,771 
$4,976,141 
$5,100,544

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
31 
 
Appendices 2 – Current Utility Summary - Primary Rates/Fees

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
32 
 
Appendices 3 – Other Revenues used in financial modeling 
 
FY24 
FY25 
FY26 
FY27 
FY28 
FY29 
FY30 
FY31 
FY32 
FY33 
FY34 
FY35 
Town 
Water 
Other 
Revenue 
Lgip Loss 
$25 
$26 
$27 
$27 
$28 
$29 
$29 
$30 
$31 
$32 
$32 
$33 
Water 
Connect 
Fees 
$4,50
9 
$4,62
2 
$4,73
8 
$4,85
6 
$4,97
7 
$5,10
2 
$5,22
9 
$5,36
0 
$5,49
4 
$5,63
2 
$5,77
2 
$5,91
7 
Water 
Sales Tax 
Exempt 
$14,3
90 
$14,7
50 
$15,1
18 
$15,4
96 
$15,8
84 
$16,2
81 
$16,6
88 
$17,1
05 
$17,5
33 
$17,9
71 
$18,4
20 
$18,8
81 
Water 
Installatio
n 
$36,1
01 
$37,0
04 
$37,9
29 
$38,8
77 
$39,8
49 
$40,8
45 
$41,8
66 
$42,9
13 
$43,9
86 
$45,0
85 
$46,2
13 
$47,3
68 
Backflow 
$12,8
07 
$13,1
27 
$13,4
55 
$13,7
92 
$14,1
37 
$14,4
90 
$14,8
52 
$15,2
24 
$15,6
04 
$15,9
94 
$16,3
94 
$16,8
04 
Illegal 
Connect 
$342 
$350 
$359 
$368 
$377 
$387 
$396 
$406 
$416 
$427 
$437 
$448 
Meter Re-
Read 
Fees 
$12 
$12 
$13 
$13 
$13 
$14 
$14 
$14 
$15 
$15 
$15 
$16 
Inspectio
n & 
Testing 
Fees 
$3,37
6 
$3,46
2 
$3,55
1 
$3,64
1 
$3,73
5 
$3,83
0 
$3,92
8 
$4,02
8 
$4,13
1 
$4,23
7 
$4,34
5 
$4,45
7 
Miscellan
eous 
Revenues 
$9,78
8 
$10,0
34 
$10,2
88 
$10,5
47 
$10,8
13 
$11,0
86 
$11,3
66 
$11,6
52 
$11,9
46 
$12,2
48 
$12,5
57 
$12,8
73 
Water 
Tower 
Use 
$56,6
03 
$58,0
12 
$59,4
56 
$60,9
35 
$62,4
52 
$64,0
06 
$65,5
99 
$67,2
31 
$68,9
05 
$70,6
19 
$72,3
77 
$74,1
78 
Total 
$137,
953 
$141,
400 
$144,
932 
$148,
553 
$152,
265 
$156,
069 
$159,
968 
$163,
964 
$168,
061 
$172,
260 
$176,
563 
$180,
974 
Town 
Wastewater 
Other Revenue 
Lgip Loss 
$3 
$3 
$3 
$3 
$3 
$3 
$4 
$4 
$4 
$4 
$4 
$4 
Inspectio
n & 
Testing 
Fees 
$405 
$415 
$425 
$436 
$447 
$458 
$470 
$481 
$493 
$506 
$518 
$531 
Direct 
Haul 
Dumping 
$87,2
90 
$89,4
73 
$91,7
09 
$94,0
02 
$96,3
52 
$98,7
61 
$101,
230 
$103,
761 
$106,
355 
$109,
014 
$111,
739 
$114,
533 
Contracte
d 
Services 
Reimb 
$31 
$32 
$32 
$33 
$34 
$35 
$36 
$37 
$37 
$38 
$39 
$40

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
33 
 
FY24 
FY25 
FY26 
FY27 
FY28 
FY29 
FY30 
FY31 
FY32 
FY33 
FY34 
FY35 
Miscellan
eous 
Revenues 
$5,12
8 
$5,25
6 
$5,38
7 
$5,52
2 
$5,66
0 
$5,80
2 
$5,94
7 
$6,09
5 
$6,24
8 
$6,40
4 
$6,56
4 
$6,72
8 
Surplus 
Of Town 
Property 
$615 
$630 
$646 
$662 
$679 
$696 
$713 
$731 
$749 
$768 
$787 
$807 
Total 
$93,4
72 
$95,8
09 
$98,2
04 
$100,
659 
$103,
175 
$105,
755 
$108,
399 
$111,
109 
$113,
886 
$116,
733 
$119,
652 
$122,
643 
Wickenburg 
Ranch Water 
Other Revenue 
Water 
Connect 
Fees 
$2,42
2 
$2,48
3 
$2,54
5 
$2,60
9 
$2,67
4 
$2,74
1 
$2,80
9 
$2,87
9 
$2,95
1 
$3,02
5 
$3,10
1 
$3,17
8 
Construct
ion Water 
Sales 
$21,1
10 
$21,6
38 
$22,1
79 
$22,7
33 
$23,3
01 
$23,8
84 
$24,4
81 
$25,0
93 
$25,7
20 
$26,3
63 
$27,0
22 
$27,6
98 
Water 
Installatio
n 
$99,1
26 
$101,
605 
$104,
145 
$106,
748 
$109,
417 
$112,
152 
$114,
956 
$117,
830 
$120,
776 
$123,
795 
$126,
890 
$130,
062 
Backflow 
$148 
$151 
$155 
$159 
$163 
$167 
$171 
$175 
$180 
$184 
$189 
$194 
Inspectio
n & 
Testing 
Fees 
$165 
$169 
$173 
$177 
$182 
$186 
$191 
$196 
$201 
$206 
$211 
$216 
Miscellan
eous 
Revenues 
$297,
441 
$304,
877 
$312,
499 
$320,
311 
$328,
319 
$336,
527 
$344,
940 
$353,
563 
$362,
403 
$371,
463 
$380,
749 
$390,
268 
Sales & 
Use Tax 
Credit 
$217 
$222 
$228 
$234 
$239 
$245 
$252 
$258 
$264 
$271 
$278 
$285 
Total 
$420,
629 
$431,
144 
$441,
923 
$452,
971 
$464,
295 
$475,
903 
$487,
800 
$499,
995 
$512,
495 
$525,
307 
$538,
440 
$551,
901 
Wickenburg 
Ranch 
Wastewater 
Other Revenue 
Inspectio
n & 
Testing 
Fees 
$250 
$256 
$263 
$269 
$276 
$283 
$290 
$297 
$305 
$312 
$320 
$328 
Connectio
n Fee 
$1,36
6,516 
$1,40
0,679 
$1,43
5,696 
$1,47
1,589 
$1,50
8,378 
$1,54
6,088 
$1,58
4,740 
$1,62
4,358 
$1,66
4,967 
$1,70
6,592 
$1,74
9,256 
$1,79
2,988 
Contracte
d 
Services 
Reimb 
$35,4
77 
$36,3
64 
$37,2
73 
$38,2
04 
$39,1
60 
$40,1
39 
$41,1
42 
$42,1
71 
$43,2
25 
$44,3
05 
$45,4
13 
$46,5
48 
Miscellan
eous 
Revenues 
$10 
$10 
$10 
$10 
$11 
$11 
$11 
$11 
$12 
$12 
$12 
$13 
Total 
$1,40
2,253 
$1,43
7,309 
$1,47
3,242 
$1,51
0,073 
$1,54
7,825 
$1,58
6,520 
$1,62
6,183 
$1,66
6,838 
$1,70
8,509 
$1,75
1,221 
$1,79
5,002 
$1,83
9,877

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
34 
 
FY24 
FY25 
FY26 
FY27 
FY28 
FY29 
FY30 
FY31 
FY32 
FY33 
FY34 
FY35 
Total 
Other 
Revenue 
$2,05
4,306 
$2,10
5,662 
$2,15
8,301 
$2,21
2,256 
$2,26
7,560 
$2,32
4,246 
$2,38
2,350 
$2,44
1,906 
$2,50
2,951 
$2,56
5,522 
$2,62
9,657 
$2,69
5,396 
 
Appendix 3 Continued 
FY36 
FY37 
FY38 
FY39 
FY40 
FY41 
FY42 
FY43 
FY44 
Town Water 
Other Revenue 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lgip Loss 
$34 
$35 
$36 
$37 
$38 
$38 
$39 
$40 
$41 
Water Connect 
Fees 
$6,065 
$6,216 
$6,372 
$6,531 
$6,694 
$6,861 
$7,033 
$7,209 
$7,389 
Water Sales Tax 
Exempt 
$19,353 
$19,83
7 
$20,33
3 
$20,84
1 
$21,36
2 
$21,89
6 
$22,443 
$23,005 
$23,58
0 
Water Installation 
$48,552 
$49,76
6 
$51,01
0 
$52,28
5 
$53,59
2 
$54,93
2 
$56,306 
$57,713 
$59,15
6 
Backflow 
$17,224 
$17,65
5 
$18,09
6 
$18,54
8 
$19,01
2 
$19,48
7 
$19,975 
$20,474 
$20,98
6 
Illegal Connect 
$460 
$471 
$483 
$495 
$507 
$520 
$533 
$546 
$560 
Meter Re-Read 
Fees 
$16 
$16 
$17 
$17 
$18 
$18 
$19 
$19 
$20 
Inspection & 
Testing Fees 
$4,570 
$4,687 
$4,807 
$4,930 
$5,056 
$5,185 
$5,318 
$5,454 
$5,593 
Miscellaneous 
Revenues 
$13,198 
$13,53
1 
$13,87
3 
$14,22
3 
$14,58
1 
$14,94
9 
$15,326 
$15,713 
$16,10
9 
Water Tower Use 
$76,024 
$77,91
6 
$79,85
5 
$81,84
2 
$83,87
9 
$85,96
6 
$88,106 
$90,298 
$92,54
5 
Total 
$185,496 
$190,1
30 
$194,8
80 
$199,7
49 
$204,7
40 
$209,8
55 
$215,09
8 
$220,47
2 
$225,9
80 
Town Wastewater Other 
Revenue 
Lgip Loss 
$4 
$4 
$4 
$4 
$5 
$5 
$5 
$5 
$5 
Inspection & 
Testing Fees 
$545 
$558 
$572 
$586 
$601 
$616 
$631 
$647 
$663 
Direct Haul 
Dumping 
$117,396 
$120,3
31 
$123,3
39 
$126,4
22 
$129,5
83 
$132,8
23 
$136,14
3 
$139,54
7 
$143,0
35 
Contracted 
Services Reimb 
$41 
$42 
$43 
$45 
$46 
$47 
$48 
$49 
$50 
Miscellaneous 
Revenues 
$6,896 
$7,069 
$7,245 
$7,426 
$7,612 
$7,802 
$7,998 
$8,197 
$8,402 
Surplus Of Town 
Property 
$827 
$848 
$869 
$891 
$913 
$936 
$959 
$983 
$1,008 
Total 
$125,709 
$128,8
52 
$132,0
73 
$135,3
75 
$138,7
59 
$142,2
28 
$145,78
4 
$149,42
9 
$153,1
64 
Wickenburg Ranch Water 
Other Revenue 
Water Connect 
Fees 
$3,258 
$3,339 
$3,423 
$3,508 
$3,596 
$3,686 
$3,778 
$3,873 
$3,969

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
35 
 
FY36 
FY37 
FY38 
FY39 
FY40 
FY41 
FY42 
FY43 
FY44 
Construction 
Water Sales 
$28,390 
$29,10
0 
$29,82
8 
$30,57
3 
$31,33
8 
$32,12
1 
$32,924 
$33,747 
$34,59
1 
Water Installation 
$133,314 
$136,6
47 
$140,0
63 
$143,5
65 
$147,1
54 
$150,8
33 
$154,60
3 
$158,46
8 
$162,4
30 
Backflow 
$199 
$203 
$209 
$214 
$219 
$225 
$230 
$236 
$242 
Inspection & 
Testing Fees 
$221 
$227 
$233 
$239 
$244 
$251 
$257 
$263 
$270 
Miscellaneous 
Revenues 
$400,025 
$410,0
25 
$420,2
76 
$430,7
83 
$441,5
52 
$452,5
91 
$463,90
6 
$475,50
4 
$487,3
91 
Sales & Use Tax 
Credit 
$292 
$299 
$307 
$314 
$322 
$330 
$338 
$347 
$356 
Total 
$565,699 
$579,8
41 
$594,3
37 
$609,1
96 
$624,4
25 
$640,0
36 
$656,03
7 
$672,43
8 
$689,2
49 
Wickenburg Ranch 
Wastewater Other Revenue 
Inspection & 
Testing Fees 
$336 
$345 
$353 
$362 
$371 
$381 
$390 
$400 
$410 
Connection Fee 
$1,837,813 
$1,883,
758 
$1,930,
852 
$1,979,
123 
$2,028,
601 
$2,079,
316 
$2,131,
299 
$2,184,
582 
$2,239,
196 
Contracted 
Services Reimb 
$47,712 
$48,90
5 
$50,12
8 
$51,38
1 
$52,66
5 
$53,98
2 
$55,331 
$56,715 
$58,13
3 
Miscellaneous 
Revenues 
$13 
$13 
$14 
$14 
$14 
$15 
$15 
$15 
$16 
Total 
$1,885,874 
$1,933,
021 
$1,981,
346 
$2,030,
880 
$2,081,
652 
$2,133,
693 
$2,187,
036 
$2,241,
711 
$2,297,
754 
Total Other 
Revenue 
$2,762,777 
$2,831,
844 
$2,902,
637 
$2,975,
200 
$3,049,
576 
$3,125,
812 
$3,203,
954 
$3,284,
050 
$3,366,
147

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
36 
 
Appendices 4 – Financial Results – Option 1 
Finan
cial 
Year 
Service 
Revenue 
Total 
Revenue 
OPEX 
CAPEX 
Net Cash 
Flow 
Reserve 
Fund 
FY24 
$10,183,323 
$12,288,985 
$3,190,532 
$9,989,341 
-$890,888 
$171 
FY25 
$13,415,232 
$15,573,533 
$3,270,295 
$12,303,410 
-$171 
$0 
FY26 
$13,783,642 
$15,995,898 
$3,352,052 
$11,239,415 
$1,404,431 
$1,404,431 
FY27 
$14,147,331 
$16,414,891 
$3,435,854 
$6,535,146 
$6,443,892 
$7,848,323 
FY28 
$14,506,674 
$16,830,920 
$3,521,750 
$7,872,530 
$5,436,641 
$13,284,963 
FY29 
$14,862,034 
$17,244,383 
$3,609,794 
$7,124,757 
$6,509,833 
$19,794,796 
FY30 
$15,213,761 
$17,655,667 
$3,700,039 
$8,423,484 
$5,532,144 
$25,326,940 
FY31 
$15,562,196 
$18,065,147 
$3,792,540 
$34,229,669 
-
$19,957,06
2 
$5,369,878 
FY32 
$15,907,669 
$18,473,190 
$3,887,353 
$19,955,716 
-$5,369,878 
$0 
FY33 
$16,250,499 
$18,880,156 
$3,984,537 
$7,492,259 
$7,403,360 
$7,403,360 
FY34 
$16,590,996 
$19,286,392 
$4,084,150 
$8,697,530 
$6,504,711 
$13,908,071 
FY35 
$16,929,462 
$19,692,239 
$4,186,254 
$8,406,298 
$7,099,687 
$21,007,758 
FY36 
$17,266,189 
$20,098,033 
$4,290,910 
$8,897,609 
$6,909,514 
$27,917,272 
FY37 
$17,601,461 
$20,504,098 
$4,398,183 
$8,351,631 
$7,754,284 
$35,671,556 
FY38 
$17,935,555 
$20,910,755 
$4,508,138 
$8,054,750 
$8,347,867 
$44,019,422 
FY39 
$18,268,741 
$21,318,317 
$4,620,841 
$8,008,350 
$8,689,126 
$52,708,548 
FY40 
$18,601,279 
$21,727,091 
$4,736,362 
$8,028,347 
$8,962,382 
$61,670,931 
FY41 
$18,933,427 
$22,137,381 
$4,854,771 
$8,186,362 
$9,096,247 
$70,767,178 
FY42 
$19,265,432 
$22,549,482 
$4,976,141 
$8,267,372 
$9,305,969 
$80,073,147 
FY43 
$19,597,539 
$22,963,687 
$5,100,544 
$8,317,596 
$9,545,546 
$89,618,693 
FY44 
$19,929,986 
$23,380,283 
$5,228,058 
$8,454,011 
$9,698,215 
$99,316,907

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
37 
 
Appendices 5 – Financial Results – Option 2 
Finan
cial 
Year 
Service 
Revenue 
Total 
Revenue 
OPEX 
CAPEX 
Net Cash 
Flow 
Reserve 
Fund 
FY24 
$10,183,152 
$12,288,813 
$3,190,532 
$9,989,341 
-$891,059 
$0 
FY25 
$13,415,404 
$15,573,705 
$3,270,295 
$12,303,410 
$0 
$0 
FY26 
$12,379,212 
$14,591,468 
$3,352,052 
$11,239,415 
$0 
$0 
FY27 
$7,703,440 
$9,970,999 
$3,435,854 
$6,535,146 
$0 
$0 
FY28 
$9,070,034 
$11,394,280 
$3,521,750 
$7,872,530 
$0 
$0 
FY29 
$8,352,201 
$10,734,550 
$3,609,794 
$7,124,757 
$0 
$0 
FY30 
$9,681,616 
$12,123,522 
$3,700,039 
$8,423,484 
$0 
$0 
FY31 
$35,519,258 
$38,022,209 
$3,792,540 
$34,229,669 
$0 
$0 
FY32 
$21,277,547 
$23,843,069 
$3,887,353 
$19,955,716 
$0 
$0 
FY33 
$8,847,139 
$11,476,796 
$3,984,537 
$7,492,259 
$0 
$0 
FY34 
$10,086,285 
$12,781,680 
$4,084,150 
$8,697,530 
$0 
$0 
FY35 
$9,829,775 
$12,592,553 
$4,186,254 
$8,406,298 
$0 
$0 
FY36 
$10,356,675 
$13,188,519 
$4,290,910 
$8,897,609 
$0 
$0 
FY37 
$9,847,178 
$12,749,814 
$4,398,183 
$8,351,631 
$0 
$0 
FY38 
$9,587,689 
$12,562,888 
$4,508,138 
$8,054,750 
$0 
$0 
FY39 
$9,579,615 
$12,629,191 
$4,620,841 
$8,008,350 
$0 
$0 
FY40 
$9,638,897 
$12,764,709 
$4,736,362 
$8,028,347 
$0 
$0 
FY41 
$9,837,179 
$13,041,134 
$4,854,771 
$8,186,362 
$0 
$0 
FY42 
$9,959,463 
$13,243,513 
$4,976,141 
$8,267,372 
$0 
$0 
FY43 
$10,051,993 
$13,418,140 
$5,100,544 
$8,317,596 
$0 
$0 
FY44 
$10,231,772 
$13,682,069 
$5,228,058 
$8,454,011 
$0 
$0

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
38 
 
Appendices 6 – Financial Results – Option 3 
Finan
cial 
Year 
Service 
Revenue 
Total 
Revenue 
OPEX 
CAPEX 
Net Cash 
Flow 
Reserve 
Fund 
FY24 
$4,785,028 
$6,890,690 
$3,190,532 
$9,989,341 
-$6,289,183 
-$5,398,124 
FY25 
$5,421,742 
$7,580,043 
$3,270,295 
$12,303,410 
-$7,993,662 
-$13,391,786 
FY26 
$6,136,142 
$8,348,398 
$3,352,052 
$11,239,415 
-$6,243,069 
-$19,634,855 
FY27 
$6,937,400 
$9,204,960 
$3,435,854 
$6,535,146 
-$766,039 
-$20,400,894 
FY28 
$7,835,755 
$10,160,002 
$3,521,750 
$7,872,530 
-$1,234,278 
-$21,635,172 
FY29 
$8,842,642 
$11,224,992 
$3,609,794 
$7,124,757 
$490,441 
-$21,144,731 
FY30 
$9,970,827 
$12,412,733 
$3,700,039 
$8,423,484 
$289,210 
-$20,855,521 
FY31 
$11,234,565 
$13,737,516 
$3,792,540 
$34,229,669 
-
$24,284,69
3 
-$45,140,214 
FY32 
$12,649,772 
$15,215,294 
$3,887,353 
$19,955,716 
-$8,627,775 
-$53,767,989 
FY33 
$14,234,219 
$16,863,876 
$3,984,537 
$7,492,259 
$5,387,081 
-$48,380,908 
FY34 
$16,007,747 
$18,703,142 
$4,084,150 
$8,697,530 
$5,921,462 
-$42,459,446 
FY35 
$17,992,508 
$20,755,285 
$4,186,254 
$8,406,298 
$8,162,733 
-$34,296,713 
FY36 
$20,213,235 
$23,045,079 
$4,290,910 
$8,897,609 
$9,856,559 
-$24,440,154 
FY37 
$22,697,543 
$25,600,180 
$4,398,183 
$8,351,631 
$12,850,36
5 
-$11,589,789 
FY38 
$25,476,264 
$28,451,463 
$4,508,138 
$8,054,750 
$15,888,57
5 
$4,298,786 
FY39 
$28,583,823 
$31,633,399 
$4,620,841 
$8,008,350 
$19,004,20
7 
$23,302,994 
FY40 
$32,058,655 
$35,184,467 
$4,736,362 
$8,028,347 
$22,419,75
8 
$45,722,752 
FY41 
$35,943,676 
$39,147,631 
$4,854,771 
$8,186,362 
$26,106,49
7 
$71,829,249 
FY42 
$40,286,804 
$43,570,854 
$4,976,141 
$8,267,372 
$30,327,34
1 
$102,156,59
0 
FY43 
$45,141,543 
$48,507,690 
$5,100,544 
$8,317,596 
$35,089,55
0 
$137,246,14
0 
FY44 
$50,567,635 
$54,017,932 
$5,228,058 
$8,454,011 
$40,335,86
3 
$177,582,00
4

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
39 
 
Appendices 7 – Financial Results – Option 4 
Finan
cial 
Year 
Service 
Revenue 
Total 
Revenue 
OPEX 
CAPEX 
Net Cash 
Flow 
Reserve 
Fund 
FY24 
$5,311,740 
$7,417,401 
$3,190,532 
$9,989,341 
-$5,762,471 
-$4,871,412 
FY25 
$6,166,858 
$8,325,158 
$3,270,295 
$12,303,410 
-$7,248,546 
-$12,119,958 
FY26 
$7,195,065 
$9,407,321 
$3,352,052 
$11,239,415 
-$5,184,146 
-$17,304,105 
FY27 
$7,762,560 
$10,030,120 
$3,435,854 
$6,535,146 
$59,120 
-$17,244,984 
FY28 
$8,367,354 
$10,691,600 
$3,521,750 
$7,872,530 
-$702,680 
-$17,947,664 
FY29 
$9,011,885 
$11,394,235 
$3,609,794 
$7,124,757 
$659,684 
-$17,287,980 
FY30 
$9,698,753 
$12,140,659 
$3,700,039 
$8,423,484 
$17,137 
-$17,270,843 
FY31 
$10,430,730 
$12,933,681 
$3,792,540 
$34,229,669 
-
$25,088,52
8 
-$42,359,371 
FY32 
$11,210,771 
$13,776,292 
$3,887,353 
$19,955,716 
-
$10,066,77
6 
-$52,426,147 
FY33 
$12,042,027 
$14,671,684 
$3,984,537 
$7,492,259 
$3,194,888 
-$49,231,259 
FY34 
$12,927,859 
$15,623,254 
$4,084,150 
$8,697,530 
$2,841,574 
-$46,389,685 
FY35 
$13,871,851 
$16,634,629 
$4,186,254 
$8,406,298 
$4,042,076 
-$42,347,609 
FY36 
$14,877,827 
$17,709,671 
$4,290,910 
$8,897,609 
$4,521,151 
-$37,826,458 
FY37 
$15,949,863 
$18,852,500 
$4,398,183 
$8,351,631 
$6,102,685 
-$31,723,773 
FY38 
$17,092,308 
$20,067,508 
$4,508,138 
$8,054,750 
$7,504,620 
-$24,219,153 
FY39 
$18,309,803 
$21,359,379 
$4,620,841 
$8,008,350 
$8,730,188 
-$15,488,965 
FY40 
$19,607,295 
$22,733,107 
$4,736,362 
$8,028,347 
$9,968,398 
-$5,520,567 
FY41 
$20,990,063 
$24,194,017 
$4,854,771 
$8,186,362 
$11,152,88
4 
$5,632,316 
FY42 
$22,463,741 
$25,747,791 
$4,976,141 
$8,267,372 
$12,504,27
8 
$18,136,595 
FY43 
$24,034,338 
$27,400,485 
$5,100,544 
$8,317,596 
$13,982,34
5 
$32,118,939 
FY44 
$25,708,265 
$29,158,562 
$5,228,058 
$8,454,011 
$15,476,49
3 
$47,595,433

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
40 
 
Appendices 8 – Financial Results – Option 5 
Finan
cial 
Year 
Service 
Revenue 
Total 
Revenue 
OPEX 
CAPEX 
Net Cash 
Flow 
Reserve 
Fund 
FY24 
$10,183,280 
$12,288,941 
$3,190,532 
$9,989,341 
-$890,932 
$0 
FY25 
$13,415,854 
$15,574,155 
$3,270,295 
$12,303,410 
$0 
$0 
FY26 
$13,746,343 
$15,958,599 
$3,352,052 
$11,239,415 
$1,367,132 
$1,367,132 
FY27 
$14,090,593 
$16,358,153 
$3,435,854 
$6,535,146 
$6,387,154 
$7,754,863 
FY28 
$14,449,312 
$16,773,558 
$3,521,750 
$7,872,530 
$5,379,279 
$13,134,142 
FY29 
$14,823,248 
$17,205,598 
$3,609,794 
$7,124,757 
$6,471,047 
$19,605,189 
FY30 
$15,213,191 
$17,655,097 
$3,700,039 
$8,423,484 
$5,531,574 
$25,136,763 
FY31 
$15,619,975 
$18,122,926 
$3,792,540 
$34,229,669 
-
$19,899,28
3 
$5,237,481 
FY32 
$16,044,482 
$18,610,004 
$3,887,353 
$19,955,716 
-$5,233,065 
$4,416 
FY33 
$16,487,643 
$19,117,300 
$3,984,537 
$7,492,259 
$7,640,504 
$7,644,920 
FY34 
$16,950,442 
$19,645,837 
$4,084,150 
$8,697,530 
$6,864,157 
$14,509,077 
FY35 
$17,433,918 
$20,196,696 
$4,186,254 
$8,406,298 
$7,604,143 
$22,113,220 
FY36 
$17,939,170 
$20,771,014 
$4,290,910 
$8,897,609 
$7,582,495 
$29,695,715 
FY37 
$18,467,359 
$21,369,996 
$4,398,183 
$8,351,631 
$8,620,181 
$38,315,896 
FY38 
$19,019,711 
$21,994,910 
$4,508,138 
$8,054,750 
$9,432,022 
$47,747,918 
FY39 
$19,597,523 
$22,647,099 
$4,620,841 
$8,008,350 
$10,017,90
8 
$57,765,826 
FY40 
$20,202,166 
$23,327,978 
$4,736,362 
$8,028,347 
$10,563,26
9 
$68,329,095 
FY41 
$20,835,088 
$24,039,042 
$4,854,771 
$8,186,362 
$10,997,90
8 
$79,327,003 
FY42 
$21,497,821 
$24,781,870 
$4,976,141 
$8,267,372 
$11,538,35
8 
$90,865,361 
FY43 
$22,191,984 
$25,558,131 
$5,100,544 
$8,317,596 
$12,139,99
1 
$103,005,35
2 
FY44 
$22,919,290 
$26,369,587 
$5,228,058 
$8,454,011 
$12,687,51
8 
$115,692,87
0

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
41 
 
Appendices 9 – Financial Results – Option 6 
Finan
cial 
Year 
Service 
Revenue 
Total 
Revenue 
OPEX 
CAPEX 
Net Cash 
Flow 
Reserve 
Fund 
FY24 
$10,183,152 
$12,288,813 
$3,190,532 
$9,989,341 
-$891,059 
$0 
FY25 
$13,415,404 
$15,573,705 
$3,270,295 
$12,303,410 
$0 
$0 
FY26 
$13,799,096 
$16,011,352 
$3,352,052 
$11,239,415 
$1,419,885 
$1,419,885 
FY27 
$14,166,653 
$16,434,213 
$3,435,854 
$6,535,146 
$6,463,213 
$7,883,098 
FY28 
$14,521,516 
$16,845,763 
$3,521,750 
$7,872,530 
$5,451,483 
$13,334,581 
FY29 
$14,867,027 
$17,249,377 
$3,609,794 
$7,124,757 
$6,514,826 
$19,849,407 
FY30 
$15,206,438 
$17,648,344 
$3,700,039 
$8,423,484 
$5,524,821 
$25,374,228 
FY31 
$15,542,933 
$18,045,884 
$3,792,540 
$34,229,669 
-
$19,976,32
5 
$5,397,903 
FY32 
$15,879,643 
$18,445,165 
$3,887,353 
$19,955,716 
-$5,397,903 
$0 
FY33 
$16,219,661 
$18,849,318 
$3,984,537 
$7,492,259 
$7,372,522 
$7,372,522 
FY34 
$16,566,054 
$19,261,449 
$4,084,150 
$8,697,530 
$6,479,769 
$13,852,291 
FY35 
$16,921,885 
$19,684,663 
$4,186,254 
$8,406,298 
$7,092,110 
$20,944,401 
FY36 
$17,290,225 
$20,122,069 
$4,290,910 
$8,897,609 
$6,933,550 
$27,877,952 
FY37 
$17,674,168 
$20,576,805 
$4,398,183 
$8,351,631 
$7,826,990 
$35,704,942 
FY38 
$18,076,844 
$21,052,044 
$4,508,138 
$8,054,750 
$8,489,156 
$44,194,098 
FY39 
$18,501,442 
$21,551,019 
$4,620,841 
$8,008,350 
$8,921,827 
$53,115,925 
FY40 
$18,951,218 
$22,077,030 
$4,736,362 
$8,028,347 
$9,312,321 
$62,428,246 
FY41 
$19,429,515 
$22,633,469 
$4,854,771 
$8,186,362 
$9,592,335 
$72,020,581 
FY42 
$19,939,778 
$23,223,828 
$4,976,141 
$8,267,372 
$9,980,315 
$82,000,896 
FY43 
$20,485,573 
$23,851,721 
$5,100,544 
$8,317,596 
$10,433,58
0 
$92,434,477 
FY44 
$21,070,604 
$24,520,901 
$5,228,058 
$8,454,011 
$10,838,83
2 
$103,273,30
9

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
42 
 
Appendices 10 – Financial Results – Option 7 
Finan
cial 
Year 
Service 
Revenue 
Total 
Revenue 
OPEX 
CAPEX 
Net Cash 
Flow 
Reserve 
Fund 
FY24 
$6,022,430 
$8,128,092 
$3,190,532 
$9,989,341 
-$5,051,781 
-$4,160,722 
FY25 
$8,751,515 
$10,909,816 
$3,270,295 
$12,303,410 
-$4,663,888 
-$8,824,610 
FY26 
$11,528,418 
$13,740,674 
$3,352,052 
$11,239,415 
-$850,793 
-$9,675,403 
FY27 
$12,481,775 
$14,749,335 
$3,435,854 
$6,535,146 
$4,778,336 
-$4,897,068 
FY28 
$13,496,061 
$15,820,307 
$3,521,750 
$7,872,530 
$4,426,027 
-$471,040 
FY29 
$14,575,121 
$16,957,471 
$3,609,794 
$7,124,757 
$6,222,920 
$5,751,880 
FY30 
$15,723,046 
$18,164,952 
$3,700,039 
$8,423,484 
$6,041,429 
$11,793,309 
FY31 
$16,944,190 
$19,447,141 
$3,792,540 
$34,229,669 
-
$18,575,06
8 
-$6,781,759 
FY32 
$18,243,184 
$20,808,706 
$3,887,353 
$19,955,716 
-$3,034,363 
-$9,816,122 
FY33 
$19,624,959 
$22,254,616 
$3,984,537 
$7,492,259 
$10,777,82
0 
$961,698 
FY34 
$21,094,758 
$23,790,154 
$4,084,150 
$8,697,530 
$11,008,47
4 
$11,970,172 
FY35 
$22,658,166 
$25,420,944 
$4,186,254 
$8,406,298 
$12,828,39
1 
$24,798,563 
FY36 
$24,321,124 
$27,152,968 
$4,290,910 
$8,897,609 
$13,964,44
9 
$38,763,012 
FY37 
$26,089,956 
$28,992,593 
$4,398,183 
$8,351,631 
$16,242,77
9 
$55,005,791 
FY38 
$27,971,393 
$30,946,593 
$4,508,138 
$8,054,750 
$18,383,70
5 
$73,389,496 
FY39 
$29,972,602 
$33,022,178 
$4,620,841 
$8,008,350 
$20,392,98
7 
$93,782,483 
FY40 
$32,101,211 
$35,227,023 
$4,736,362 
$8,028,347 
$22,462,31
4 
$116,244,79
7 
FY41 
$34,365,340 
$37,569,294 
$4,854,771 
$8,186,362 
$24,528,16
1 
$140,772,95
7 
FY42 
$36,773,636 
$40,057,686 
$4,976,141 
$8,267,372 
$26,814,17
3 
$167,587,13
1 
FY43 
$39,335,306 
$42,701,453 
$5,100,544 
$8,317,596 
$29,283,31
3 
$196,870,44
4 
FY44 
$42,060,152 
$45,510,449 
$5,228,058 
$8,454,011 
$31,828,38
0 
$228,698,82
4

GHD | Town of Wickenburg | 12592989 | Water and Wastewater 
43 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ghd.com 
   The Power of Commitment