Andy;
The rate setting process used by the Detroit Water and Sewer Department (DWSD) is as follows:
(1) DWSD has a series of internal meetings with the other governmental units to which it
supplies water. These meetings are not required, but have become customary. This series of
meetings occur on an annual basis.
(2) Based upon these meetings, DWSD recommends proposed water rates for the ensuing year
(July 1 to June 30) to the Board of Water Commissioners. In turn, the Board of Water
Commissioners recommends proposed water rates to the City Council, which has final approval.
(3) Rates tend to be based upon factors such as usage, distance, and peak usage levels. If the
contract with the City of Flint is characteristic, termination would require one-year’s advance
notice for a governmental unit to leave. Since rates are set annually, the departure of any
governmental unit would result in rates for the next rate setting cycle being adjusted
commensurately among remaining customers.
Valerie Brader, with whom I spoke this morning, was very helpful and provided much of this
information.
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CITY OF FLINT
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGER
EDWARD J. KURTZ
ELECTRONIC LETTER
April 16, 2013
Andy Dillon
State Treasurer
P. 0. Box 30716
Lansing, MI 48909
Dear Treasurer Dillon:
Flint, Genesee County and KWA received an eight page letter from Detroit Water and
Sewerage Department (DWSD) offering a framework for a long-term agreement with
our region. Two scenarios were presented;
Scenario 1: Water from the Lake Huron Plant.
This offer was dismissed immediately because Flint would still be responsible for their
share of the KWA water pipeline delivery system estimated to be $79 million. In
addition Flint would not be able to operate the Flint Water Plant in which we have
invested over $40 million per MDEQ mandates over the past ten years. Finally,
although DWSD shows this as an option and supplied a per month cost projection for
the first year, no total costs over the life of the contract were provided.
Scenario 2: “Full Service” Water Supply
This offer was also rejected. DWSD would supply water to Flint/Genesee the same way
they currently are today. They would change the method of calculating our bill. The
offer would provide a $1.00 per ccf reduction on our usage for the first year, providing a
30 year contract is signed.
After review of the offer, Flint/Genesee has the following concerns:
City Hall
1101 S. Saginaw Street - Flint, Michigan 48502
810-766-7346 FAX: 810-766-7218 | www.cityofflint.com
xxxEND_PAGE:treasury01_b04_0379_0503_037
Andy Dillon, State Treasurer
April 16, 2013
Page 2
1. DWSD's offer is a framework subject to negotiations and is not a firm offer.
2. DWSD’s offer is based on 40.6 mgd, the KWA plan is based on 60 mgd.
Flint/Genesee last summer hit the peak of 40.6 mgd and this DWSD offer
provides no room for growth. Growth would result in penalties or added cost.
3. DWSD's offer does not include a guaranteed rate for years two through thirty, nor
does it provide a maximum annual increase.
4. DWSD's offer does not provide a redundant supply for GCDC.
5. DWSD's offer does not allow for the use of Flint's existing water plant.
6. The offer indicates that the total cost to Flint over the life of the contract would be
$587,990,665. No indication of what annual rate of increase was used in this
projection. Flint can only assume it is 4.4% based on the Tucker Young report. It
is also based on 40.6 mgds. KWA’s proposal is for $649,775, 166 based on
60mgds (33% more). Based on 60 mgds DWSD’s proposal would be
$868,950,738.
On a final note, Flint(Genesee has great concern over the accuracy of the figures
provided by DWSD. Attachment 1 indicates that our joint annual cost to DWSD is $50
million; actual cost is less than $25 million. Attachment 2 indicates $800 million in
savings over the next 30 years. That is greater than the total cost we would pay DWSD.
Therefore, | will sign the resolution to join KWA at the close of business today.
Sincerely, Nuxeo
Edward J. Kurtz
Emergency Manager
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Stanton, Terry A. (T reasury)