HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-04 Finance Committee Agenda PacketFINANCE COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, June 04, 2024
Community Meeting Room & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in RED
Finance Committee meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by
teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining
transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or
attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is
located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The
m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o n
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, a n d s t r e a m e d t o M i d p e n M e d i a
Center https://midpenmedia.org.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/99227307235)
Meeting ID: 992 2730 7235 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three
minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for
30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Public
comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three
minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken until 5
minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public comments
can be submitted in advance to city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the
Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda
item you are referencing in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,
the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,
posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not
create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or
passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 13 minutes depending on #
of speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end
of the agenda.
ACTION ITEMS (ITEMS WILL BE HEARD OUT OF ORDER)
2.Accept June 30, 2023 Actuarial Valuation of Palo Alto's Retiree Healthcare and Other
Post Employment Benefits and Recommend to the City Council to Approve Annual
Actuarially Determined Contribution for Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026; CEQA Status – Not a
Project
1.Recommend City Council Adopt a Resolution Amending the Gas Utility Long‐term Plan
(GULP) Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan, Amending the Gas Utility
Reserves Management Practices, and Amending Rate Schedules G‐1 (Residential Gas
Service), G‐2 (Residential Master‐Metered and Commercial Gas Service), G‐3 (Large
Commercial Gas Service), and G‐10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service); CEQA Status: Not
a Project Under Public Resources Code 15378(b)(5) and Exempt Under Public Resources
Code 15273(a) and Discussion of the Utilities Advisory Commission’s Proposed
Alternatives.
3.Accept the Fiscal Year 2024 Third Quarter Financial Status Report
4.Continue Discussion on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget Wrap‐Up and Recommended FY
2025 Budget including the FY 2025 Municipal Fee Schedule for City Council Adoption
New Item Added
FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will
be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link
below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number
listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we
know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before
addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called
please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 992‐2730‐7235 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
1 Regular Meeting June 04, 2024
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are
available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
FINANCE COMMITTEERegular MeetingTuesday, June 04, 2024Community Meeting Room & Hybrid5:30 PMAmended AgendaAmended agenda items appear below in REDFinance Committee meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintainingtransparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home orattend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting islocated at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. Them e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, a n d s t r e a m e d t o M i d p e n M e d i aCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/99227307235)Meeting ID: 992 2730 7235 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSGeneral Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to threeminutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Publiccomments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to threeminutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken until 5minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public commentscan be submitted in advance to city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to theCouncil and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agendaitem you are referencing in your subject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,
posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not
create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or
passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 13 minutes depending on #
of speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end
of the agenda.
ACTION ITEMS (ITEMS WILL BE HEARD OUT OF ORDER)
2.Accept June 30, 2023 Actuarial Valuation of Palo Alto's Retiree Healthcare and Other
Post Employment Benefits and Recommend to the City Council to Approve Annual
Actuarially Determined Contribution for Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026; CEQA Status – Not a
Project
1.Recommend City Council Adopt a Resolution Amending the Gas Utility Long‐term Plan
(GULP) Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan, Amending the Gas Utility
Reserves Management Practices, and Amending Rate Schedules G‐1 (Residential Gas
Service), G‐2 (Residential Master‐Metered and Commercial Gas Service), G‐3 (Large
Commercial Gas Service), and G‐10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service); CEQA Status: Not
a Project Under Public Resources Code 15378(b)(5) and Exempt Under Public Resources
Code 15273(a) and Discussion of the Utilities Advisory Commission’s Proposed
Alternatives.
3.Accept the Fiscal Year 2024 Third Quarter Financial Status Report
4.Continue Discussion on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget Wrap‐Up and Recommended FY
2025 Budget including the FY 2025 Municipal Fee Schedule for City Council Adoption
New Item Added
FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will
be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link
below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number
listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we
know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before
addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called
please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 992‐2730‐7235 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
2 Regular Meeting June 04, 2024
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are
available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
FINANCE COMMITTEERegular MeetingTuesday, June 04, 2024Community Meeting Room & Hybrid5:30 PMAmended AgendaAmended agenda items appear below in REDFinance Committee meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintainingtransparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home orattend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting islocated at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. Them e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, a n d s t r e a m e d t o M i d p e n M e d i aCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/99227307235)Meeting ID: 992 2730 7235 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSGeneral Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to threeminutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Publiccomments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to threeminutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken until 5minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public commentscan be submitted in advance to city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to theCouncil and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agendaitem you are referencing in your subject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.CALL TO ORDERPUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 13 minutes depending on #of speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the endof the agenda.ACTION ITEMS (ITEMS WILL BE HEARD OUT OF ORDER)2.Accept June 30, 2023 Actuarial Valuation of Palo Alto's Retiree Healthcare and OtherPost Employment Benefits and Recommend to the City Council to Approve AnnualActuarially Determined Contribution for Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026; CEQA Status – Not aProject1.Recommend City Council Adopt a Resolution Amending the Gas Utility Long‐term Plan(GULP) Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan, Amending the Gas UtilityReserves Management Practices, and Amending Rate Schedules G‐1 (Residential GasService), G‐2 (Residential Master‐Metered and Commercial Gas Service), G‐3 (LargeCommercial Gas Service), and G‐10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service); CEQA Status: Nota Project Under Public Resources Code 15378(b)(5) and Exempt Under Public ResourcesCode 15273(a) and Discussion of the Utilities Advisory Commission’s ProposedAlternatives.3.Accept the Fiscal Year 2024 Third Quarter Financial Status Report4.Continue Discussion on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget Wrap‐Up and Recommended FY2025 Budget including the FY 2025 Municipal Fee Schedule for City Council AdoptionNew Item AddedFUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will
be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link
below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number
listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we
know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before
addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called
please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 992‐2730‐7235 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
3 Regular Meeting June 04, 2024
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are
available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
Finance Committee
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Administrative Services
Meeting Date: June 4, 2024
Report #:2402-2673
TITLE
Accept June 30, 2023 Actuarial Valuation of Palo Alto's Retiree Healthcare and Other Post
Employment Benefits and Recommend to the City Council to Approve Annual Actuarially
Determined Contribution for Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026; CEQA Status – Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Finance Committee recommend the City Council:
1.Review and accept the June 30, 2023 actuarial valuation of Palo Alto's Retiree
Healthcare Plan (Attachment B); and
2.Approve funding of the annual Actuarial Determined Contribution (ADC) for Fiscal
Year 2025 and Fiscal Year 2026 using a two-year phase-in of the adjusted
assumptions.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In accordance with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), the City Council
is required to review and approve the actuarial valuation for retiree healthcare plan on a
bi- annual basis for the upcoming two fiscal years and approve funding of the annual
Actuarial Determined Contribution (ADC). This current study presents the fund's status as
of June 30, 2023 and will be used to inform the FY 2025 and FY 2026 annual operating
budgets. This report was finalized after the development of the FY 2025 Proposed Budget
therefore, funding levels in the FY 2025 Proposed Budget reflect the out years of the prior
completed study as of June 30, 20211.
The City’s retiree medical trust is held by the California Employers Retirement Benefit Trust
(CERBT) Fund that is managed by CalPERS. The City continues to select CERBT’s Strategy 1
asset allocation, currently projected at a 6.25% discount rate. With the adoption of the
1 Finance Committee, June 7, 2022, Agenda item #3, CMR ID 14112:
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=64042
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 4
Retiree Benefits Funding Policy2 the City Council directed staff to calculate additional
discretionary payments ("prefunding") equivalent to a 5.75%discount rate and transmit
amounts above payments at a 6.25% discount rate to the CERBT Fund. Through FY 2024,
a total of $11.9 million in additional contributions are expected to be made to the CERBT
due to this policy.
The June 30, 2023, valuation includes several changes that have impacted the CERBT fund
status, primarily due to healthcare and economic fluctuations resulting from the COVID-19
pandemic and continued proactive funding contributions:
•Investment Returns: 2021-22 investment loss of -13.5%, compared to the 27.5%
investment gains in 2020-21 (6.25% target);
•Projected Payroll: Higher than projected salary growth;
•Health Premiums: Higher than projected healthcare premiums; and
•Pre-Funding Policy: Actuarially Determined Contribution “ADC” (full ADC payments
and pre-funding)
Compared to the favorable assumptions in the June 30, 2021 actuary study, these changes
are advised to be taken in consideration of an uncertain environment. While the 2022-23
portfolio earnings yielded 6.4% and is within range of the 6.25% target, it is not known
whether the recent change in healthcare premiums will be ongoing or an anomaly due to
the significant governmental support of healthcare costs over the past two years. Because
it is unknown whether these changes are the beginning of a trend, or merely a temporary
anomaly, this report models short term significant rises in healthcare costs in alignment
with inflation.
The outyears of the June 30, 2021 valuation report were used to develop the OPEB
assumptions in the FY 2025 Proposed Budget. Based on these assumptions and the
attached actuary report, $5.2 million ($3.3 million General Fund) should be added to the FY
2025 Budget to maintain pre-funding levels in alignment with City Council policy. On May
21, the Finance Committee (“Committee”) recommended full funding of the ADC and a 2-
year phase-in of prefunding levels in accordance with City Council policy as part of the FY
2025 Budget. This action reduces the funding need in FY 2025 to $2.6 million ($1.65 million
General Fund). The below table provides a summary of the difference between the funding
FY 2025 Proposed Budget in all funds between the June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2023
valuation reports. A more detailed discussion of these is included in this report.
2 City Council, February 6, 2023, Agenda Item #3, Staff Report# 2212-0513:
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=82218
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 5
Table 1: Funding for the FY 2025 OPEB Obligations*
FY25
Proposed
ADC (6/30/21
valuation)
FY25
Adjusted ADC
(6/30/23
valuation)
$ Change
Actuarially
Determined
Contribution
•Proactive contribution at
discount rate of 5.75%
•15-year amortization period as
of June 30, 2021 (13 years
remaining)
$16.8M $21.9M $5.1M
*Approximately 65% of costs are allocated to the General Fund
BACKGROUND
The City of Palo Alto offers its employees and retirees a Retiree Healthcare benefit plan
which is managed and administered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System
(CalPERS), a State of California Retiree Healthcare Trust program. Bi-annually staff
contracts with an actuary firm that provides an actuarial report detailing the latest status
of the City of Palo Alto's Retiree Healthcare plans for employees and retirees. The actuarial
report is used to calculate the annual ADC and pre-funding based on Council policy to the
trust. In addition, updates on the rate of return, funding status, and changes to the trust
based on various impacts are detailed in the report. Unlike the pension actuary reports,
this actuary details impacts by Fund and Department, which inform the development of
the annual budget.
There are four groups of benefits within the CalPERS Retiree Healthcare benefit plans.
Attachment A outlines the different benefits levels by Group. These benefit levels are
negotiated and approved as part of the employee contracts. Employees and retirees have
an open enrollment window in October each year in which they can make changes to
their healthcare plans that take effect in January of the following year.
CALPERS Projected Contribution Levels
The actuary report has two components to the annual billing of the employer portion
of retiree healthcare contributions that comprise the Actuarial Determined Contribution
(ADC), (1) the Normal Cost (NC), and (2) the Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability (UAAL).
•NC: This reflects a rate of contribution for the plan of retirement healthcare
benefits provided to current employees based on the current set of
assumptions.
•Employer Amortization of UAAL: This is an annual payment calculated to pay down
an agency's unfunded accrued liability. Assuming every assumption in the actuarial
valuation was accurate, an organization would eliminate its unfunded pension
liability if it made these payments annually for 30 years. The City Council approved a
closed period to amortize the entire net pension liability over a specific timeframe,
and 22 years (before the adoption of a Retiree Benefit Funding Policy
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 6
remain as of June 30, 2021. The total liability will vary from one year to the next
because of assumption changes and actuarial experience that is different from
anticipated, such as actual investment returns that do not meet expectations.
As established by the City Council, the City's CERBT Fund is invested in a Strategy 1 asset
allocation at a 6.25% discount rate. With the adoption of the Retiree Benefits Funding
Policy, directed staff to calculate additional discretionary payments ("prefunding")
equivalent to a 5.75%discount rate and transmit amounts above payments at a
6.25% discount rate to the CERBT Fund. The City's CERBT Fund was established in May
2008 at a level of $33 million and it has grown to $173.0 million as of March 31, 2024.
ANALYSIS
Summary of Actuarial Report June 30, 2023
Staff contracted with Foster and Foster Actuary Consultants for this retiree healthcare
actuarial report (Attachment B) to determine the City's retiree healthcare liability and the
ADC for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. The actuarial analysis is based on current employees'
accrued benefit, and retired employees as of June 30, 2023.
This updated valuation includes several changes that have impacted the CERBT fund status,
primarily due to healthcare and economic fluctuations resulting from the COVID-19
pandemic, inflation levels, and active employee salary growth. Most notably, investment
returns for 2020-21 reached an unprecedented level of 27.5% for the period and then
performance dropped to -13.5% for 2021-22. This volatile level of return had a significant
impact on the overall status of the fund and is not expected to continue in future periods.
Healthcare premiums are higher than anticipated due to significant current inflation levels
and a return to pre-pandemic levels of utilization.
Discount Rate Assumptions
The City Council has taken steps to ensure long-term liability assumptions and costs for OPEB
are being proactively addressed, including the adoption of a Retiree Benefit Funding Policy3
that invests at an estimated discount rate for OPEB of 6.25% and transmits additional
contributions to prefund OPEB obligations at the equivalent of a 5.75% discount rate. Through
FY 2024, a total of $11.9 million in additional contributions are expected.
Discussed above, the ADC is impacted when actual experience differs from assumptions. One of
the more significant impacts to ADC occurs when actual investment returns do not meet
expectations. Chart 1 below presents historical returns since 2008-09.
3 City Council, February 6, 2023, Agenda Item #3:
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=82218
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 7
Chart 1: Historical Returns of the OPEB Trust
(Market Value of Plan Assets (MVA) and Expected Return)
Projected Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability
This actuarial valuation includes the plan's "Funded Status." As of June 30, 2023, the CERBT
Trust is funded at 56%, down 1,100 basis points from 67% in the June 30, 2021 actuarial
valuation.
As of June 30, 2023, the Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability (UAAL) was $120.5 million for
all funds and $77.9 million for the General Fund. Beginning with the June 30, 2013
valuations, the City aligned its actuarial analysis to align with GASB's rules regarding the
"implied subsidy". The calculation of implied subsidy requires an agency to recognize that it
pays the same medical premiums for active employees as those that are retired. The
implied subsidy identifies and accounts for the agency paying the same blended premium
for both active employees and retirees, even though the medical cost for active employees
is lower than retirees.
Palo Alto had 902 active employees and 1,031 retirees as of June 30, 2023. The calculation
increases the UAAL by $15.1 million or 18.9%; without the implied subsidy the UAAL for all
funds would be at $76.8 million.
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 8
Table 2: Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability (UAAL)
June 30,
2021
June 30,
2023
Projected
June 30,
2024
Citywide – UAAL $80,027 $120,511 $140,372
General Fund – UAAL $51,522 $77,914 $91,242
Citywide Funded Ratio 67%56%54%
Citywide UAAL % Chg. from prior valuation 50.6%16.5%
Sensitivity Analysis: Discount Rate and Amortization Period
CalPERS recognizes the varying assumptions that may impact a plan's unfunded actuarial
3
As illustrated by tables four and five, these alternative assumptions cause
significant impacts. For example, changing from a discount rate of 6.25% to 5.75% causes UAAL to
increase by almost 15%.
Table 3: Discount Rate Sensitivity
6.25% (Current CERBT
Strategy)
5.75%5.25%
Citywide – UAAL $120,511 $137,059 $155,266
General Fund – UAAL $77,914 $89,088 $100,923
Funded Ratio 56%53%50%
Table 4: Amortization Sensitivity, 6.25% Discount Rate
20 Years (Current)18 Years
Normal Cost $7,489 $7,489
UAAL Amortization*$8,933 $9,617
Total ACD $16,416 $17,105
ACD (% of payroll)12.8%13.4%
*Includes administrative expenses
Funding for the FY 2025 Including Actuarial Determined Contribution (ADC)
This section outlines staff's recommended funding level for OPEB obligations beginning in
FY 2025 for Finance Committee review and discussion. Staff recommend accepting the
assumptions in this valuation report to inform the development of the FY 2025 and FY
2026 budgets, along with long range financial plans for the outyears. This is in alignment
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 9
with the Retire Benefit Policy, including tenants such as continuing to use a reduced
discount rate of 5.75% and an accelerated, closed amortization schedule of 15 years (as of
the June 30, 2021 valuation). Staff recommends the Finance Committee continue with this
funding approach that adjusts assumptions based on current data and the principles noted
above. Included below is an optional two-year phase-in of the June 30, 2023 valuation
results that the Finance Committee directed staff to consider, on May 21, 2024, in the
development of the FY 2025 Budget for City Council adoption in June 2024. Staff have also
outlined the actuarial "baseline" scenario for consideration that represents the minimal
investment required but is incompliant with City policy. Funding levels may be adjusted
annually based on City Council direction and policy adjustment, as long as the baseline ADC
is met.
Unlike the CalPERS pension plan, additional City contributions do not go into a separate Section
Full ADC and Prefunding of FY 2025 OPEB Obligations
Staff recommend adjusting funding from the typical baseline calculation to better align
with City Council policy to continue to proactively fund long-term liabilities. Recommended
revisions to baseline assumptions include:
•Exclude proactive contributions at a lower discount rate towards the ADC:
Consistent with the pension proactive funding, this would treat the proactive
contributions assuming a lower discount rate of 5.75 as if in a separate "trust" or
"saving account." ADC calculations will remain at consistent levels and these
proactive contributions remain additive to baseline calculations of liability.
•Continue to assume a shortened amortization period of 13 remaining years:
This amortization period aligns OPEB with the City's Pension Policy goals to reach a
90% funded status over 15 years as of the June 30, 2021 valuation (by FY 2036).
This results in an FY 2025 Adjusted ADC of $21.9 million citywide (approximately $13.9
million in the General Fund), a $5.1 million increase from the $16.8 million ADC from the
June 30, 2021 valuation used to develop the FY 2025 Proposed Operating Budget.
Finance Committee Recommendation: Two-Year Phase-In
On May 21, 2024 the Finance Committee recommended a two-year phase-in of the financial
impacts of the June 30, 2023 valuation. This recommendation mitigates the immediate impacts
of this report’s expense escalation and supports financial flexibility for the provision of services
citywide while continuing to proactively prefund long-term obligations in alignment with City
Council policy.
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 10
This results in an FY 2025 Adjusted ADC of $19.4 million citywide (approximately $12.2 million
in the General Fund),
Prior Valuation Additional Normal Cost Contributions
In the prior valuation period the City Council approved factoring in funding for the addition
of nearly 60 full-time staff since the June 30, 2021 valuation date. Based on the average
salary reported in that valuation and the variable portion of ADC, or normal cost for
current employees, the retiree healthcare cost of the additional staffing was approximately
$400,000 citywide ($298,000 or 74% General Fund). This associated retiree health cost was
included in the FY 2023 and FY 2024 Adopted budgets in alignment with the assumptions
noted above. This funding was included to proactively address the expected deviation in
actuarial assumptions though as noted, were insufficient to mitigate the full impact of the
changes from the FY 2023 report. Staff recommends removing this additional retiree
health cost as the position additions that prompted it are now included in the June 30,
2023 valuation. The $416,000 programmed in the FY 2025 Proposed Budget for additional
normal cost contributions partially offset the cost increase from the new valuation to bring
it down to $5.1 million for all funds.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The FY 2025 Proposed Budget includes an ADC of $16.9 million, an increase of $2.9 million
from FY 2024 Adopted levels of $14.0 million. Funding of the full ADC and two-year prefunding
phase in recommended by the Finance Committee on May 21, 2024 increases the ACD in FY
2025 to $19.4 million. This recommendation by the Finance Committee will be included as an
amendment to the FY 2025 Proposed Budget for City Council consideration during the adoption
of the budget on June 17, 2024. Staff will incorporate this direction on an ongoing basis
beginning in FY 2026.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The transmittal of the OPEB actuarial valuation as of June 30, 2023 begins conversations
regarding the fiscal outlook for the City's OPEB liabilities and the appropriate contribution
for the FY 2025 Actuarial Determined Contribution and prefunding levels. Initial public
discussion was held with the Finance Committee on May 21, 2024, prior to City Council
review and adoption of the FY 2025 Budget, scheduled for June 17, 2024.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 11
Committee action on this item is not a project as defined by CEQA because accepting and
approving an annual actuarially determined contribution is a fiscal activity which does not
involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant
physical impact on the environment. CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4).
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 12
Attachment A: 4 Benefit Groups in the CalPERS Retiree Healthcare benefit plans
City of Palo Alto Retiree Healthcare Benefit Plans and Tiers
nd nd nd
(All active Group 3 IAFF &
FCA
(All active Group 3 POA & PMA
elected into Group 4)
Item 2
Attachment A - 4 Benefit
Groups in the CalPERS
Retiree Healthcare
Benefit Plans
Packet Pg. 13
CITY OF PALO ALTO
RETIREE HEALTHCARE PLAN
June 30, 2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for 2024/25 & 2025/26
Drew Ballard, FSA, EA, MAAA
Cathy Wandro, ASA, MAAA
Joseph Herm
Foster & Foster, Inc.
May 21, 2024
CONTENTS
L:\PaloAltoCity\OPEB\2023_Val\Reports\F&F_PaloAltoCity_24-05-21_OPEB_6-30-23_Funding_Report.docx
Topic Page
Benefit Summary 1
Implied Subsidy 7
Participant Statistics 9
Actuarial Assumptions Highlights 15
Actuarial Methods 21
Assets 23
Results 25
Results – Details 39
Sensitivity Analysis 49
Comparison to Other Agencies 54
Actuarial Certification 57
Exhibits 58
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 14
May 21, 2024 1
BENEFIT SUMMARY
Eligibility Retire directly from the City under CalPERS (age 501 and 5 years
of CalPERS service or disability)
Medical
Provider
CalPERS health plans (PEMHCA)
CalPERS administrative fees paid by City
Retiree Medical
Benefit for
Current
Retirees:
Hired < 1/1/04
(1/1/05 SEIU,
1/1/06 PAPOA)
&
Did Not Elect
into Group 4
GROUP 1 Retirees: Retired < 1/1/07 (3/1/09 for PAPOA)
• Benefit = Full premium up to family coverage
GROUP 2 Retirees: Retired after GROUP 1 and before
5/1/11 (12/1/11 IAFF/FCA, 6/1/12 PMA, 4/1/15 POA)
• Benefit = Same as above but premium limited to 2nd most
expensive Basic (non-Medicare) medical plan in PEMHCA
Region 1 (PERS Platinum in 2023 and 2024)
GROUP 3 Retirees: Retired after GROUP 2
• Benefit = same amount as active employees, which may change
from time to time and in the future as bargaining agreements
change (see next section for cap amounts)
1 Age 52 for Miscellaneous New Hires under PEPRA
May 21, 2024 2
BENEFIT SUMMARY
Retiree Medical
Benefit for
Current
Actives:
Hired < 1/1/04
(1/1/05 SEIU,
1/1/06 PAPOA)
&
Did Not Elect
into Group 4
GROUP 3 Future Retirees: Currently active and did not elect into
Group 4
• No active Group 3 POA, PMA, IAFF or FCA
• Only remaining Group 3 actives in MGMT, SEIU, UMPAPA
(57 active members)
• Benefit = up to full premium, but limited to flat dollar caps same
as active contribution
SEIU
Mgmt/UMPAPA/
Other Groups
2023 2024 2023 & 2024
Single $ 906 $ 943 $ 871
2-Party 1,812 1,885 1,742
Family 2,350 2,444 2,260
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 15
May 21, 2024 3
BENEFIT SUMMARY
Retiree Medical
Benefit for
those:
Hired ≥ 1/1/04
(1/1/05 SEIU,
1/1/06 PAPOA)
&
Employees
Hired Before
These Dates
Electing into
Group 42
GROUP 4 Future Retirees: Government Code §22893 “Vesting
Schedule” (based on all CalPERS Service)3:
Years of Service % Years of Service %
< 10 0% 13 65%
10 50% 14 70%
11 55% ↓ ↓
12 60% > 20 100%
100% vesting for disability retirements
Vesting applies to 100/90 formula amounts, which are the
maximum amounts payable by the City (retirees pay any difference
between these amounts and actual premiums):
2023 2024
Single $ 883 $ 983
2-Party 1,699 1,890
Family 2,124 2,366
If have 20 years City service do not need to retire directly from
City
2 All currently active POA/PMA, IAFF/FCA are Group 4. Some Mgmt/Conf and some SEIU remained in Group 3, and some
elected into Group 4.
3 Minimum 5 years City Service.
May 21, 2024 4
BENEFIT SUMMARY
Dental, Vision
& Medicare
Part B
None
Surviving
Spouse Benefit
100% of retiree benefit continues to surviving spouse if retiree
elects CalPERS pension survivor allowance
Waived Re-
election
Waived retirees/beneficiaries may re-elect coverage at a future
date
Summary of
Changes Since
the Prior
Valuation
None
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 16
May 21, 2024 5
BENEFIT SUMMARY
Pay-As-You-
Go ($000s)
Fiscal
Year
Cash
Implied
Subsidy
Total
2022/23 $ 11,269 $ 3,025 $ 14,294
2021/22 10,880 2,619 13,499
2020/21 10,631 2,346 12,977
2019/20 10,344 2,384 12,728
2018/19 9,960 2,197 12,157
2017/18 9,660 2,444 12,104
2016/17 9,713 2,203 11,916
2015/16 9,681 1,960 11,641
2014/15 8,995 1,916 10,911
2013/14 7,317 - 7,317
2012/13 8,766 - 8,766
2011/12 8,165 - 8,165
May 21, 2024 6
BENEFIT SUMMARY
Monthly Benefit Cap Amounts
2023 2024
Group Single 2-Party Family Single 2-Party Family
Group 14 $1,210.71 $2,421.42 $3,147.85 $1,339.70 $2,679.40 $3,483.22
Group 2 1,200.12 2,400.24 3,120.31 1,314.27 2,628.54 3,417.10
Group 3 SEIU 906.00 1,912.00 2,350.00 943.00 1,885.00 2,444.00
Group 3 Others5 871.00 1,742.00 2,260.00 871.00 1,742.00 2,260.00
Group 4 (100% vest) 883.00 1,699.00 2,124.00 983.00 1,890.00 2,366.00
% Decrease from Group 1 (assumes Group 1 is in most expensive plan)
Group 2 1% 1% 1% 2% 2% 2%
Group 3 SEIU 25% 25% 25% 30% 30% 30%
Group 3 Others 28% 28% 28% 35% 35% 35%
Group 4 27% 30% 33% 27% 29% 32%
4 No cap for Group 1. Amount shown is most expensive Non-Medicare Region 1 premium.
5 UMPAPA, Mgmt, IAFF, FCA, PMA, and PAPOA.
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 17
May 21, 2024 7
IMPLIED SUBSIDY
For PEMHCA, employer cost for allowing retirees to participate at active rates.
• Kaiser 2024 Region 1 plan:
The City included the implied subsidy beginning with the June 30, 2013 valuation.
25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 64
Premium 1,021 1,021 1,021 1,021 1,021 1,021 1,021 1,021 1,021
Male Cost by Age 371 412 487 579 696 866 1,094 1,376 1,636
Female Cost by Age 612 780 857 876 927 1,044 1,196 1,386 1,579
$-
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
$C
o
s
t
/
P
r
e
m
i
u
m
Age
Kaiser 2024 -Single Coverage
May 21, 2024 8
IMPLIED SUBSIDY
This page intentionally blank
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 18
May 21, 2024 9
PARTICIPANT STATISTICS
Participant Statistics
6 Excludes all waived retirees, regardless of age, except as noted.
7 Includes 68 waived retirees over 65.
8 Excludes all waived retirees over 65; includes 38 waived under 65 retirees.
6/30/15 6/30/17 6/30/19 6/30/21 6/30/23
Actives
• Count 955 967 930 874 902
• Average Age 45.3 45.6 44.8 45.0 44.6
• Average City Service 10.8 10.9 10.8 11.2 10.4
• Average PERS Service 11.9 11.9 11.7 12.1 11.4
• Average Salary $91,714 $90,739 $110,969 $120,207 $134,338
• Total Salary (000’s) $87,586 $87,745 $103,201 $105,061 $121,173
Retirees:
• Count6 1,0077 9598 974 1,009 1,031
• Average Age 68.9 68.9 70.0 70.9 71.5
• Average Retirement Age
o Service 57.7 57.7 58.0 58.2 58.2
o Disability 45.6 45.9 46.1 46.3 45.8
May 21, 2024 10
PARTICIPANT STATISTICS
Historical Active and Retiree Counts9
9 Retiree count is subscribers: retirees and surviving spouses
6/30/09 6/30/11 6/30/13 6/30/15 6/30/17 6/30/19 6/30/21 6/30/23
Active 955 923 948 955 967 930 874 902
Retired 710 860 968 1,007 959 974 1,009 1,031
43%48% 50% 51% 50%51%54%53%
57%52% 50% 49% 50%49%46%47%
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 19
May 21, 2024 11
PARTICIPANT STATISTICS
Participant Statistics
June 30, 2023
10 Based on June 30, 2023 PERSable pay rate.
11 Excludes retirees who have waived coverage, regardless of age.
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Total
Actives
• Count n/a n/a 57 845 902
• Average Age n/a n/a 55.8 43.9 44.6
• Average Entry Age n/a n/a 31.5 34.4 34.2
• Average City Service n/a n/a 24.3 9.5 10.4
• Average PERS Service n/a n/a 24.4 10.5 11.4
• Average Salary n/a n/a $134,880 $134,302 $134,338
• Total Salary (000’s)10 n/a n/a 7,688 113,485 121,173
Benefitting Retirees11:
• Count 396 280 165 190 1,031
• Average Age 79.3 70.7 65.7 61.5 71.5
• Avg Service Ret Age 57.3 57.8 59.1 59.0 58.2
• Avg Disability Ret Age 44.7 46.9 51.2 48.1 45.8
May 21, 2024 12
PARTICIPANT STATISTICS
Participant Statistics
June 30, 2021
12 Actual 2020/21 PERSable compensation.
13 Excludes retirees who have waived coverage, regardless of age.
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Total
Actives
• Count n/a n/a 69 805 874
• Average Age n/a n/a 54.1 44.2 45.0
• Average Entry Age n/a n/a 31.5 34.0 33.8
• Average City Service n/a n/a 22.6 10.2 11.2
• Average PERS Service n/a n/a 22.8 11.2 12.1
• Average Salary n/a n/a $114,220 $120,720 $120,207
• Total Salary (000’s)12 n/a n/a 7,881 97,180 105,061
Benefitting Retirees13:
• Count 429 290 152 138 1,009
• Average Age 77.8 68.8 64.0 61.4 70.9
• Avg Service Ret Age 57.5 57.9 59.1 59.4 58.2
• Avg Disability Ret Age 45.5 46.9 51.2 49.3 46.3
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 20
May 21, 2024 13
PARTICIPANT STATISTICS
Data Reconciliation14
6/30/2021 to 6/30/2023
Actives Retirees Disabled Benefic. Total
June 30, 2021 874 786 144 79 1,883
• New Hires/Rehires 199 - - - 199
• Disabled (8) - 8 - -
• Terminated15 (100) - - - (100)
• Died with Beneficiary16 - (8) (5) 13 -
• Died, no Beneficiary - (25) (7) (10) (42)
• Retired/covered (54) 54 - - -
• Retired/waived (9) - - - (9)
• Waived Retiree - (9) - (1) (10)
• Adjustment/Other - 7 1 4 12
June 30, 2023 902 805 141 85 1,933
14 Excludes retirees who have waived coverage.
15 All actives in June 30, 2021 valuation and not in June 30, 2023 valuation assumed terminated.
16 Retirees in the June 30, 2021 valuation not in the June 30, 2023 valuation assumed deceased.
May 21, 2024 14
PARTICIPANT STATISTICS
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Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 21
May 21, 2024 15
ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS HIGHLIGHTS
June 30, 2021 Valuation June 30, 2023 Valuation
Valuation
Date
June 30, 2021
ADC for Fiscal Years
2022/23 & 2023/24
(end of year)
1 year lag
June 30, 2023
ADC for Fiscal Years
2024/25 & 2025/26
(end of year)
1 year lag
Funding
Policy
Full Pre-funding through
CalPERS trust (CERBT)
Strategy #1
City may contribute additional
amounts based on lower
discount rate
Same
Discount Rate 6.25%, net of expenses based on
CERBT Strategy #1
Same
General
Inflation
2.50% Same
May 21, 2024 16
ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS HIGHLIGHTS
June 30, 2021 Valuation June 30, 2023 Valuation
Payroll
Increases
Aggregate Increases: 2.75%
Merit Increases: CalPERS 2000-
2019 Experience Study
Same
Increase to
Group 3 Flat
Dollar Caps17
½ of Medical Trend, not less
than assumed inflation (2.50%)
Same
Medical
Trend
Non-Medicare: 6.50% for 2023,
decreasing to an ultimate rate of
3.75% in 2076
Medicare: 5.65% (non-Kaiser)
and 4.60% (Kaiser) for 2023,
decreasing to an ultimate rate of
3.75% in 2076
Non-Medicare: 8.50% for
2025, decreasing to an
ultimate rate of 3.45% in 2076
Medicare: 7.50% (non-Kaiser)
and 6.25% (Kaiser) for 2025,
decreasing to an ultimate rate
of 3.45% in 2076
17 Increase is for purposes of financial projection only and does not imply any obligation to increase the cap in the future.
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 22
May 21, 2024 17
ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS HIGHLIGHTS
June 30, 2021 Valuation June 30, 2023 Valuation
Participation
at Retirement
Group 3: 98%
Group 4: if eligible for City
contribution: 95%; if not: 0%
Based on Plan experience18
Same
Retirement,
Mortality,
Termination,
Disability
CalPERS 2000-2019 Experience
Study
Society of Actuaries mortality
improvement scale MP-21
Same
Age-related
Claims Costs
for Medicare
Advantage
Plans
Included
Due to age-risk adjusted federal
subsidies, no age-based claims
costs were included for
Medicare Advantage plans
Same
18 Actual participation percentage for Group 3 since 6/30/17 is 100% for Miscellaneous (there are no active Safety members in
Group 3). Actual participation percentage for Group 4 since 6/30/17 who are eligible for a City contribution is 91%. Group 4
still has limited actual experience. We recommend continued monitoring for Group 4.
May 21, 2024 18
ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS HIGHLIGHTS
June 30, 2021 Valuation June 30, 2023 Valuation
Basis for
Assumptions
(6/30/23
Valuation)
No experience study performed for this Plan
CalPERS experience study covering 2000 to 2019 experience was
used
Mortality improvement is a Society of Actuaries table
Inflation based on our estimate for the Plan’s long time horizon
Capital market assumptions based on 2021 Foster & Foster
stochastic analysis, taking into account capital market assumptions
of investment advisory firms
Medical trends were based on expectations over the short term
blended into long term medical trends developed using the Society
of Actuaries Getzen Model of Long-Run Medical Cost Trends
Age-based claims costs are based on tables published by the Society
of Actuaries and demographic data for the CalPERS health plans
provided by CalPERS
Medical coverage and participation based in part on Plan experience
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 23
May 21, 2024 19
ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS HIGHLIGHTS
CERBT Investment Options
Asset Allocation
Strategy 1 Strategy 2 Strategy 3
Global Equity 49% 34% 23%
Long US Fixed Income 23% 41% 51%
TIPS 5% 5% 9%
Commodities 3% 3% 3%
Global REITs 20% 17% 14%
Total 100% 100% 100%
CalPERS’ projected 20-year 6.0% 5.5% 5.0%
19 CalPERS assumes 2.25% price inflation.
May 21, 2024 20
ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS HIGHLIGHTS
Discount Rate
Future expected returns
Stochastic simulations of geometric average returns over 20 years – 5,000 trials
2.50% inflation assumption
Projections based on 8 independent Investment Advisors 2021 10-year Capital Market
Assumptions and where available, investment advisors long-term trends
Confidence levels:
Strategy 1 Strategy 2 Strategy 3
50% Confidence Level 6.25% 5.75% 5.25%
55% Confidence Level 6.00% 5.50% 5.00%
60% Confidence Level 5.75% 5.25% 4.75%
Expected returns, 50th percentile:
Strategy 1 Strategy 2 Strategy 3
Expected Real Rate of Return20 3.90% 3.39% 2.92%
Inflation Assumption 2.50% 2.50% 2.50%
Investment Expenses (0.05%) (0.05%) (0.05%)
Nominal Rate of Return 6.35% 5.84% 5.37%
Rounded to nearest 0.25% 6.25% 5.75% 5.25%
City currently in Strategy 1: Recommend 6.25% discount rate
20 Includes investment expenses
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 24
May 21, 2024 21
ACTUARIAL METHODS
Method June 30, 2021 Valuation June 30, 2023 Valuation
Cost Method Entry Age Normal Level %
of Pay
Same
Unfunded Liability
Amortization
22 years closed period
Level % of pay (2.75%
annual escalation)
Sensitivity analysis:
20 & 18 years
20 years closed period
Level % of pay (2.75%
annual escalation)
Sensitivity analysis:
18 years
Actuarial Asset Value Market Value of Assets21 Same
Future New Entrants Closed group – no new participants
Implied Subsidy Implied subsidy valued
Plan Continuance For purposes of financial projections, the plan and benefits
are assumed to continue unchanged. The calculation of this
obligation does not imply that there is any legal liability to
provide or continue providing the benefits valued.
21 Using Market Value of Assets to determine the ADC will result in more volatile future ADCs than if a smoothed Market
Value were used. For funding purposes, market value includes accrued contributions made for a previous fiscal year.
May 21, 2024 22
ACTUARIAL METHODS
This page intentionally blank
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 25
May 21, 2024 23
ASSETS
Market Value of Plan Assets (MVA)
Invested in CERBT Strategy 1 Fund
(Amounts in 000’s)
2019/20
2020/21
2021/22
2022/23
MVA (Beg. of Year) $118,497 $126,520 $164,170 $144,745
• Contributions 3,747 2,94622 2,904 2,032
• Benefit Payments23 - - - -
• Admin. Expenses (59) (71) (80) (72)
• Investment Return24 4,335 34,776 (22,249) 9,356
MVA (End of Year) 126,520 164,170 144,745 156,061
Approx. Annual Return 3.6% 27.5% (13.5)% 6.4%
22 Includes $1,358 paid on 1/10/2022; MVA shown is not the same as market value for financial reporting purposes.
23 Benefit Payments made outside of trust by City in years other than 2018/19. Refer to Slide 5 for fiscal year amounts.
24 Net of investment expenses.
May 21, 2024 24
ASSETS
Historical Returns
08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23
Market Value -22.5% 15.1% 24.4% 0.1% 11.2% 18.2% -0.2% 1.1% 10.4% 7.8% 6.3% 3.6% 27.5% -13.5% 6.4%
Expected Return 7.75% 7.75% 7.75% 7.75% 7.75% 7.75% 7.61% 7.25% 7.25% 6.75% 6.75% 6.75% 6.75% 6.25% 6.25%
(15%)
(10%)
(5%)
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 26
May 21, 2024 25
RESULTS
Actuarial Obligations
(Amounts in 000’s)
Valuation Date 6/30/2021 6/30/2023
Discount Rate 6.25% 6.25%
Present Value of Benefits PVB
• Actives future retirees $131 926 $154 864
• Retirees 169,243 192,253
• Total 301 169 347 117
Actuarial Accrued Liabilit AAL
• Actives future retirees 74 954 84 319
• Retirees 169,243 192,253
• Total 244 197 276 572
Market Value of Assets (MVA) 164,170 156,061
Unfunded AAL UAAL 80 027 120 511
Funded Ratio 67% 56%
Normal Cost25 6 316 7 614
Pa -As-You-Go Cost Cash 11 190 12 827
Pa -As-You-Go Cost IS 3 025 2 745
25 Includes Administration fees.
May 21, 2024 26
RESULTS
Historical Funded Status
(Amounts in 000’s)
24% 27%
29%
33%
37%
49%
67%56%
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
1/1/11 6/30/11 6/30/13 6/30/15 6/30/17 6/30/19 6/30/21 6/30/23
Retiree pay-go Retiree AAL less pay-go Active AAL AVA MVA
X% FundedRatio
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 27
May 21, 2024 27
RESULTS
Actuarial Gain/Loss
(Amounts in $000’s)
AAL Assets UAAL
Actual 6/30/21 $244,197 $164,170 $80,027
Expected 6/30/23 260,018 184,228 75,790
Ex erience (Gains)/Losses
• Premiums/Caps different than expected 286 286
• Demographic & other (2,315) (2,315)
Assum tion Chan es increasin /(decreasin ) AAL
• Medical Plan election percentages changed 1,269 1,269
• Updated medical trend 17,314 17,314
Contribution and Benefit Payment Gain 6,131 (6,131)
Investment Loss (34,297) 34,297
Total UAAL (Gain)/Loss 16,554 (28,167) 44,721
Actual 6/30/23 276,572 156,061 120,511
May 21, 2024 28
RESULTS
Actuarially Determined Contribution (ADC)
(Amounts in 000’s)
6/30/21 Valuation 6/30/23 Valuation
2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26
Discount Rate 6.25% 6.25%
ADC - $
• Normal Cost $ 6,196 $ 6,370 $ 7,489 $ 7,674
• Administrative Expenses26 120 126 125 133
• UAAL Amortization 5,112 5,253 8,802 9,044
• Total 11,428 11,749 16,416 16,851
Projected Payroll 110,919 113,969 127,929 131,447
ADC – Percent of Pay
• Normal Cost 5.6% 5.6% 5.9% 5.8%
• Administrative Expenses 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%
• UAAL Amortization 4.6% 4.6% 6.9% 6.9%
• Total 10.3% 10.3% 12.8% 12.8%
26 Includes PEMHCA and CERBT administration fees.
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 28
May 21, 2024 29
RESULTS
Actuarially Determined Contribution (ADC) Payment to Trust
(Amounts in 000’s)
6/30/23 Valuation
2024/25 2025/26
Discount Rate 6.25%
ADC - $
• Normal cost $ 7,489 $ 7,674
• Administrative expenses27 125 133
• UAAL amortization 8,802 9,044
• Total 16,416 16,851
• Less: Implied subsidy benefit payments 2,745 2,871
• Remaining ADC 13,671 13,980
• Less: Estimated cash benefit payments 12,827 13,565
• Total Trust contribution
(If negative, indicates a reimbursement for City
out-of-pocket payments may be requested.)
844 415
27 Includes PEMHCA and CERBT administration fees.
May 21, 2024 30
RESULTS
Historical Recommended Funding Contributions
(Amounts in 000’s)
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 29
May 21, 2024 31
RESULTS
Amortization Bases & Payments
(Amounts in 000’s)
6/30/21 Valuation 6/30/23 Valuation
6/30/22 6/30/23 6/30/24 6/30/25
Discount Rate 6.25% 6.25%
Payment Escalator 2.75% 2.75%
UAAL Balance $ 76,159 $ 75,807 $ 122,790 $ 121,662
Amortization Payment 5,112 5,253 8,802 9,044
Amortization Period
(years) 22 21 20 19
May 21, 2024 32
RESULTS
10 Year Contribution Projection
(Amounts in 000’s)
FYE ADC28
Contribution
Payroll
ADC
% of
Pay
Fund
%
Cash
Benefit
Payment
Implied
Subsidy
BP
Trust
Pre-
Funding Total
UAAL
Beg. Of
FY
2025 $16,416 $12,827 $2,745 $844 $16,416 $127,929 12.8% $122,791 57%
2026 16,851 13,565 2,871 415 16,851 131,447 12.8% 121,662 59%
2027 17,318 14,286 3,017 15 17,318 135,062 12.8% 120,223 61%
2028 17,785 14,868 2,992 (75) 17,785 138,776 12.8% 118,444 62%
2029 18,276 15,590 3,089 (403) 18,276 142,593 12.8% 116,298 64%
2030 18,775 16,348 3,285 (858) 18,775 146,514 12.8% 113,755 66%
2031 19,271 16,933 3,312 (974) 19,271 150,543 12.8% 110,784 68%
2032 19,803 17,554 3,434 (1,185) 19,803 154,683 12.8% 107,350 69%
2033 20,347 18,086 3,516 (1,255) 20,347 158,937 12.8% 103,416 71%
2034 20,882 18,626 3,575 (1,319) 20,882 163,307 12.8% 98,944 73%
28 Actuarially Determined Contribution
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 30
May 21, 2024 33
RESULTS
-$15
-$10
-$5
$0
$5
$10
$15
$20
$25
$30
$
M
i
l
l
i
o
n
s
Net Trust Payment/Reimbursement Benefit Payments Total ADC
ADC, Benefitand Trust Payment/Reimbursement Projection
(6.25% Discount Rate, 20 years level % of pay amortization)
May 21, 2024 34
RESULTS
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
F
u
n
d
e
d
R
a
t
i
o
UA
A
L
(
$
M
i
l
l
i
o
n
s
)
UAAL Funded Ratio
UAAL and Funded Ratio Projection
(6.25% Discount Rate, 20 years amortization)
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 31
May 21, 2024 35
RESULTS
% of Total Actuarial Accrued Liability for Actives and Retirees
Miscellaneous
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
6/30/09 6/30/11 6/30/13 6/30/15 6/30/17 6/30/19 6/30/21 6/30/23
Actives Retirees
May 21, 2024 36
RESULTS
% of Total Actuarial Accrued Liability for Actives and Retirees
Safety
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
6/30/09 6/30/11 6/30/13 6/30/15 6/30/17 6/30/19 6/30/21 6/30/23
Actives Retirees
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 32
May 21, 2024 37
RESULTS
This chart excludes the Implied Subsidy
and is provided for informational purposes only
(Amounts in 000’s)
Cash Benefit
Present Value of Benefits $ 294,841
Funded Status 6/30/23
• Actuarial Accrued Liability 232,822
• Actuarial Value of Assets29 156,061
• Unfunded AAL 76,761
Funded Ratio 67.0%
ADC 2024/25
• Normal Cost 6,570
• Administrative Expenses 125
• UAAL Amortization 5,590
• Total 12,285
• ADC % of Payroll 9.6%
29 All assets allocated to the cash benefit for illustrative purposes only.
May 21, 2024 38
RESULTS
This page intentionally blank
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 33
May 21, 2024 39
RESULTS - DETAILS
Actuarial Obligations by Pre/Post 65 Benefits
June 30, 2023
(Amounts in 000’s)
Benefits
Paid
Before
Age 65
Benefits
Paid On
or After
Age 65 Total
Present Value of Benefits
• Actives (future retirees) $78,087 $76,777 $154,864
• Retirees 48,369 143,884 192,253
• Total 126,456 220,661 347,117
Actuarial Accrued Liability
• Actives (future retirees) 40,543 43,776 84,319
• Retirees 48,369 143,884 192,253
• Total 88,912 187,660 276,572
Normal Cost 2024/2530 3,872 3,741 7,614
30 Includes Administration fees.
May 21, 2024 40
RESULTS - DETAILS
Actuarial Obligations by Group
June 30, 2023
(Amounts in 000’s)
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Total
Present Value of Benefits
• Actives (future retirees) $ - $ - $12,507 $142,358 $154,864
• Retirees 47,911 53,548 36,227 54,567 192,253
• Total 47,911 53,548 48,734 196,925 347,117
Actuarial Accrued
Liability
• Actives (future retirees) - - 10,597 73,722 84,319
• Retirees 47,911 53,548 36,227 54,567 192,253
• Total 47,911 53,548 46,824 128,289 276,572
Normal Cost 2024/2531 n/a n/a 353 7,261 7,614
NC as % of Payroll n/a n/a 5.0% 6.0% 6.0%
Active Count n/a n/a 57 845 902
Projected Payroll n/a n/a 7,128 120,801 127,929
31 Includes Administration fees.
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 34
May 21, 2024 41
RESULTS - DETAILS
Actuarial Obligations by Cash/Implied Subsidy
June 30, 2023
(Amounts in 000’s)
Cash
Subsidy
Implied
Subsidy Total
Present Value of Benefits
• Actives (future retirees) $134,797 $20,067 $154,864
• Retirees 160,044 32,209 192,253
• Total 294,841 52,276 347,117
Actuarial Accrued Liability
• Actives (future retirees) 72,778 11,542 84,319
• Retirees 160,044 32,209 192,253
• Total 232,822 43,751 276,572
Market Value of Assets32 131,374 24,687 156,061
Unfunded AAL 101,448 19,064 120,511
Normal Cost 2024/2533 6,695 919 7,614
Pay-As-You-Go Cost 2024/25 12,827 2,745 15,572
32 Allocated in proportion to AAL for illustrative purposes.
33 Includes Administration fees.
May 21, 2024 42
RESULTS - DETAILS
Actuarially Determined Contribution by Cash/Implied Subsidy
2024/25 Fiscal Year
(Amounts in 000’s)
Cash
Subsidy
Implied
Subsidy Total
ADC - $
• Normal Cost $ 6,570 $ 919 $ 7,489
• Administrative Expenses 125 - 125
• UAAL Amortization 7,424 1,378 8,802
• ADC 14,119 2,297 16,416
Projected Payroll 127,929 127,929 127,929
ADC - % of Payroll
• Normal Cost 5.1% 0.7% 5.9%
• Administrative Expenses 0.1% 0.0% 0.1%
• UAAL Amortization 5.8% 1.1% 6.9%
• ADC 11.0% 1.8% 12.8%
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 35
May 21, 2024 43
RESULTS - DETAILS
Actuarial Obligations by Misc/Safety
June 30, 2023
(Amounts in 000’s)
Misc Safety Total
Present Value of Benefits
• Actives (future retirees) $112,057 $42,807 $154,864
• Retirees 120,219 72,034 192,253
• Total 232,276 114,841 347,117
Actuarial Accrued Liability
• Actives (future retirees) 63,059 21,260 84,319
• Retirees 120,219 72,034 192,253
• Total 183,278 93,294 276,572
Market Value of Assets34 103,418 52,643 156,061
Unfunded AAL 79,860 40,651 120,511
Normal Cost 2024/2535 5,495 2,118 7,614
Pay-As-You-Go Cost 2024/25 10,278 5,294 15,572
34 Allocated in proportion to the Actuarial Accrued Liability.
35 Includes Administration fees.
May 21, 2024 44
RESULTS - DETAILS
Actuarially Determined Contribution by Misc/Safety
2024/25 Fiscal Year
(Amounts in 000’s)
Misc Safety Total
ADC - $
• Normal Cost $ 5,412 $ 2,077 $ 7,489
• Administrative Expenses 83 42 125
• UAAL Amortization 5,848 2,954 8,802
• ADC 11,344 5,072 16,416
Projected Payroll 101,964 25,965 127,929
ADC - % of Payroll
• Normal Cost 5.3% 8.0% 5.9%
• Administrative Expenses 0.1% 0.2% 0.1%
• UAAL Amortization 5.7% 11.4% 6.9%
• ADC 11.1% 19.5% 12.8%
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 36
May 21, 2024 45
RESULTS - DETAILS
Actuarial Obligations by Bargaining Unit
June 30, 2023
(Amounts in 000’s)
FCA IAFF M/C PAPOA PMA SEIU UMPAPA Total
PVB
• Actives $1,362 $20,223 $32,491 $17,294 $2,521 $72,048 $8,927 $154,864
• Retirees 2,714 34,636 52,789 25,202 2,593 65,881 8,438 192,253
• Total 4,076 54,859 85,280 42,496 5,114 137,929 17,365 347,117
AAL
• Actives 1,074 9,545 18,930 7,485 2,058 38,985 6,242 84,319
• Retirees 2,714 34,636 52,789 25,202 2,593 65,881 8,438 192,253
• Total 3,788 44,181 71,719 32,687 4,651 104,866 14,680 276,572
MVA36 2,137 24,930 40,469 18,444 2,624 59,173 8,283 156,061
UAAL 1,651 19,251 31,250 14,243 2,027 45,693 6,397 120,511
NC 24/2537 48 928 1,617 981 102 3,583 356 7,614
Pay-Go 205 2,624 4,315 1,771 174 5,749 734 15,572
36 Allocated in proportion to the Actuarial Accrued Liability.
37 Includes Administration fees.
May 21, 2024 46
RESULTS - DETAILS
Actuarially Determined Contribution by Bargaining Unit
2024/25 Fiscal Year
(Amounts in 000’s)
FCA IAFF M/C PAPOA PMA SEIU UMPAPA Total
ADC - $
• Normal Cost $ 46 $ 908 $ 1,585 $ 966 $ 99 $ 3,536 $ 350 $ 7,489
• Admin. Expenses 2 20 32 15 2 48 7 125
• UAAL Amort 119 1,393 2,265 1,045 150 3,363 468 8,802
• ADC 166 2,321 3,881 2,026 252 6,947 824 16,416
Projected Payroll 803 10,826 34,117 11,174 1,880 59,705 9,424 127,929
ADC - %
• Normal Cost 5.7% 8.4% 4.6% 8.6% 5.3% 5.9% 3.7% 5.9%
• Admin. Expenses 0.2% 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%
• UAAL Amort 14.8% 12.9% 6.6% 9.3% 8.0% 5.6% 5.0% 6.9%
• ADC 20.7% 21.4% 11.4% 18.1% 13.4% 11.6% 8.7% 12.8%
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 37
May 21, 2024 47
RESULTS - DETAILS
Actuarially Determined Contribution by Bargaining Unit
2025/26 Fiscal Year
(Amounts in 000’s)
FCA IAFF M/C PAPOA PMA SEIU UMPAPA Total
ADC - $
• Normal Cost $ 47 $ 931 $ 1,624 $ 990 $ 102 $ 3,623 $ 358 $ 7,674
• Admin. Expenses 2 21 34 16 2 51 7 133
• UAAL Amort 122 1,431 2,327 1,073 154 3,456 481 9,044
• ADC 171 2,383 3,985 2,079 259 7,130 846 16,851
Projected Payroll 826 11,123 35,055 11,481 1,932 61,347 9,683 131,447
ADC - %
• Normal Cost 5.7% 8.4% 4.6% 8.6% 5.3% 5.9% 3.7% 5.8%
• Admin. Expenses 0.2% 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%
• UAAL Amort 14.8% 12.9% 6.6% 9.3% 8.0% 5.6% 5.0% 6.9%
• ADC 20.7% 21.4% 11.4% 18.1% 13.4% 11.6% 8.7% 12.8%
May 21, 2024 48
RESULTS - DETAILS
This page intentionally blank
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 38
May 21, 2024 49
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
Discount Rate Sensitivity
(Amounts in 000’s)
CERBT Strategy
#1 (Current) #2 #3
Discount Rate 6.25% 5.75% 5.25%
Present Value of Benefits $347,117 $375,439 $407,741
Funded Status 6/30/23
• Actuarial Accrued Liability 276,572 293,120 311,327
• Assets 156,061 156,061 156,061
• Unfunded AAL 120,511 137,059 155,266
Funded Ratio 56.4% 53.2% 50.1%
ADC 2024/25
• Normal Cost 7,489 8,379 9,394
• Administrative Expenses 125 125 125
• UAAL Amortization38 8,802 9,582 10,377
• Total 16,416 18,085 19,896
• ADC % of Payroll 12.8% 14.1% 15.6%
38 UAAL amortized over 20 years for all scenarios.
May 21, 2024 50
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
Amortization Period Sensitivity
Discount Rate – 6.25%, Level % of Pay with 2.75% Payment Escalation
(Amounts in 000’s)
Amortization Period
Current
20 Years 18 Years
Funded Status 6/30/23
• Actuarial Accrued Liability $276,572 $276,572
• Assets 156,061 156,061
• Unfunded AAL 120,511 120,511
Total Projected Payroll 2024/25 127,929 127,929
ADC 2024/25
• Normal Cost 7,489 7,489
• Administrative Expenses 125 125
• UAAL Amortization 8,802 9,492
• Total 16,416 17,105
• ADC % of Payroll 12.8% 13.4%
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 39
May 21, 2024 51
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
Amortization Period Sensitivity
Discount Rate – 5.75%, Level % of Pay with 2.75% Payment Escalation
(Amounts in 000’s)
Amortization Period
Current
20 Years 18 Years
Funded Status 6/30/23
• Actuarial Accrued Liability $293,120 $293,120
• Assets 156,061 156,061
• Unfunded AAL 137,059 137,059
Total Projected Payroll 2024/25 127,929 127,929
ADC 2024/25
• Normal Cost 8,379 8,379
• Administrative Expenses 125 125
• UAAL Amortization 9,582 10,371
• Total 18,085 18,875
• ADC % of Payroll 14.1% 14.8%
May 21, 2024 52
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
Actuarial Obligations by Bargaining Unit – 5.75%
June 30, 2023
(Amounts in 000’s)
FCA IAFF M/C PAPOA PMA SEIU UMPAPA Total
PVB
• Actives $1,487 $22,844 $36,048 $19,489 $2,733 $80,761 $9,832 $173,194
• Retirees 2,865 36,463 55,395 26,661 2,773 69,183 8,905 202,245
• Total 4,352 59,307 91,443 46,150 5,506 149,944 18,737 375,439
AAL
• Actives 1,153 10,284 20,354 8,089 2,200 42,076 6,719 90,875
• Retirees 2,865 36,463 55,395 26,661 2,773 69,183 8,905 202,245
• Total 4,018 46,747 75,749 34,750 4,973 111,259 15,624 293,120
MVA39 2,139 24,889 40,330 18,501 2,648 59,236 8,318 156,061
UAAL 1,879 21,858 35,419 16,249 2,325 52,023 7,306 137,059
NC 24/2540 54 1,039 1,797 1,091 115 4,007 399 8,504
Pay-Go 205 2,624 4,315 1,771 174 5,749 734 15,572
39 Allocated in proportion to the Actuarial Accrued Liability.
40 Includes Administration fees.
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 40
May 21, 2024 53
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
10 Year Contribution Projection – 5.75%
13 Year Amortization
(Amounts in 000’s)
FYE ADC41
Contribution
Payroll
ADC
% of
Pay
Fund
%
Cash
Benefit
Payment
Implied
Subsidy
BP
Trust
Pre-
Funding Total
UAAL
Beg. Of
FY
2025 $21,996 $12,827 $2,745 $6,424 $21,996 $127,929 17.2% $140,372 54%
2026 22,551 13,565 2,871 6,115 22,551 131,447 17.2% 134,951 57%
2027 23,180 14,286 3,017 5,877 23,180 135,062 17.2% 128,847 60%
2028 23,812 14,868 2,992 5,952 23,812 138,776 17.2% 122,011 63%
2029 24,474 15,590 3,089 5,795 24,474 142,593 17.2% 114,390 67%
2030 25,147 16,348 3,285 5,514 25,147 146,514 17.2% 105,928 70%
2031 25,821 16,933 3,312 5,576 25,821 150,543 17.2% 96,567 73%
2032 26,538 17,554 3,434 5,550 26,538 154,683 17.2% 86,242 77%
2033 27,272 18,086 3,516 5,670 27,272 158,937 17.2% 74,886 80%
2034 27,999 18,626 3,575 5,798 27,999 163,307 17.1% 62,429 84%
41 Actuarially Determined Contribution
May 21, 2024 54
COMPARISON TO OTHER AGENCIES
50% of 90% of
results results
are are
within within
this this
range range
5th Percentile
75th Percentile
50th Percentile
25th Percentile
Foster & Foster California OPEB Database
Sam le Percentile Gra h
95th Percentile
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
55%
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
f
P
a
y
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 41
May 21, 2024 55
COMPARISON TO OTHER AGENCIES
NC ADC NC ADC
95th Percentile 10.9% 24.2% 12.3% 35.5%
75th Percentile 5.4% 10.8% 5.0% 15.8%
50th Percentile 2.8% 5.4% 2.6% 6.2%
25th Percentile 1.5% 2.6% 1.5% 3.3%
5th Percentile 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.9%
`
Percent of Pay (♦) 5.3% 11.1% 8.0% 19.5%
Percentile 74% 76% 88% 84%
Miscellaneous Safety
Discount Rate = 6.25%, Average Amortization Period = 20.0 Years
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
f
P
a
y
Foster & Foster California OPEB Database
Normal Cost & Actuarially Determined Contribution
May 21, 2024 56
COMPARISON TO OTHER AGENCIES
General
Miscellaneous Safet
95th Percentile 317% 440%
75th Percentile 173% 202%
50th Percentile 87% 88%
25th Percentile 40% 48%
5th Percentile 14% 15%
Percent of Pay (♦) 185% 369%
Percentile 79% 91%
Discount Rate = 6.25%
0%
50%
100%
150%
200%
250%
300%
350%
400%
450%
500%
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
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P
a
y
Foster & Foster California OPEB Database
Actuarial Accrued Liability
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 42
May 21, 2024 57
ACTUARIAL CERTIFICATION
This report presents the City of Palo Alto Retiree Healthcare Plan (“Plan”) June 30, 2023 actuarial valuation. The
purpose of this valuation is to:
Determine the June 30, 2023 Benefit Obligations,
Determine the Plan’s June 30, 2023 Funded Status, and
Calculate the 2024/25 and 2025/26 Actuarially Determined Contributions.
The report provides information intended for funding the City’s Plan, but may not be appropriate for other purposes.
Future actuarial measurements may differ significantly from the current measurements presented in this report due to
such factors as: plan experience differing from that anticipated by the assumptions; changes in assumptions; changes
expected as part of the natural progression of the plan; and changes in plan provisions or applicable law. Actuarial models
necessarily rely on the use of estimates and are sensitive to changes. Small variations in estimates may lead to significant
changes in actuarial measurements. Due to the limited scope of this assignment, we did not perform an analysis of the
potential range of such measurements.
The valuation is based on Plan provisions, participant data, and asset information provided by the City as summarized in
this report, which we relied on and did not audit. We reviewed the participant data for reasonableness.
To the best of our knowledge, this report is complete and accurate and has been conducted using generally accepted
actuarial principles and practices. As members of the American Academy of Actuaries meeting the Academy
Qualification Standards, we certify the actuarial results and opinions herein.
Respectfully submitted,
Drew Ballard, FSA, MAAA, EA Foster & Foster, Inc.
Catherine A. Wandro, ASA, MAAA
Foster & Foster, Inc.
May 21, 2024 58
EXHIBITS
Topic Page
Premiums E- 1
Data Summary E- 5
Additional Actuarial Assumptions E-23
Results by Fund E-31
Results by GF Department E-33
Definitions E-35
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 43
May 21, 2024 E-1
PREMIUMS
2023 PEMHCA Monthly Premiums
Region 1
Non-Medicare Eligible Medicare Eligible
Medical Plan Single 2-Party Family Single 2-Party Family
Anthem Select $1,128.83 $2,257.66 $2,934.96 $413.59 $827.18 $1,240.77
Anthem Traditional 1,210.71 2,421.42 3,147.85 413.59 827.18 1,240.77
Blue Shield Access+ 1,035.21 2,070.42 2,691.55 361.90 723.80 1,085.70
Blue Shield Trio 888.94 1,777.88 2,311.24 361.90 723.80 1,085.70
Health Net SmartCare 1,174.50 2,349.00 3,053.70 n/a n/a n/a
Kaiser 913.74 1,827.48 2,375.72 283.25 566.50 849.75
Kaiser Summit n/a n/a n/a 336.29 672.58 1,008.87
UnitedHealthcare Alliance 1,044.07 2,088.14 2,714.58 n/a n/a n/a
UnitedHealthcare Group n/a n/a n/a 299.68 599.36 899.04
UnitedHealthcare Edge n/a n/a n/a 357.70 715.40 1,073.10
Western Health Advantage 760.17 1,520.34 1,976.44 331.11 662.22 993.33
PERS Platinum 1,200.12 2,400.24 3,120.31 420.02 840.04 1,260.06
PERS Gold 825.61 1,651.22 2,146.59 392.71 785.42 1,178.13
PORAC 825.00 1,875.00 2,300.00 465.00 1,030.00 1,395.00
May 21, 2024 E-2
PREMIUMS
2024 PEMHCA Monthly Premiums
Region 1
Non-Medicare Eligible Medicare Eligible
Medical Plan Single 2-Party Family Single 2-Party Family
Anthem Select $1,138.86 $2,277.72 $2,961.04 $405.83 $811.66 $1,217.49
Anthem Traditional 1,339.70 2,679.40 3,483.22 405.83 811.66 1,217.49
Blue Shield Access+ 1,076.84 2,153.68 2,799.78 392.68 785.36 1,178.04
Blue Shield Trio 946.84 1,893.68 2,461.78 392.68 785.36 1,178.04
Kaiser 1,021.41 2,042.82 2,655.67 324.79 649.58 974.37
Kaiser Summit n/a n/a n/a 386.55 773.10 1,159.65
UnitedHealthcare Alliance 1,091.13 2,182.26 2,836.94 n/a n/a n/a
UnitedHealthcare Harmony 937.39 1,874.78 2,437.21 n/a n/a n/a
UnitedHealthcare Group n/a n/a n/a 341.72 683.44 1,025.16
UnitedHealthcare Edge n/a n/a n/a 366.01 732.02 1,098.03
Western Health Advantage 807.23 1,614.46 2,098.80 268.62 537.24 805.86
PERS Platinum 1,314.27 2,628.54 3,417.10 448.15 896.30 1,344.45
PERS Gold 914.82 1,829.64 2,378.53 406.60 813.20 1,219.80
PORAC 931.00 2,117.00 2,651.00 465.00 1,030.00 1,395.00
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 44
May 21, 2024 E-3
PREMIUMS
PEMHCA Monthly Premium Increases/(Decreases)
Region 1
Non-Medicare Eligible Medicare Eligible
Medical Plan 2023 2024 2023 2024
Anthem Select 11.1% 0.9% 14.8% (1.9%)
Anthem Traditional (7.2%) 10.7% 14.8% (1.9%)
Blue Shield Access+ (7.2%) 4.0% 2.5% 8.5%
Blue Shield Trio (1.1%) 6.5% 2.5% 8.5%
Health Net SmartCare 1.9% n/a n/a n/a
Kaiser 6.6% 11.8% (6.4%) 14.7%
Kaiser Summit n/a n/a n/a 14.9%
UnitedHealthcare Alliance 2.3% 4.5% n/a n/a
UnitedHealthcare Group n/a n/a 1.7% 14.0%
UnitedHealthcare Edge n/a n/a 3.0% 2.3%
Western Health Advantage 2.6% 6.2% 5.1% (18.9%)
PERS Platinum 13.5% 9.5% 10.0% 6.7%
PERS Gold 17.7% 10.8% 4.1% 3.5%
PORAC 3.3% 12.8% 0.9% 0.0%
May 21, 2024 E-4
PREMIUMS
This page intentionally blank
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 45
May 21, 2024 E-5
DATA SUMMARY
Participant Statistics by Bargaining Unit
June 30, 2023
FCA IAFF M/C PAPOA PMA SEIU UMPAPA Total
Actives
• Count 4 84 202 66 7 494 45 902
• Avg Age 48.0 39.1 46.9 38.9 48.9 44.8 50.5 44.6
• Avg City Svc 22.4 9.8 10.7 9.2 23.4 9.7 16.4 10.4
• Avg PERS Svc 22.4 10.3 12.4 10.2 24.2 10.4 17.6 11.4
• Avg Salary $190,356 $122,075 $159,976 $160,358 $254,449 $114,477 $198,351 $134,338
• Total Salary42 $761 $10,254 $32,315 $10,584 $1,781 $56,552 $8,926 $121,173
Retirees43:
• Count 8 147 313 96 6 432 29 1,031
• Avg Age 64.3 71.4 73.0 66.4 53.2 72.6 62.9 71.5
• Avg Service
Ret Age 55.8 54.7 58.1 52.5 50.4 59.7 58.2 58.2
• Avg Disab Ret
Age 50.1 48.8 50.5 41.8 n/a 46.7 n/a 45.8
42 Amount in 000’s. Based on June 30, 2023 PERSable pay rate.
43 Excludes retirees who have waived coverage.
May 21, 2024 E-6
DATA SUMMARY
Participant Statistics by Bargaining Unit
June 30, 2021
FCA IAFF M/C PAPOA PMA SEIU UMPAPA Total
Actives
• Count 4 80 195 68 6 477 44 874
• Avg Age 42.6 42.5 47.3 39.8 46.9 44.8 49.1 45.0
• Avg City Svc 18.1 12.8 10.6 10.2 22.1 10.6 17.3 11.2
• Avg PERS Svc 18.1 13.3 12.2 11.2 23.1 11.2 18.1 12.1
• Avg Salary $209,498 $145,878 $134,380 $152,938 $228,619 $98,486 $172,711 $120,207
• Total Salary44 $838 $11,670 $26,204 $10,400 $1,372 $46,978 $7,599 $105,061
Retirees45:
• Count 6 148 307 89 5 430 24 1,009
• Avg Age 64.7 71.0 72.0 66.9 57.5 71.6 62.2 70.9
• Avg Service
Ret Age 56.7 54.6 58.3 52.3 50.4 59.6 58.8 58.2
• Avg Disab Ret
Age 50.1 48.8 50.5 42.0 n/a 48.0 n/a 46.3
44 Amount in 000’s. Actual 2020/21 PERSable compensations.
45 Excludes retirees who have waived coverage.
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 46
May 21, 2024 E-7
DATA SUMMARY
Participant Statistics by CalPERS Pension Category
June 30, 2023
46 Based on June 30, 23 PERSable payrate.
47 Excludes retirees who have waived coverage.
Miscellaneous Police Fire Total
Actives
• Count 738 72 92 902
• Average Age 45.6 40.3 39.9 44.6
• Average City Service 10.3 10.8 10.8 10.4
• Average PERS Service 11.3 11.8 11.2 11.4
• Average Salary $130,866 $173,099 $131,856 $134,338
• Total Salary (000’s)46 $96,579 $12,463 $12,131 $121,173
Retirees47:
• Count 751 113 167 1,031
• Average Age 72.4 65.9 71.2 71.5
• Avg Service Ret Age 59.2 52.2 54.7 58.2
• Avg Disability Ret Age 47.1 41.9 48.9 45.8
May 21, 2024 E-8
DATA SUMMARY
Participant Statistics by CalPERS Pension Category
June 30, 2021
48 Actual 2020/21 PERSable compensations.
49 Excludes retirees who have waived coverage.
Miscellaneous Police Fire Total
Actives
• Count 711 76 87 874
• Average Age 45.7 40.7 42.7 45.0
• Average City Service 11.0 11.0 13.2 11.2
• Average PERS Service 11.9 12.0 13.7 12.1
• Average Salary $112,031 $161,950 $150,562 $120,207
• Total Salary (000’s)48 $79,654 $12,308 $13,099 $105,061
Retirees49:
• Count 739 105 165 1,009
• Average Age 71.6 66.3 70.7 70.9
• Avg Service Ret Age 59.2 52.0 54.5 58.2
• Avg Disability Ret Age 48.1 42.1 48.9 46.3
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 47
May 21, 2024 E-9
DATA SUMMARY
Medical Plan Participation – June 30, 2023
All Retirees
Medical Plan Actives Under 65 65 or Older Total
Miscellaneous/Sa et M S M S M S M S
Anthem Select 2% 2% 3% - 1% - 1% -
Anthem Traditional 3% 1% 5% 4% 6% 5% 6% 5%
Blue Shield Access+ 10% 3% 7% 3% 1% 1% 3% 2%
Blue Shiel Trio - - - 1% - - - -
Health Net SmartCare - - 1% - - - - -
Kaiser 68% 50% 43% 26% 29% 21% 32% 23%
Kaiser Summit - - - - 2% - 2% -
UnitedHealthcare - - 1% 1% 17% 10% 13% 7%
UnitedHealthcare Ed e - - - - - - - -
Western Health Advanta e - 1% - - - - - -
PERS Gol 7% 4% 4% - 1% - 1% -
PERS Platinum 10% 2% 35% 16% 42% 47% 41% 34%
PORAC - 37% 1% 49% 1% 16% 1% 29%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
May 21, 2024 E-10
DATA SUMMARY
Medical Plan Participation – June 30, 2021
All Retirees
Medical Plan Actives Under 65 65 or Older Total
Miscellaneous/Sa et M S M S M S M S
Anthem Select 6% 3% 5% 1% - - 2% -
Anthem Traditional 4% 1% 9% 8% 6% 5% 6% 6%
Blue Shield Access+ - - 3% 7% - - 1% 3%
Health Net SmartCare 1% 1% 1% 1% - - - -
Kaiser 65% 51% 40% 36% 30% 23% 32% 29%
UnitedHealthcare - - 1% 2% 18% 13% 14% 8%
Western Health Advantage - - 1% - - - - -
PERSCare - - 4% 9% 25% 37% 20% 25%
PERS Choice 22% 3% 32% 3% 21% 15% 24% 10%
PERS Select 1% 1% 3% - - - 1% -
PORAC - 40% 1% 32% - 8% - 19%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 48
May 21, 2024 E-11
DATA SUMMARY
Active Medical Coverage – Miscellaneous
Medical Plan Single 2-Party Family Waived Total
Anthem Select 3 3 5 - 11
Anthem Traditional 9 3 5 - 17
Blue Shield Access+ 15 18 31 - 64
Blue Shield Trio - - 1 - 1
Health Net SmartCare - - 1 - 1
Kaiser 162 90 200 - 452
Western Health Advantage - - 1 - 1
PERS Gold 13 11 20 - 44
PERS Platinum 26 12 30 - 68
PORAC 1 - - - 1
Waived - - - 78 78
Total 229 137 294 78 738
% as of June 30, 2023 31% 18% 40% 11% 100%
% as of June 30, 2021 30% 22% 40% 9% 100%
May 21, 2024 E-12
DATA SUMMARY
Active Medical Coverage – Safety
Medical Plan Single 2-Party Family Waived Total
Anthem Select 1 - 2 - 3
Anthem Traditional 1 - - - 1
Blue Shield Access+ 1 - 3 - 4
Blue Shield Trio - - - - -
Health Net SmartCare - - - - -
Kaiser 23 15 39 - 77
Western Health Advantage - - 1 - 1
PERS Gold 5 - 1 - 6
PERS Platinum 1 1 1 - 3
PORAC 7 7 43 - 57
Waived - - - 12 12
Total 39 23 90 12 164
% as of June 30, 2023 24% 14% 55% 7% 100%
% as of June 30, 2021 20% 14% 63% 2% 100%
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 49
May 21, 2024 E-13
DATA SUMMARY
Retiree Medical Coverage50 - Miscellaneous
Medical Plan
Single 2-Party Family Total
<65 65+ <65 65+ <65 65+
Anthem Select 3 1 2 1 1 2 10
Anthem Traditional 7 11 2 21 - 2 43
Blue Shield Access+ 5 2 5 5 2 - 19
Health Net SmartCare 1 - - - - - 1
Kaiser 21 94 45 68 8 6 242
Kaiser Summit - 8 - 2 - 1 11
UnitedHealthcare - 64 1 32 - - 97
UnitedHealthcare Edge - 2 - 1 - - 3
Western Health Advantage - - - 1 - - 1
PERS Gold 1 1 2 2 4 - 10
PERS Platinum 19 129 32 111 10 7 308
PORAC - 3 1 1 - 1 6
Total 57 315 90 245 25 19 751
% as of June 30, 2023 8% 42% 12% 33% 3% 2% 100%
% as of June 30, 2021 9% 41% 12% 32% 4% 2% 100%
50 Approximately 77% of retirees have coverage in a region 1 plan. The rest are in other state regions or out of state.
May 21, 2024 E-14
DATA SUMMARY
Retiree Medical Coverage51 - Safety
Medical Plan
Single 2-Party Family Total
<65 65+ <65 65+ <65 65+
Anthem Select - - - - - - -
Anthem Traditional 1 - 1 7 3 2 14
Blue Shield Access+ 1 - 2 - 1 1 5
Health Net SmartCare - - - - - - -
Kaiser 7 12 11 21 12 1 64
Kaiser Summit - - - - - - 0
UnitedHealthcare - 11 - 6 1 - 18
UnitedHealthcare Edge - - - - - - 0
Western Health Advantage - - - - - - 0
PERS Gold - - - - - - 0
PERS Platinum 7 39 6 37 5 2 96
PORAC 12 4 15 19 29 3 82
Total 28 66 35 90 52 9 280
% as of June 30, 2023 10% 24% 13% 32% 19% 3% 100%
% as of June 30, 2021 9% 25% 16% 29% 19% 2% 100%
51 Approximately 70% of retirees have coverage in a Region 1 plan. The rest are in other state regions or out of state.
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 50
May 21, 2024 E-15
DATA SUMMARY
Retirees Medical Coverage by Age – Miscellaneous
Age Single 2-Party Family Total
Under 50 - 1 - 1
50-54 2 3 4 9
55-59 12 19 9 40
60-64 43 67 12 122
65-69 63 68 11 142
70-74 73 66 5 144
75-79 76 65 3 144
80-84 59 22 - 81
85 & Over 44 24 - 68
Total 372 335 44 751
Average Age 74.5 71.2 64.0 72.4
May 21, 2024 E-16
DATA SUMMARY
Retirees Medical Coverage by Age – Police
Age Single 2-Party Family Total
Under 50 3 1 6 10
50-54 - 1 7 8
55-59 3 1 6 10
60-64 9 6 9 24
65-69 3 13 5 21
70-74 10 6 - 16
75-79 3 7 - 10
80-84 3 4 - 7
85 & Over 4 3 - 7
Total 38 42 33 113
Average Age 68.1 70.5 57.5 65.9
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 51
May 21, 2024 E-17
DATA SUMMARY
Retirees Medical Coverage by Age – Fire
Age Single 2-Party Family Total
Under 50 - - - -
50-54 - 1 7 8
55-59 6 10 11 27
60-64 7 15 6 28
65-69 3 14 4 21
70-74 5 11 - 16
75-79 7 12 - 19
80-84 17 9 - 26
85 & Over 11 11 - 22
Total 56 83 28 167
Average Age 76.7 71.7 59.0 71.2
May 21, 2024 E-18
DATA SUMMARY
Retirees Medical Coverage by Age – Total
Age Single 2-Party Family Total
Under 50 3 2 6 11
50-54 2 5 18 25
55-59 21 30 26 7 7
60-64 59 88 27 174
65-69 69 95 20 184
70-74 88 83 5 176
75-79 86 84 3 173
80-84 79 35 - 114
85 & Over 59 38 - 97
Total 466 460 105 1,031
Average Age 74.3 71.2 60.6 71.5
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 52
May 21, 2024 E-19
DATA SUMMARY
Actives by Age and Service – Miscellaneous
City Service
Age < 1 1-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 ≥ 25 Total
< 25 8 4 - - - - - 12
25-29 21 26 4 - - - - 51
30-34 18 49 37 1 - - - 105
35-39 15 21 30 16 3 - - 85
40-44 7 23 35 22 10 10 1 108
45-49 8 14 23 19 19 21 1 105
50-54 2 12 18 13 13 19 13 90
55-59 1 13 14 16 13 22 10 89
60-64 5 5 9 10 10 10 15 64
≥ 65 2 2 4 3 8 6 4 29
Total 87 169 174 100 76 88 44 738
May 21, 2024 E-20
DATA SUMMARY
Actives by Age and Service – Police
City Service
Age < 1 1-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 ≥ 25 Total
< 25 - 1 - - - - - 1
25-29 1 8 1 - - - - 10
30-34 - 7 5 - - - - 12
35-39 1 1 6 2 2 - - 12
40-44 1 1 2 8 4 - - 16
45-49 - - 1 2 1 7 1 12
50-54 - - - 1 1 2 1 5
55-59 - - 1 - - - 1 2
60-64 - - 1 - - 1 - 2
≥ 65 - - - - - - - -
Total 3 18 17 13 8 10 3 72
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 53
May 21, 2024 E-21
DATA SUMMARY
Actives by Age and Service – Fire
City Service
Age < 1 1-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 ≥ 25 Total
< 25 1 2 - - - - - 3
25-29 9 11 - - - - - 20
30-34 2 7 3 - - - - 12
35-39 2 1 4 5 1 - - 13
40-44 - - 1 4 6 1 - 12
45-49 - - 2 2 3 1 - 8
50-54 - - - 2 3 10 5 20
55-59 - - - - 1 1 1 3
60-64 - - - - - 1 - 1
≥ 65 - - - - - - - -
Total 14 21 10 13 14 14 6 92
May 21, 2024 E-22
DATA SUMMARY
Actives by Age and Service – Total
City Service
Age < 1 1-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 ≥ 25 Total
< 25 9 7 - - - - - 16
25-29 31 45 5 - - - - 81
30-34 20 63 45 1 - - - 129
35-39 18 23 40 23 6 - - 110
40-44 8 24 38 34 20 11 1 136
45-49 8 14 26 23 23 29 2 125
50-54 2 12 18 16 17 31 19 115
55-59 1 13 15 16 14 23 12 94
60-64 5 5 10 10 10 12 15 67
≥ 65 2 2 4 3 8 6 4 29
Total 104 208 201 126 98 112 53 902
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 54
May 21, 2024 E-23
ADDITIONAL ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS
June 30, 2021 Valuation June 30, 2023 Valuation
Retirement CalPERS 2000-2019
Experience Study- Expected
retirement age for each tier
Misc Fire & Police
Tier 1 2.7%@55 3%@50
Exp. RetAge 60.7 56.4 & 54.0
Tier 2 2%@60 3%@55
Exp. RetAge 63.0 57.7 & 56.4
PEPRA 2.5%@67 2.7%@57
Exp. RetAge 62.4 57.1 & 56.7
CalPERS 2000-2019
Experience Study - Expected
retirement age for each tier
Misc Fire & Police
Tier 1 2.7%@55 3%@50
Exp. RetAge 61.2 56.1 & 53.9
Tier 2 2%@60 3%@55
Exp. RetAge 63.1 57.7 & 57.2
PEPRA 2.5%@67 2.7%@57
Exp. RetAge 62.5 57.2 & 56.5
Spousal
Coverage at
Retirement
70% of covered retirees are
assumed to cover spouses
Based on Plan experience
Same
Waived Retiree
Re-election
0% Same
May 21, 2024 E-24
ADDITIONAL ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS
June 30, 2021 Valuation June 30, 2023 Valuation
Medical Trend Increase from Prior Year
Calendar
Year
Pre-
Medicare
Post-
Medicare
Other
Post-
Medicare
Kaiser
2019-20 n/a
2021 Actual Premiums
2022 Actual Premiums
2023 6.50% 5.65% 4.60%
2024 6.25% 5.45% 4.45%
2025 6.00% 5.25% 4.60%
2026 5.75% 5.05% 4.45%
2027 5.55% 4.90% 4.35%
2028 5.35% 4.75% 4.25%
2029 5.15% 4.60% 4.20%
2030 4.95% 4.45% 4.05%
2031-35 4.80% 4.35% 4.00%
2036-45 4.65% 4.25% 3.95%
2046-55 4.50% 4.20% 3.90%
2056-65 4.35% 4.15% 3.85%
2066-75 4.05% 3.95% 3.80%
2076+ 3.75% 3.75% 3.75%
Increase from Prior Year
Pre-
Medicare
Post-
Medicare
Other
Post-
Medicare
Year Kaiser
2021 n/a
2022 n/a
2023 Actual Premiums
2024 Actual Premiums
2025 8.50% 7.50% 6.25%
2026 7.90% 6.90% 5.65%
2027 7.35% 6.50% 5.45%
2028 6.75% 6.10% 5.25%
2029 6.20% 5.70% 5.05%
2030 5.60% 5.25% 4.85%
2031 5.05% 4.85% 4.65%
2032-38 4.45% 4.45% 4.45%
2039-40 4.35% 4.35% 4.35%
2041 4.30% 4.30% 4.30%
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
2076+ 3.45% 3.45% 3.45%
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 55
May 21, 2024 E-25
ADDITIONAL ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS
June 30, 2021 Valuation June 30, 2023 Valuation
Medical Plan at
Retirement &
Retirees Attaining
age 65
Miscellaneous: <65 65+
Anthem Traditional 10% 5%
Blue Shield Access+ 5% 0%
Kaiser 50% 30%
PERS Choice 30% 20%
PERSCare 5% 25%
UnitedHealthcare 0% 20%
Safety: <65 65+
Anthem Traditional 10% 5%
Blue Shield Access+ 5% 0%
Kaiser 40% 25%
PERS Choice 0% 15%
PERSCare 10% 35%
PORAC 35% 10%
UnitedHealthcare 0% 10%
Based on Plan experience
Miscellaneous: <65 65+
Anthem Traditional 10% 5%
Blue Shield Access+ 5% 0%
Kaiser 45% 30%
PERS Gold 5% 0%
PERS Platinum 35% 45%
UnitedHealthcare 0% 20%
Safety: <65 65+
Anthem Traditional 5% 5%
Blue Shield Access+ 5% 0%
Kaiser 30% 25%
PERS Gold 0% 0%
PERS Platinum 15% 45%
PORAC 45% 15%
UnitedHealthcare 0% 10%
Based on Plan experience
May 21, 2024 E-26
ADDITIONAL ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS
June 30, 2021 Valuation June 30, 2023 Valuation
Family Coverage
at Retirement
(for future
retirees)
Misc: 15% until age 65
5% age 65-75
Safety: 50% until age 65
5% age 65-80
Based on Plan experience
Same
Spouse Age Actives – Males 3 years older
than females
Retirees – Males 3 years
older than females if spouse
birth date not available
Same
Surviving
Spouse
Participation
100% Same
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 56
May 21, 2024 E-27
ADDITIONAL ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS
June 30, 2021 Valuation June 30, 2023 Valuation
Medicare
Eligibility
Actives and retirees hired
before 4/1/86:
• Miscellaneous – 80%
• Safety – 90%
Actives and retirees hired on
or after 4/1/86: 100%
Retirees before 65 with
unknown hire date: 90%
Everyone eligible for
Medicare will elect Part B
coverage
Same
Future New
Participants
None – Closed Group Same
Retirees Missing
Fund
No retirees missing Fund
information.
Same
May 21, 2024 E-28
ADDITIONAL ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS
June 30, 2021 Valuation June 30, 2023 Valuation
Retirees Missing
Department
Assumed to have the same
department as the prior
valuation
Liability for retirees assumed
to be 75% GF allocated
proportionately across all
Departments
Same
Actuarial Models Our valuation was performed using and relying on ProVal, an
actuarial model leased from Wintech. Our use of ProVal is
consistent with its intended purpose. We have reviewed and
understand ProVal and its operation, sensitivities and
dependencies.
Data Quality Our valuation used census data provided by the City and
CalPERS OPEB data extract. We reviewed the data for
reasonableness and resolved any questions with the City. We
believe the resulting data can be relied on for all purposes of this
valuation without limitation.
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 57
May 21, 2024 E-29
ADDITIONAL ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS
June 30, 2021 Valuation June 30, 2023 Valuation
Sample Medical
Claims Costs
2024
Sample estimated monthly claims costs:
Region 1 – Non-Medicare Eligible
Kaiser PERS Platinum PORAC
Age M F M F M F
55 $1,094 $1,196 $1,197 $1,307 $1,083 $1,184
60 1,376 1,386 1,503 1,513 1,364 1,373
65 1,704 1,633 1,858 1,780 1,691 1,619
70 1,917 1,829 2,058 1,964 1,952 1,861
75 2,158 2,053 2,292 2,181 2,235 2,125
80 2,487 2,347 2,640 2,492 2,578 2,432
85 2,790 2,634 2,959 2,795 2,893 2,731
Region 1 – Medicare Eligible
Kaiser PERS Platinum PORAC
Age M F M F M F
65 n/a n/a $447 $428 $408 $391
70 n/a n/a 484 463 442 423
75 n/a n/a 516 495 471 452
80 n/a n/a 532 514 486 469
85 n/a n/a 526 512 480 468
May 21, 2024 E-30
ADDITIONAL ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS
This page intentionally blank
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 58
May 21, 2024 E-31
RESULTS BY FUND
Actuarial Obligations – June 30, 2023 – 6.25% Discount Rate
(Amounts in 000’s)
FUND AAL Assets52 UAAL
Airport $ 443 $ 250 $ 193
CIP 4,957 2,797 2,160
Elec53 31,933 18,019 13,914
Gas5353 12,636 7,130 5,506
GF 178,807 100,893 77,914
ISF – Technology 6,254 3,529 2,725
ISF – Vehicle 2,214 1,249 965
ISF – Printing & Mailing 125 70 55
ISF – Workers Comp 115 65 50
PARKING 656 371 285
Refuse 5,246 2,960 2,286
Storm Drain 2,344 1,324 1,020
Water5353 10,435 5,890 4,545
WWC53 3,028 1,708 1,320
WWT 17,379 9,806 7,573
Total 276,572 156,061 120,511
52 Assets allocated in proportion to AAL.
53 AAL for UTL employees allocated to Elec, Gas, Water, and WWC in proportion to each Fund’s AAL
May 21, 2024 E-32
RESULTS BY FUND
Actuarially Determined Contribution (ADC) – 6.25% Discount Rate
(Amounts in 000’s)
FUND 2024/25 2025/26
Airport $ 61 $ 63
CIP 440 452
Elec53 1,764 1,811
Gas53 781 802
GF 10,325 10,600
ISF – Technology 442 453
ISF – Vehicle 148 152
ISF – Printing & Mailing 11 11
ISF – Workers Comp 16 17
PARKING 76 77
Refuse 242 248
Storm Drain 172 177
Water53 616 631
WWC53 100 103
WWT 1,222 1,254
Total 16,416 16,851
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 59
May 21, 2024 E-33
RESULTS BY GF DEPARTMENT
Actuarial Obligations – June 30, 2023 – 6.25% Discount Rate
(Amounts in 000’s)
GF Department AAL Assets54 UAAL
ASD $ 9,447 $ 5,331 $ 4,116
ATT 2,674 1,509 1,166
AUD 141 79 61
CLK 713 402 311
COU 1,257 709 548
CSD 16,738 9,445 7,293
DSD 5,734 3,236 2,498
FIR 50,675 28,590 22,083
HRD 2,727 1,539 1,188
LIB 6,637 3,746 2,892
MGR 2,772 1,564 1,208
PLA 6,764 3,817 2,947
POL 55,075 31,078 23,998
PWD 17,453 9,848 7,605
Total 178,807 100,893 77,914
54 Assets allocated in proportion to AAL.
May 21, 2024 E-34
RESULTS BY GF DEPARTMENT
Actuarially Determined Contribution (ADC) – 6.25% Discount Rate
(Amounts in 000’s)
GF Department 2024/25 2025/26
ASD $ 584 $ 599
ATT 157 162
AUD 4 4
CLK 36 37
COU 69 71
CSD 1,059 1,086
DSD 478 491
FIR 2,588 2,657
HRD 157 161
LIB 492 505
MGR 186 191
PLA 420 431
POL 3,175 3,260
PWD 920 945
Total 10,325 10,600
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 60
May 21, 2024 E-35
DEFINITIONS
Present Value of Benefits
May 21, 2024 E-36
DEFINITIONS
Actuarially
Determined
Contribution
(ADC)
Contribution for the current period including:
• Normal Cost
• Administrative expenses
• Amortization of:
Initial Unfunded AAL
AAL for plan, assumption, and method changes
Experience gains/losses (difference between expected and actual)
Contribution gains/losses (difference between ADC and actual)
Item 2
Attachment B - City of
Palo Alto Retiree
Healthcare Plan June 30,
2023 Actuarial Valuation
Contributions for FY 2025
and FY 2026
Packet Pg. 61
Finance Committee
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Utilities
Meeting Date: June 4, 2024
Staff Report:2401-2506
TITLE
Recommend City Council Adopt a Resolution Amending the Gas Utility Long-term Plan (GULP)
Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan, Amending the Gas Utility Reserves Management
Practices, and Amending Rate Schedules G-1 (Residential Gas Service), G-2 (Residential Master-
Metered and Commercial Gas Service), G-3 (Large Commercial Gas Service), and G-10
(Compressed Natural Gas Service); CEQA Status: Not a Project Under Public Resources Code
15378(b)(5) and Exempt Under Public Resources Code 15273(a) and Discussion of the Utilities
Advisory Commission’s Proposed Alternatives.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Finance Committee recommend the City Council adopt a resolution
(Attachment A):
(1) Amending the Gas Utility Long-term Plan (GULP) Objectives, Strategies and
Implementation Plan which includes collecting funds via a gas price mitigation adder
(Adder) to manage potential future short-term natural gas price spikes;
(2) Amending the Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices; and
(3) Amending Rate Schedules G-1 (Residential Gas Service), G-2 (Residential Master-Metered
and Commercial Gas Service), G-3 (Large Commercial Gas Service), and G-10 (Compressed
Natural Gas Service).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
If Staff’s recommendation on the gas hedging program were to be approved it would take effect
November 1, 2024. At the time of the development of this report and the Utilities Advisory
Commission (UAC) discussion, the Finance Committee and City Council were reviewing Gas utility
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Packet Pg. 62
rates as part of the FY 2025 Proposed Budget process in parallel. The Finance Committee and City
Council have reviewed the current FY 2025 budget discussion and is recommending an increase
of approximately 3.5% for a total estimated increase of 12.5% for FY 2025 in gas utility rates. The
actions outlined in this report would further increase that estimated rate change.
Raise the maximum Gas Commodity Charge to $5 per therm with no Adder.
•An Adder of 10.3 cents per therm (estimated 5.2% increase on an annual bill) is
recommended for a four-year period to the Gas Commodity Charge, generating $11.3
million in customer revenues to be reserved for future price spikes.
•Gradually reduce the maximum Gas Commodity Charge from the current $4 per therm
back to the historically typical level of $2 per therm, estimated to be done during FY 2029.
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Packet Pg. 63
BACKGROUND
The Shift to Market Price-Based Commodity Charges
1 changed the gas purchasing strategy from one in which gas commodity
rates2 changed about once per year to one in which a monthly market price-based charge was
passed through to customers. In the 10 years prior to that change, the majority of Palo Alto’s
natural gas needs were met through fixed-price gas purchases. This strategy succeeded in
achieving relatively stable gas supply costs, and hence, relatively stable commodity rates. In times
of declining market prices, however, Palo Alto’s costs and resulting commodity rates were higher
than the market and higher than Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E) rates which change on a monthly
basis and generally mirror the market. Council’s approval of monthly market price-based
commodity rates reduced the need for financial reserves and reduced the need for staff
resources to manage the gas portfolio.
Gas Commodity Price spike of Winter 2022-2023
1 Resolution 9244 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-clerk/resolutions/reso-9244.pdf
2 Gas Commodity Rates https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-
reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/year-archive/2011/id-2106-110111.pdf
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Packet Pg. 64
Figure 1 – Gas Market Prices
When staff began to see signs of higher gas prices in late November and early December 2022,
customers were informed through utility bill messaging, website notices, social media, email
newsletters, and other community forums. Customers were encouraged to save energy to
dampen the impact of rising prices on their utility bills.
On December 19, 20223, Council adopted Resolution 100904 which increased the maximum
allowed Gas Commodity Charge from $2 per therm to $4 per therm. Because the January 2023
gas market monthly index of nearly $5 per therm exceeded the higher maximum Council-
approved Gas Commodity Charge, the full cost of January gas was not recovered through rates;
instead, about $1.84 million was withdrawn from the Gas Operations Reserve to cover the
shortfall.
Recognizing the significant impact on customer bills, the City offered resources to customers
including access to free home efficiency assessments and utility bill payment arrangements. In
April 2023 Council approved gas and electric (Staff Report 2303-1209)5 rebates of $2.4 million,
funded by the City’s General Fund, to compensate residential customers for the high energy bills
they experienced.
Capped-Price Winter Natural Gas Purchasing Strategy through October 2024
3 December 19, 2022 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/City-Clerk/Citys-Meeting-Agendas/Meeting-
Agendas-and-Minutes
4 Resolution 10090 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-clerk/resolutions/resolutions-
1909-to-present/2022/reso-10090.pdf
5 Staff Report 2303-1209 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=1954&type=0
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Packet Pg. 65
In response to the dramatic and unprecedented price spike, Council approved a capped-price
winter natural gas purchasing strategy in September 20236 for the gas year November 2023-
October 2024 by adopting Resolution 101267. The Gas Commodity Charge continues to be based
on a monthly market index price. The capped-price winter natural gas purchasing strategy
involved purchasing price caps on the City’s cost of gas for December-February, limiting the price
the City paid for gas to $2 per therm for a portion of City’s anticipated gas needs. The impact on
customers of what is, in essence, an insurance policy to mitigate the potential for a repeat of high
winter gas prices, was limited to a maximum 15 cents per therm (estimated 7.6% increase to
annual bill) applied for 12 months to customer usage through the Gas Commodity Charge.
Within the cost constraints approved by Council, staff was able to purchase $2 per therm price
caps for about half of Palo Alto’s expected load for the months of December 2023, January 2024
and February 2024. The total cost of the price caps, or insurance, was $1.5 million. Spread out
over the entire year, an adder of 5.5 cents per therm is currently applied to the Gas Commodity
Charge through October 2024. This represents approximately $1.81 per month on a typical
residential customer’s bill or an approximate 2.8% increase, not taking into account changes in
the underlying commodity price which is still based on a market index. The monthly market index
price remained under $2 per therm for the December 2023, January 2024, and February 2024
months, so the City did not make use of the contracted price caps it had purchased.
In addition to approving the capped-price winter natural gas purchasing strategy, Council
directed staff to explore other alternatives for managing potential commodity price spikes in the
future.
ANALYSIS
The report below was presented to the UAC on May 1, 2024 for review and consideration. This
was transmitted in the context of the initial 9% recommended gas rate change for FY 2025,
discussed by the Finance Committee in April 2024. Subsequent to these conversations, the
Finance Committee and City Council have discussed the FY 2025 Budget and currently have
recommended an approximately 12.5% gas utility rate change for FY 2025. The actions
recommended in this report should be considered in the context of this revised status. As such,
three scenarios are before the Finance Committee consideration and staff is seeking a
recommendation from the Committee to the City Council for adoption:
•Initial Staff Recommendation: An Adder of 10.3 cents per therm (estimated 5.2% increase
on an annual bill) is recommended for a four-year period to the Gas Commodity Charge,
generating $11.3 million in customer revenues to be reserved for future price spikes.
Gradually reduce the maximum Gas Commodity Charge from the current $4 per therm
back to the historically typical level of $2 per therm, estimated to be done during FY 2029.
6 September 2023 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=13026
7 Resolution 10126 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=61970
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Packet Pg. 66
•UAC Alternative Scenario A: Maintain the maximum Gas Commodity Charge of $4 per
therm with a $0.06 per therm Adder for three years, and for Staff to return to the UAC for
review in two years.
•UAC Alternative Scenario B: Raise the maximum Gas Commodity Charge to $5 per therm
with no Adder.
Recognizing the inherent tension among these variables, including but not limited to price
stabilization, reserve stabilization, market price competitiveness, and maintaining the current
practice of purchasing based on a monthly market index price, staff will be ready to discuss
variations of the options described above at the Committee meeting.
UAC Review
Staff presented this proposal to the UAC on May 1, 2024, seeking the UAC‘s recommendation
to the City Council. The UAC unanimously approved a motion outlining their two preferred
alternatives above with Commissioner Segal absent. The Commissioners expressed a
preference for the 2nd alternative (higher maximum Gas Commodity Charge and no short-term
price spike mitigation). The Commissioners also recommended the City Council advise Staff to
investigate options to protect low-income customers and expand price spike informational
campaigns. The Commissioners discussed options for protecting low-income customers from
gas price spikes by utilizing General Fund resources.
Establishing a New Strategy for Mitigating Short-term Gas Price Spikes Beginning November 2024
A gas price mitigation adder (Adder) is recommended be included in the Gas Commodity Charge,
maintaining the practice of purchasing gas based on a monthly market index price. The funds will
accrue in the Gas Rate Stabilization Reserve and would be intended to be used to offset potential
future short-term price spike impacts.
Staff presented to the UAC a recommended Adder of 10.3 cents per therm (estimated 5.2%
increase on an annual bill). An estimated $2.8 million per year will accumulate each year with a
total estimated balance of $11.3 million after 4 years if no funds are withdrawn to mitigate short-
term market price spikes in the interim. This is in line with the maximum adder approved by
Council for the current winter capped price strategy. Historically, PG&E’s gas commodity rates
have been about 6% higher than Palo Alto’s Gas Commodity Charge.
As the funds accumulate in the Gas Rate Stabilization Reserve, staff expects to recommend
reducing the customer maximum Gas Commodity Charge, lowering the price spike risk to the
customer. At this time, the retail maximum rate is modeled to be reduced from the current $4
per therm, to $3.50 per therm during FY 2027, to $2.75 per therm during FY 2028, and to $2 per
therm during FY 2029. Actual recommendations for each year will be made as part of the budget
process annually.
Staff anticipates that as of November 2028, the rate mitigation adder will have raised $11.3
million. This would be enough to maintain the Gas Commodity Charge at $2 per therm for a single
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month even if market index prices increased to $5 per therm for that month. The highest price
during the 2022-23 winter price spike was nearly $5 per therm.
Table 1 – Gas Commodity Charges and Market Price Protection ($ per therm)
8,
which are listed in the City’s gas rate schedules and shown by month. If approved by Council, the
strategy will be implemented effective November 1, 2024. Changes to the rate schedules are
shown in Attachment A and include the changes proposed in the FY 2025 Financial Plans which
will be considered by Council in June 2024. Note, these schedules do not reflect the current
proposed rate as recommended by the Finance Committee on May 21, 2024.
GULP Revisions
9 GULP update modified the purchasing strategy to include the capped-
price winter natural gas purchases. The new strategy, if adopted, requires changes to GULP as
shown in Table 1 below. While some other items also need updates, staff is not proposing
changes other than those associated with the gas purchasing strategy at this time for the sake
of simplicity. Administrative updates will be brought to Council for consideration in a separate
staff report.
8 Monthly gas volumetric and service charges https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/utilities/rates-
schedules-for-utilities/residential-utility-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-and-service-charges-residential.pdf
9 September 2023 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=13026
M M M M
A $$$$
A $$$$
A $$$$
A $$$$
A $$$$
A $$$$
A $$$$
A $$$$
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Packet Pg. 68
Table 2 – Gas Utility Long-term Plan Revisions
GULP Current Proposed
Objective 1 Pass a market supply cost signal
through to customers with measures to
protect against price spikes applied
during winter months.
Pass a market supply cost signal through
to customers with measures to mitigate
the impact of short-term natural gas
market price spikes.
Strategy 1 a. Purchasing natural gas at monthly
and daily market index prices;
b. Changing gas supply rates monthly to
reflect market prices; and
c. Purchasing physical capped-price gas
for some or all forecasted natural gas
volumes for December through
February, provided that the cost of the
price caps results in no more than a 15
cents per therm impact on retail
commodity gas rates
a. Purchasing natural gas at monthly and
daily market index prices;
b. Changing gas supply rates monthly to
reflect market prices;
c. Collecting funds in the Gas Rate
Stabilization Reserve to manage
potential short-term price spikes; and
d. Utilizing those funds if a short-term
natural gas market price spike occurs
Implementation
Plan Item 1
Implement market-based supply
purchases and commodity rates with
measures to protect against price spikes
applied during winter months by:
a. Developing a new purchasing plan
to be approved by the Director of
Utilities; and
b. Conducting customer
communication and outreach.
Implement market-based supply
purchases and commodity rates with
measures to protect against price spikes
by:
a. Adding 10.3 cents per therm to
the Gas Commodity Charge from
November 2024 through October 2028;
and
b. Conducting customer
communication and outreach.
Revisions to the Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices
Staff recommends modifying Section 7 in the Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices, which
are the guidelines followed in the Utility’s financial planning process, to reflect the new reserve
and strategy:
Section 7. Rate Stabilization Reserve
Funds may be added to the Rate Stabilization Reserve by action of the City Council and held to
manage the trajectory of future year rate increases and to mitigate the impact of short-term gas
market price spikes. Withdrawal of funds from the Rate Stabilization Reserve requires Council
action. If there are funds in the Rate Stabilization Reserve at the end of any fiscal year, any
subsequent Gas Utility Financial Plan must result in the withdrawal of all funds from this Reserve by
the end of the Financial Planning Period, except gas price mitigation revenues that may be held in
the Rate Stabilization Reserve until needed.
The Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices, including the changes proposed to that
document in the FY 2025 Financial Plan are included in Attachment A.
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Fixed Price Purchases Alternative
An alternative to staff’s proposal is to purchase some portion of winter gas needs (winter is the
most likely time period when a market price spike could occur) at fixed prices. The downside of
this strategy is that the City’s cost of gas could deviate significantly from the market price, either
higher or lower. This alternative would require structural changes in the way the Gas Commodity
Charge is established for the months during which fixed-price purchases are included in the
portfolio, as well as a significant amount of staff resources to implement.
A second alternative is to continue the strategy of purchasing insurance against high market
prices. The cost of that insurance varies, and the product is not commonly traded and is expected
to be costly. Like familiar types of insurance, premiums are not refunded if the insurance is not
used. The cost would occur every year and may or may not provide value to Palo Alto’s rate
payers.
Another alternative is to return to the pre-2023 strategy. Customers will not be protected from
short-term natural gas market price spikes. Council may consider a higher maximum Gas
Commodity Charge to protect the Gas Utility from costs greater than what may be recovered
through rates.
Variations of Staff’s Initial Recommendation
There are three variables embedded in staff’s recommendation which, if changed, yield different
results. A higher Adder would result in more than the estimated $11.3 million collected over 4
years and vice versa. A longer period over which the Adder is applied results in more funds
collected. A slower or more modest decrease in the maximum Gas Commodity Charge would
provide less protection for the rate payers but more protection for the Gas Utility Operations
Reserve. A combination of changes to the three variables offers an array of alternatives.
The table below summarizes the considerations for staff’s recommendation and the alternatives.
Table 3 – Summary of Staff Recommendation and Alternatives
Alternative Description Consideration
Staff Recommendation
(self-insured)
10.3 cents per therm Adder; four
years; decrease max Commodity
Charge to $2 per therm;
Estimated $11.3 million reserve
balance
Variation Higher/lower Adder Larger/smaller reserve balance =
more or less price protection
Variation Longer/Shorter collection period Larger/smaller reserve balance =
more or less price protection
Variation Leave max Commodity Charge
high/reduce max Commodity Charge
faster
More price protection for the Gas
Utility/more price protection for the
customer
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Fixed-Price Purchases Purchase some fixed-price gas for the
winter months
Commodity Charges will be higher or
lower than the market price and
PG&E’s rates
Capped Price Winter
Purchases (Insurance
from the market)
Replicate the winter 2023-2024
strategy
Cost and availability of insurance is
uncertain; cost is sunk whether
insurance is needed or not
Return to previous
strategy
Pass through market price with no
price mitigation
Customers pay market price in all
scenarios, may consider higher
maximum Commodity Charge
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Staff recommends Council approval of a gas price mitigation adder of 10.3 cents per therm to be
applied the Gas Commodity Charge for four years which is estimated to result in the collection of
$11.3 million. The Adder equates to an estimated increase of 5.2% on the median monthly
residential customer bill; the estimated increase will be 5.6% for the winter bill months
(November-March) and 4.6% for the summer bill months (April-October). This is lower than the
maximum Gas Commodity Charge impact of 15 cents per therm (estimated 7.6% on an annual
bill) approved by Council for the capped-price winter natural gas purchasing strategy through
October 2024. If approved by Council, an appropriation amendment to the FY 2025 budget will
be required to reflect an expected additional $2.2 million in revenue.
Table 3 shows the median monthly residential customer bill and the projected impact based on
the 10.3 cents per therm Adder.
Table 3
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff plans to seek approval of staff’s original proposal from the Finance Committee in June 2024
and Council in August 2024, and to implement the Council-approved strategy beginning
November 2024. If adopted by Council, the City website will be updated to reflect the change in
the Commodity Charge calculation in the Monthly Gas Volumetric and Service Charges10
document. In addition, customers will be notified via utility outbound communications and
marketing updates.
10 Monthly Gas Volumetric and Service Charges https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/utilities/rates-
schedules-for-utilities/residential-utility-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-and-service-charges-residential.pdf
M
S T B B B
W 5 9$5$5
S 1 4$1$4
A 3 6$3$5
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
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6056828 1
Resolution No.
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending the Gas
Utility Long-term Plan Objectives, Strategies, and Implementation
Plan, Amending the Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices,
Amending the FY 2025 Gas Fund Budget, and Amending Rate
Schedules G-1 (Residential Gas Service), G-2 (Residential Master-
Metered and Commercial Gas Service), G-3 (Large Commercial Gas
Service), and G-10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service)
R E C I T A L S
A. On March 7, 2011, the Council adopted Resolution No. 9151, approving
the Gas Utility Long-term Plan Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan (the
"Plan"), amended on April 23, 2012 via Resolution No. 9244 and on September 18,
2023 via Resolution No. 10126.
B. On May 1, 2024 staff presented the Utilities Advisory Commission and
the Council information proposing a third amendment to Resolution No. 10126, to
further amend the Plan to include a gas price mitigation strategy, which will collect
funds to mitigate the impact of short-term gas price spikes on customer rates.
C. Pursuant to Chapter 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the Council of
the City of Palo Alto may by resolution adopt rules and regulations governing utility services,
fees and charges.
D. On June _, 2024, the Council adopted Resolution ____, approving the Fiscal
year 2025 Gas Utility Financial Plan including the Gas Utility Reserves Management
Practices.
E. Implementing the gas price mitigation strategy requires amending the FY 2025
Gas Fund Budget revenue by $2,200,000.
F. Implementing the gas price mitigation strategy requires amending the
Commodity Charge cost component of Rate Schedules G-1 (Residential Gas Service), G-2
(Residential Master-Metered and Commercial Gas Service), G-3 (Large Commercial Gas
Service),and G- 10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service); attached and incorporated as
Exhibits C through F to this Resolution.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION 1. The Council hereby approves the amendments to the Gas Utility
Long-term Plan Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan (GULP), attached to this
Resolution as Exhibit A.
SECTION 2. The Council hereby approves the amendments to the Gas Utility
Reserve Practices, attached to this Resolution as Exhibit B.
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and Rates
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6056828 2
SECTION 3. Resolution No. 10126 is hereby amended in so far as the Plan, as
amended, is hereby approved.
SECTION 4. The Council hereby approves increasing the FY 2025 gas operating
revenues by $2,200,000.
SECTION 5. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule G-1 (Residential Gas Service) is hereby amended to read as attached and
incorporated to this Resolution as Exhibit C. Utility Rate Schedule G-1, as amended, shall
become effective November 1, 2024.
SECTION 6. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule G-2 (Residential Master-Metered and Commercial Gas Service) is hereby
amended to read as attached and incorporated to this Resolution as Exhibit D. Utility Rate
Schedule G-2, as amended, shall become effective November 1, 2024.
SECTION 7. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Utility Rate Schedule G-3 (Large Commercial Gas Service) is hereby amended to read as
attached and incorporated to this Resolution as Exhibit E. Utility Rate Schedule G-3, as
amended, shall become effective November 1, 2024.
SECTION 8. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule G-10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service Service) is hereby amended to read as
attached and incorporated to this Resolution as Exhibit F. Utility Rate Schedule G-10, as
amended, shall become effective November 1, 2024.
SECTION 9. The City Council finds as follows:
a.Revenues derived from the gas rates approved by this resolution do not exceed
the funds required to provide gas service.
b.Revenues derived from the gas rates approved by this resolution shall not be
used for any purpose other than providing gas service, and the purposes set
forth in Article VII, Section 2, of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto.
B.
SECTION 10. The Council finds that the fees and charges adopted by this
resolution are charges imposed for a specific government service or product provided
directly to the payor that are not provided to those not charged, and do not exceed the
reasonable costs to the City of providing the service or product.
//
//
//
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SECTION 11. The Council finds that approving the changes to the FY 2024 Gas
Fund budget appropriation and Plan does not meet the California Environmental
Quality Act’s (CEQA)definition of a project under Public Resources Code Section 21065
and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), because these actions are administrative
governmental activities which will not cause a direct or indirect physical change in the
environment. The Council finds that changing the Commodity Charge cost component
of gas rates to meet operating expenses and financial reserve needs necessary to
maintain service is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
pursuant to California Public Resources Code Sec. 21080(b)(8) and Title 14 of the
California Code of Regulations Sec. 15273(a). After reviewing the staff report and all
attachments presented to Council, the Council incorporates these documents herein
and finds that sufficient evidence has been presented setting forth with specificity
the basis for this claim of CEQA exemption.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
Director of Utilities
Director of Administrative Services
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Adopted April 23, 2012 via Resolution 9244
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Proposed Gas Utility Long-term Plan (GULP)
Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan
GULP Objectives:
1.Market price transparency – Pass a market supply cost signal through to customers with
measures to mitigate the impact of short-term gas market price spikes.protect against price
spikes applied during winter months.
2. Supply Cost Management – Lower delivered gas cost over the long term.
3. Energy Efficiency – Ensure the deployment of all feasible, reliable, cost-effective energy
efficiency measures.
4. Climate Protection – Reduce the carbon intensity of the gas portfolio in accordance with
the Sustainability and Climate Protection Plan.
5. Parity with PG&E – At a reasonable cost, protect the City’s interests and maintain access
to transportation on par with PG&E’s core customers.
GULP Strategies:
1. Pass a market supply cost signal through to customers with measures to mitigate the
impact of short-term gas market price spikes by: protect against price spikes applied
during winter months by:
a. Purchasing natural gas at monthly and daily market index prices;
b. Changing gas supply rates monthly to reflect market prices; and
c. Collecting funds in the Gas Rate Stabilization Reserve to manage potential short-term price
spikes; and
d. Utilizing those funds if a short-term gas market price spike occurs.
Purchasing physical capped-price gas for some or all forecasted natural gas volumes for
December through February, provided that the cost of the price caps results in no more
than a 15 cents per therm impact on retail commodity gas rates.
2. Lower delivered gas cost over the long term by:
a. Acquiring pipeline assets that yield supply costs below market and meet operational
needs;
b. Taking advantage of the City’s low cost of capital to acquire gas supply and assets;
and
c. Optimizing existing assets.
3. Ensure the deployment of all feasible, reliable, cost-effective energy efficiency measures
by:
a. Developing a ten-year gas efficiency plan every four years maintaining consistency
with the electric energy efficiency goals update schedule; and
b. Considering the impacts of electrification on gas demand.
4. Reduce the carbon intensity of the gas portfolio in accordance with the Climate
Protection Plan by:
a. Terminating the PaloAltoGreen Gas program established by Resolution 9405; and
b. Designing and implementing the Carbon Neutral Gas Plan to achieve carbon
reduction with no more than a 10 cent per therm rate impact.
5. At a reasonable cost, protect the City’s interests and maintain access to transportation
on par with PG&E’s core customers by:
a. Participating in the regulatory and legislative arenas when the potential impact on
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Adopted April 23, 2012 via Resolution 9244
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the City is aligned with the cost to intervene and the probability of success;
a. Negotiating with PG&E for fair access to transportation and storage; and
b. Exploring potential joint action with other public agencies.
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GULP Implementation Plan:
1. Implement market-based supply purchases and commodity rates with measures to
mitigate the impact of short-term gas market price spikes by:protect against price spikes
applied during winter months by:
a.Adding 10.3 cents per therm to the Gas Commodity Charge from November 2024
through October 2028Developing a new purchasing plan to be approved by the
Director of Utilities; and
b. Conducting customer communication and outreach.
2. Pursue below-market assets available through the Gas Transportation and Storage
Settlement by:
a. Evaluating the pipeline capacity reservation options available; and
b. Contracting with PG&E for any pipeline capacity with an estimated cost below the
forecasted market value.
3. Monitor the prepay market and prepare for implementation in preparation for a future
MuniGas transaction.
4. Implement gas efficiency programs to meet the gas efficiency goals.
5. Track and report on gas efficiency by:
a. Providing quarterly updates to the UAC about the gas efficiency programs; and
b. Providing annual updates to Council on gas efficiency achievements compared to the
goals and overall cost effectiveness.
6. Continue evaluating new gas efficiency technologies and undertake pilot studies where
appropriate.
7. Pursue potential modifications to the Carbon Neutral Gas Plan by:
a. Determining an acceptable premium, if any, to be paid for a local offset project if
and when a certified project is identified; and
b. Investigating alternatives to offsets, including methods involving voter approval.
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Attachment A: Exhibit 2
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APPENDIX C: GAS UTILITY RESERVES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
The following reserves management practices shall be used when developing the Gas Utility
Financial Plan:
Section 1. Definitions
a) “Financial Planning Period” – The Financial Planning Period is the range of future fiscal
years covered by the Financial Plan. For example, if the Financial Plan delivered in
conjunction with the FY 2015 budget includes projections for FY 2015 to FY 2019, FY 2015
to FY 2019 would be the Financial Planning Period.
b) “Fund Balance” – As used in these Reserves Management Practices, Fund Balance refers
to the Utility’s Unrestricted Net Assets.
c) “Net Assets” - The Government Accounting Standards Board defines a Utility’s Net Assets
as the difference between its assets and liabilities.
d) “Unrestricted Net Assets” - The portion of the Utility’s Net Assets not invested in capital
assets (net of related debt) or restricted for debt service or other restricted purposes.
Section 2. Supply Fund Reserves
The Gas Utility’s Supply Fund Balance is reserved for the following purposes:
a) For existing contracts, as described in Section 4 (Reserve for Commitments)
b)For operating and capital budgets re-appropriated from previous years, as described in
Section 5 (Reserve for Re-appropriations)
Section 3. Distribution Fund Reserves
a) For existing contracts, as described in Section 4 (Reserve for Commitments)
b) For operating and capital budgets re-appropriated from previous years, as described in
Section 5 (Reserve for Re-appropriations)
c) For cash flow management and contingencies related to the Gas Utility’s Capital
Improvement Program (CIP), as described in Section 6 (CIP Reserve)
d) For rate stabilization, as described in Section 7 (Rate Stabilization Reserve)
e) For operating contingencies, as described in Section 8 (Operations Reserve)
f)For tracking unspent or unallocated revenues from the sale of carbon allowances freely
allocated by the California Air Resources Board to the gas utility under the State’s Cap and
Trade Program, as described in Section 11 (Cap and Trade Program Reserve)
g) Any funds not included in the other reserves will be considered Unassigned Reserves and
shall be returned to ratepayers or assigned a specific purpose as described in Section 9
(Unassigned Reserves)
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Attachment A: Exhibit 2
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Section 4. Reserve for Commitments
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Attachment A: Exhibit 2
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Section 7. Rate Stabilization Reserve
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Attachment A: Exhibit 2
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If the Operations Reserve reaches its maximum level, any further additions to the Gas Utility’s
Fund Balance will be held in the Unassigned Reserve. If there are any funds in the Unassigned
Reserve at the end of any fiscal year, the next Financial Plan presented to the City Council
must include a plan to assign them to a specific purpose or return them to the Gas Utility
ratepayers by the end of the first fiscal year of the next Financial Planning Period. For
example, if there were funds in the Unassigned Reserves at the end of FY 2015, and the next
Financial Planning Period is FY 2016 through FY 2020, the Financial Plan shall include a plan
to return or assign any funds in the Unassigned Reserve by the end of FY 2016. Staff may
present an alternative plan that retains these funds or returns them over a longer period of
time.
Section 10. Intra-Utility Transfers Between Supply and Distribution Funds
The Gas Utility records costs in two separate funds: the Gas Supply Fund and the Gas
Distribution Fund. At the end of each fiscal year staff is authorized to transfer funds between
the Gas Supply Fund and Gas Distribution Fund if consistent with the purposes of the two
reserves involved in the transfer and an amount in order to balance gas utility reserves to
avoid negative balances. For example, Gas Distribution revenues are needed to pay for
certain supply-related costs such as administration of the Gas Supply Fund. equal to the
difference between Gas Supply Fund costs and Gas Supply Fund Revenues, from the Gas
Distribution Fund Operations Reserve to the Gas Supply Fund, or vice versa. Such transfers
shall be included in the ordinance closing the budget for the fiscal year.
Section 11. Cap and Trade Program Reserve
This reserve tracks holds revenues from the sale of carbon allowances freely allocated by the
California Air Resources Board to the gas utility, under the State’s Cap and Trade Program.
Funds in this Reserve are managed in accordance with the City’s Policy on the Use of Freely
Allocated Allowances under the State’s Cap and Trade Program (the Policy), adopted by
Council Resolution 9487 in January 2015. At the end of each fiscal year, the Cap and Trade
Program Reserve will be adjusted by the net of revenues and expenses associated with the
Cap and Trade program.At the end of each fiscal year staff is authorized to transfer all
revenues from the sale of allocated carbon allowances to this reserve.
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RESIDENTIAL MASTER-METERED AND COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-2
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-2-1 Effective 11711-1-20243
dated 11-1-20237-1-2024 Sheet No G-2-1
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A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to the following Customers receiving Gas Service from the City of Palo Alto
Utilities:
1. Commercial Customers who use less than 250,000 therms per year at one site;
2. Master-metered residential Customers in multi-family residential facilities.
This schedule applies anywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Gas Service.
Per Service
Monthly Service Charge:.............................................................................................$149.2429.78
Per Therm
Supply Charges:
1. Commodity (Monthly Market Based) ......................................... $0.10-$4.00
2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charges ........................................... $0.00-$0.25
3. Transportation Charge................................................................. $0.00-$0.25
4. Carbon Offset Charge.................................................................. $0.00-$0.10
Distribution Charge: ..................................................................................................$1.02820.8941
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts, surcharges and/or Taxes. On a Customer’s bill
statement, the bill amount may be broken down into appropriate components as
calculated under Section C.
The Commodity Charge is based on the monthly natural gas Bidweek Price Index for
delivery at PG&E Citygate, adjusted to account for delivery losses to the Customer’s
Meter. The Commodity Charge also includes adjustments to account for Council-
approved programs implemented to reduce the cost of Ggas, including a municipal
purchase discount1, and $0.103 per therm to mitigate the impact of short-term market
1 Adopted via Resolution 9451, on September 15, 2014.
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RESIDENTIAL MASTER-METERED AND COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-2
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-2-2 Effective 11711-1-20243
dated 11-1-20237-1-2024 Sheet No G-2-2
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price spikes2.and a maximum $0.15/per therm cost for capped price winter natural gas
purchases3.
The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge reflects the City’s cost of regulatory compliance
with the state’s Cap and Trade Program, including the cost of acquiring compliance
instruments sufficient to cover the City’s Gas Utility’s compliance obligations. The Cap
and Trade Compliance Charge will change in response to changing market conditions,
retail sales volumes and the quantity of allowances required.
The Carbon Offset Charge reflects the City’s cost to purchase offsets for greenhouse gases
produced when Gas is burnedin the burning of natural gas. The Carbon Offset Charge will
change in response to changing market conditions, changing sales volumes and the quantity
of offsets purchased within the Council-approved per therm cap.
The Transportation Charge is based on the current PG&E G-WSL rate for Palo Alto,
accounting for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter.
The Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and Transportation Charges
will fall within the minimum/maximum ranges set forth in Section C. Current and historic
per therm rates for the Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and
Transportation Charges are posted on the City Utilities website.4
{End}
2 Adopted via Resolution XXXX on _____, 2024
3 Adopted via Resolution 10126, on September 18, 2023.
4 Monthly gas and commodity and volumetric rates are available herehere, or by visiting
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/utilities/business/business-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-and-service-
charges-commercial.pdf
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LARGE COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-3-1 Effective 11711-1-20243
dated 117-1-20237-1-2024 Sheet No G-3-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to the following Customers receiving Gas Service from the City of Palo Alto
Utilities:
1. Commercial Customers who use at least 250,000 therms per year at one site;
2. Customers at City-owned generation facilities.
This schedule applies anywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Gas Service.
Per Service
Monthly Service Charge: $682.85593.79
Per Therm
Supply Charges:
1. Commodity (Monthly Market Based)....................................................$0.10-$4.00
2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charges ....................................................$0.00-$0.25
3. Transportation Charge.......................................................................... $0.00-$0.25
4. Carbon Offset Charge........................................................................... $0.00-$0.10
Distribution Charge: ..................................................................................................$1.01790.8852
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts, surcharges and/or Taxes. On a Customer’s bill
statement, the bill amount may be broken down into appropriate components as calculated
under Section C.
The Commodity Charge is based on the monthly natural gas Bidweek Price Index for
delivery at PG&E Citygate, adjusted to account for delivery losses to the Customer’s
Meter. The Commodity Charge also includes adjustments to account for Council-
approved programs implemented to reduce the cost of gas, including a municipal
Item 1
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Utility Long-Term Plan
and Rates
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LARGE COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-3-2 Effective 11711-1-20243
dated 117-1-20237-1-2024 Sheet No G-3-2
purchase discount1, and $0.103 per therm for mitigating the impact of short-term natural
gas market price spikes2and a maximum $0.15/per therm cost for capped price winter
natural gas purchases3.
The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge reflects the City’s cost of regulatory compliance
with the state’s Cap and Trade Program, including the cost of acquiring compliance
instruments sufficient to cover the City’s Gas Utility’s compliance obligations. The Cap
and Trade Compliance Charge will change in response to changing market conditions,
retail sales volumes and the quantity of allowances required.
The Carbon Offset Charge reflects the City’s cost to purchase offsets for greenhouse gases
produced in the burning of natural gas. The Carbon Offset Charge will change in response
to changing market conditions, changing sales volumes and the quantity of offsets
purchased within the Council-approved per therm cap.
The Transportation Charge is based on the current PG&E G-WSL rate for Palo Alto,
accounting for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter.
The Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and Transportation Charges
will fall within the minimum/maximum ranges set forth in Section C. Current and historic
per therm rates for the Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and
Transportation Charges are posted on the City Utilities website.4
2. Request for Service
A qualifying Customer may request service under this schedule for more than one account
or meter if the accounts are located on one site. A site consists of one or more contiguous
parcels of land with no intervening public right-of- ways (e.g. streets).
3. Changing Rate Schedules
Customers may request a rate schedule change at any time to any applicable City of Palo
Alto full-service rate schedule.
1 Adopted via Resolution 9451, on September 15, 2014.
2 Adopted via Resolution XXXX on _____, 2024
3 Adopted via Resolution 10126, on September 18, 2023.
4 Monthly gas and commodity and volumetric rates are available here, or by visiting
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/utilities/business/business-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-and-service-
charges-commercial.pdf
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LARGE COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-3-3 Effective 11711-1-20243
dated 117-1-20237-1-2024 Sheet No G-3-3
{End}
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COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-10
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-10-1 Effective 11711-1-20243
dated 7-1-2024 Sheet No. G-10-1
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A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to the sale of natural gasGas to the City-owned compressed natural gas (CNG)
fueling station at the Municipal Service Center in Palo Alto.
Applies to the City’s CNG fueling station located at the Municipal Service Center in City of Palo Alto.
Per Service
Monthly Service Charge:.............................................................................................$100.9387.77
Per Therm
Supply Charges:
Commodity (Monthly Market Based)................................................................$0.10-$4.00
Cap and Trade Compliance Charges..................................................................$0.00-$0.25
Transportation Charge........................................................................................$0.00-$0.25
Carbon Offset Charge.........................................................................................$0.00-$0.10
Distribution Charge...........................................................................................................$0.016645
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and adjusted
for any applicable discounts, surcharges and/or Taxes. On a Customer’s bill statement, the bill
amount may be broken down into appropriate components as calculated under Section C.
The Commodity Charge is based on the monthly natural gas Bidweek Price Index for delivery at
PG&E Citygate, adjusted to account for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter. The
Commodity Charge also includes adjustments to account for Council-approved programs
implemented to reduce the cost of gas, including a municipal purchase discount1, and $0.103 per
therm for mitigating the impact of short-term natural gas market price spikes2.and a maximum
1 Adopted via Resolution 9451, on September 15, 2014.
2 Adopted via Resolution XXXX on _____, 2024
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COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-10
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-10-2 Effective 11711-1-20243
dated 7-1-2024 Sheet No. G-10-2
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$0.15/per therm cost for capped price winter natural gas purchases3.
The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge reflects the City’s cost of regulatory compliance with the
state’s Cap and Trade Program, including the cost of acquiring compliance instruments sufficient
to cover the City’s Gas Utility’s compliance obligations. The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge
will change in response to changing market conditions, retail sales volumes and the quantity of
allowances required.
The Carbon Offset Charge reflects the City’s cost to purchase offsets for greenhouse gases
produced when Gas is burnedin the burning of natural gas. The Carbon Offset Charge will change
in response to changing market conditions, changing sales volumes and the quantity of offsets
purchased within the Council-approved per therm cap.
The Transportation Charge is based on the current PG&E G-WSL rate for Palo Alto, accounting
for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter.
The Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and Transportation Charges will fall
within the minimum/maximum range set forth in Section C. Current and historic per therm rates
for the Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and Transportation Charges are
posted on the City Utilities website.4
{End}
3 Adopted via Resolution 10126, on September 18, 2023.
4 Monthly gas and commodity and volumetric rates are available here, or by visiting
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/utilities/business/business-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-and-service-
charges-commercial.pdf
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Utility Long-Term Plan
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RESIDENTIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-1-1 Sheet No G-1-1
dated 117-1-20237-1-2024 Effective 11711-1-20243
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to the following Customers receiving Gas Service from City of Palo Alto
Utilities:
1. Separately-metered single-family residential Customers;
2. Separately-metered multi-family residential Customers in multi-family residential
facilities.
This schedule applies anywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Gas Service.
Per Service
Monthly Service Charge:.................................................................................................$16.114.01
Tier 1 Rates: Per Therm
Supply Charges:
1. Commodity (Monthly Market Based).......................................... $0.10-$4.00
2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charge ............................................ $0.00-$0.25
3. Transportation Charge................................................................. $0.00-$0.25
4. Carbon Offset Charge.................................................................. $0.00-$0.10
Distribution Charge:....................................................................................... $0.78286807
Tier 2 Rates: (All usage over 100% of Tier 1)
Supply Charges:
1. Commodity (Monthly Market Based).......................................... $0.10-$4.00
2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charge............................................. $0.00-$0.25
3. Transportation Charge................................................................. $0.00-$0.25
4. Carbon Offset Charge.................................................................. $0.00-$0.10
Distribution Charge:.............................................................................................
............................................................................................................$2.00161.7
406
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and Rates
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RESIDENTIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-1-2 Sheet No G-1-2
dated 117-1-20237-1-2024 Effective 11711-1-20243
D. SPECIAL NOTES:
1. Calculation of Cost Components
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts, surcharges and/or Taxes. On a Customer’s bill
statement, the bill amount may be broken down into appropriate components as
calculated under Section C.
The Commodity Charge is based on the monthly natural gas Bidweek Price Index for
delivery at PG&E Citygate, adjusted to account for delivery losses to the Customer’s
Meter. The Commodity Charge also includes adjustments to account for Council-
approved programs implemented to reduce the cost of gas, including a municipal
purchase discount1,and $0.103 per therm for mitigating the impact of short-term natural
gas market price spikes2 and a maximum $0.15/per therm cost for capped price winter
natural gas purchases3.
The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge reflects the City’s cost of regulatory compliance
with the state’s Cap and Trade Program, including the cost of acquiring compliance
instruments sufficient to cover the City’s Gas Utility’s compliance obligations. The Cap
and Trade Compliance Charge will change in response to changing market conditions,
retail sales volumes and the quantity of allowances required.
The Carbon Offset Charge reflects the City’s cost to purchase offsets for greenhouse
gases produced in the burning of natural gas. The Carbon Offset Charge will change in
response to changing market conditions, changing sales volumes and the quantity of
offsets purchased within the Council-approved per therm cap.
The Transportation Charge is based on the current PG&E G-WSL rate for Palo Alto,
accounting for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter.
The Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and Transportation Charges
will fall within the minimum/maximum ranges set forth in Section C. Current and historic
1 Adopted via Resolution 9451, on September 15, 2014.
2 Adopted via Resolution XXXX on _____, 2024
3 Adopted via Resolution 10126, on September 18, 2023.
Item 1
Attachment A -
Resolution Amending Gas
Utility Long-Term Plan
and Rates
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RESIDENTIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-1-3 Sheet No G-1-3
dated 117-1-20237-1-2024 Effective 11711-1-20243
per therm rates for the Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and
Transportation Charges are posted on the City Utilities website.4
2. Seasonal Rate Changes:
The Summer period is effective April 1 to October 31 and the Winter period is effective
from November 1 to March 31. When the billing period includes use in both the Summer
and the Winter periods, the usage will be prorated based on the number of days in each
seasonal period, and the charges based on the applicable rates for each period. For further
discussion of bill calculation and proration, refer to Rule and Regulation 11.
3. Calculation of Usage Tiers
Tier 1 natural gas usage shall be calculated and billed based upon a level of 0.667 therms
per day during the Summer period and 2.0 therms per day during the Winter period,
rounded to the nearest whole therm, based on meter reading days of service. As an
example, for a 30 day bill, the Tier 1 level would be 20 therms during the Summer period
and 60 therms during the Winter period months. For further discussion of bill calculation
and proration, refer to Rule and Regulation 11.
{End}
4 Monthly gas and commodity and volumetric rates are available here, or by visiting
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/utilities/rates-schedules-for-utilities/residential-utility-rates/monthly-gas-
volumetric-and-service-charges-residential.pdf
Item 1
Attachment A -
Resolution Amending Gas
Utility Long-Term Plan
and Rates
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Finance Committee
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: Action Item
Lead Department: Administrative Services
Meeting Date: June 4, 2024
Report #:2403-2792
TITLE
Accept the Fiscal Year 2024 Third Quarter Financial Status Report
RECOMMENDATION
This report transmits information regarding the City of Palo Alto’s Fiscal Year 2024 Third
Quarter Financial Status Report. No action other than acceptance by the Finance Committee is
recommended.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report, provided quarterly, is to provide the City Council with information on
the financial status of the City’s General Fund and Enterprise Funds. This report is as of the end
of the Third (3rd) Quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 (July 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024). The
actuals are preliminary or unaudited balances.
The General Fund FY 2024 Adjusted Operating budget is $247.5 million estimate for revenue
sources (excluding Operating Transfers-in). Of this amount, $164.0 million has been collected
through the end of the 3rd quarter, which is 66.2% of the adjusted budget (compared to FY 2023,
revenues were 66.9% of the adjusted budget) and 9.2 % higher than the same quarter in prior
fiscal year and inline with expected levels estimated in the FY 2024 Adopted Budget. The FY 2024
Adjusted Budget reflects a 10.4% increase in estimated revenues from the prior year. Actual
major tax revenues are $97.5 million, which is 63.5%, from the $153.5 million adjusted budget.
The General Fund FY 2024 Adjusted Operating expenditures budget is $285.3 million (excluding
Operating Transfers-out). Of this amount, $180.0 million has been spent to date, which is 63.1%
of the Adjusted Budget and most notably, the spend is 23.4% higher than the same quarter in
prior year.
The General Fund 3rd Quarter Financial Report (Attachment A) contains a summary of major
General Fund revenues by source and expenditures by department and the comparison between
the FY 2024 Adopted Budget and Adjusted Budget. The Adjusted Budget column includes prior
year commitments that were carried forward into FY 2024 and the City Council approved
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amendments to the FY 2024 Adopted Budget Year-to-Date (YTD). The Adjusted Budget - Revenue
and Sources (excluding Operating Transfers-in) includes a $10.4 million increase, a 4.4% increase
over the FY 2024 Adopted Budget. Expenses (excluding Operating Transfers-out) were also
adjusted from $245.9 million to $285.3 million, a 16.0% increase over the FY 2024 Adopted
Budget. This increase includes reappropriations, encumbrances, and budget amendments.
These changes can be viewed on City’s website1. Actual revenues and expenditures (including
encumbrances) are tracking at 66.2% and 69.7%, respectively, with the adjusted budget. As a
result of budget amendment actions taken in FY 2024, the Budget Stabilization Reserve (BSR) is
$57.0 million at the end of Q3. It is anticipated that at end of FY2024, BSR will stay at the same
Q3 level of $57.0 million.
The FY 2025 Proposed Budget continues the two-year budget balancing strategy from FY 2024.
FY 2025 reflects cautious optimism as inflation and other economic, global, and labor market
factors impact both the pace of revenue and expense growth. The FY 2025 Proposed Budget is
projected to have a $55.0 million BSR balance at year end, but this estimate has been reduced
tentatively to $54.0 million based on Finance Committee proceedings on May 21, 2024 at the
time this report was produced.
All Enterprise Funds ended the 3rd quarter with positive change in net position, totaling a $30.5
million increase, or 149.0%, higher than the same period of the prior fiscal year. The increase is
primarily from Electric and Wastewater Treatment Funds.
BACKGROUND
Staff provides quarterly financial reports to ensure visibility of the City’s financial status. Staff
provided the Mid-Year Budget Review2 to report the financial status of major funds and the
Capital Improvement Program as of the second quarter (Q2) of the current fiscal year and
recommended adjustments to the Adopted Budget in February 2024. This 3rd Quarter Financial
Report covers financial activity from July 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 and compares those amounts
to the same period of the prior fiscal year and to the FY 2024 Adjusted Budget. This report serves
as a financial status and does not include budgetary adjustments; budgetary transactions
necessary to align FY 2024 activities with the FY 2025 balancing strategy will be brought forward
during year-end close.
1 Budget Adjustments and Monitoring
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Administrative-Services/Budget-Adjustments-and-Monitoring
2 City Council Special Meeting, February 12, 2024, Agenda Item 11, Staff Report# 2311-2233
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=82690
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In the discussion of the various major tax revenue categories below, staff indicates generally how
each category is trending compared to the adjusted budget from the FY 2024 Mid-Year Review.
ANALYSIS
General Fund
Revenue Highlights for FY 2024 3rd Quarter YTD
rd Quarter YTD, compared
to the same period of the prior fiscal year. Revenue for each period is expressed as a percentage
of the Adjusted Budget
Table 1: General Fund Revenue
R F I %F %F %
P $$1 $6 $6
C 2 7 2 3 7 3 8
S 2 3 1 3 5 3 6
T 1 1 1 2 6 2 6
U 1 (-1 6 1 8
P 7 2 4 1 6 9 4
D 4 1 3 5 7 7 4
B 2 -2 -2 1 -0
A 3 2 0 4 6 4 6
T $1 9 $6 $6
3 A
F
F
(
2
1
1
$
2
$
4
3
2
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Property Tax
At the close of the 3rd quarter, property tax revenue receipts were $42.1 million, 65.3% of the
adjusted budget, and an increase of 13.5% over the same period in the prior fiscal year. Higher
assessed values driven by change in ownership was the primary reason for the increase. Property
tax is received from the County of Santa Clara during second, third, and fourth quarters of the
calendar year. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the 10 years has been
approximately 8.2%. The FY 2024 secured property tax assessed value growth rate and
unsecured property tax assessed values (AV) growth rates are 5.98 % and 11.64 %, respectively,
with a combined rate of 6.23%.
At FY 2024 mid-year, the property tax budget was revised upward by $0.8 million to $64.6 million.
The County of Santa Clara’s Finance Agency and Office of the Assessor, the entities responsible
for managing the property tax billing, collection, and processing changes (e.g., sales, assessment
appeal, etc.) forecasts indicate the upward revised FY 2024 forecast of $64.6 million will be met
or exceeded. However, the Governor’s FY 2025 State budget proposal has the potential to
retroactively (in FY 2024) result in $0.6 loss in Excess ERAF that is not reflected in the above
forecast due to uncertainty of this actually materializing and if it impacts past fiscal year(s).
Excess Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF) distributions from the County of Santa
Clara in fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023 receipts are $5.6 million, $6.6 million, and $6.4 million,
respectively. Approximately 22% of Excess ERAF is at-risk from fiscal years 2021 to 2024 and 20%
in FY 2025 due to the State Controller’s Office audit finding on Marin County Excess ERAF
calculation methodology that is applicable to the County of Santa Clara. The County of Santa
Clara has filed a lawsuit against the State Controller’s Office on this matter. As of June 30, 2023,
the total excess ERAF reserve balance totaled $4.1 million for the at-risk amounts for fiscal years
2021 to 2023. The updated FY 2024 forecast assumes $1.5 million for additional reserve for
Excess ERAF for a potential loss from the State audit as recommended by the County.
In addition, another 8% of Excess ERAF is also at risk in FY 2024 due to the Governor’s FY 2025
budget proposed legislation allocating ERAF to charter schools, potentially reversing the recent
appellate decision the County and State Controller’s Office obtained holding the charter school
do not get Excess ERAF. The at-risk amount increases to 9% in FY 2025.
As of the third quarter, sales tax revenue is $21.7 million, 57.2% of the adjusted budget, and a
$0.4 million increase, or 1.8%, from the same period last fiscal year. Inflation is still elevated
during this quarter but declining, while consumer spending is experiencing a slowdown but
remains strong. Due to the timing of the California Department Tax and Fee Administration
(CDTFA) sales tax collection and distribution, third quarter sales tax represents seven months of
sales tax activity and does not represent sales tax activity for the full three quarters of the fiscal
year. However, as of writing of this report, the eight month’s sales tax receipt results in an
increase of $0.6 million or 2.6% over the prior year for the same period. Actual performance for
this fiscal year will not be known until August/September.
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At FY 2024 mid-year, this revenue was revised upward by $1.6 million to $37.9 million or 4.5%
based on conservative estimate, and the projected outlook by City’s sale’s tax consultant. Staff
expect that the actuals for the year will at or slightly higher than the $37.9 million adjusted
budget.
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
rd quarter results represent 7.5 months of TOT receipts due to up to 2.5-
month timing delay in receipts. At FY 2024 mid-year, the budget was revised downward by $1.3
million to $25.5 million, a 4.8% decrease, based on the performance of the first quarter of the
current fiscal year. Of this amount, $13.4 million is anticipated to fund General Fund Expenses,
while $12.1 million will be transferred to the Capital Improvement Fund to fund 2014 Council
Infrastructure Plan capital projects and associated debt service costs. Staff continues to monitor
trends and, at the time of the forecast, conservatively estimate TOT levels based on recent trends
and the economic outlook. As of the writing of this report, receipts as of the third quarter or
March 2024 are 7.3% higher, average occupancy is 78.8%, an increase of 9.7%, and average daily
room rate is $251, a decrease of 7.7%, all from the same period last year. If the current trend
continues, receipts are likely to exceed the adjusted budget. However, on a monthly basis this
revenue source has been volatile so the degree of actuals being over adjusted budget remains
uncertain.
Permits, Licenses and Other Fees
rd quarter total $7.2 million, 68.9% of the adjusted
budget, an increase of $2.4 million or 49.2% compared to the prior year fiscal year. The increase
is primarily due to the surge in new construction permits and street cut fees. The new
construction permit revenues will be adjusted at year-end to defer a potion to FY 2025 for
permits that are in progress by June 30, 2024.
Documentary Transfer Tax
Business Tax
rd
quarter, while revenue collected totals $2.6 million. The tax is effective in January 2023, with the
rate through January 2025 being 50% or 3.75-cents per square foot per month. The full rate will
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be assessed starting January 2025 at 7.5-cents per square foot per month. The tax has an annual
cap of $0.5 million per business and both the rate and the cap are increased by 2.5% annually
beginning FY 2027. While tax began January 1, 2023, the first due date is January 2024 for the
calendar year of 2023. After the initial first payment, filings shall be submitted on a quarterly
basis.
Expense Highlights for FY 2024 3rd Quarter YTD
Table 2: General Fund Expenditures
$4.6 million in regular salaries because of positions added and hired in FY 2024 and
general, merit and market adjustments.
$4.7 million in City’s pension contribution.
$0.7 million in medical, dental and vision expenses
E F F I %F %F %
P 4$3$3$1 5$7 4$7
F 3 3 4 1 4 7 4 7
C 2 2 7 3 4 6 3 5
P 1 1 1 9 2 6 2 6
P 1 1 3 2 3 5 2 5
L 8 6 1 2 1 6 1 6
A 7 7 5 7 1 6 9 7
A 2 1 1 7 6 4 6 2
T 1$1$3$2 2$6 2$5
F
(
3 A
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$2.5 million pension contribution to Section 115 irrevocable Pension Trust which is
based on approximate lower discount rate of 5.3%.
Temporary salaries, overtime, and workers compensation are also trending higher due
to increase in salary rates and vacancies across departments.
In addition to salaries and benefits, the following department experienced material variances.
Community Services expenditures increased by $7.4 million compared to the same period in prior
year mainly due to salaries and benefits ($2.6 million increase) and contract services ($3.9 million
increase). Most contract services increases are as follows.
Landscape maintenance due to additional sites and services on weekends, increase in
required minimum staffing level and higher material, and labor cost;
Animal service provider cost; and
Golf course fee contract services are higher by $2.2 million because in prior fiscal year
July 2022 to March 2023 invoices were delayed until the 4th quarter. The variance of $2.2
million will be neutralized at year-end.
Public Works expenditures increased by $1.3 million, due to $0.7 million and $0.6 million increase
of salaries and benefits and contract services, respectively. The increase of contract services is
mainly due to higher janitorial service contact. This is caused by new wage and benefits
standards, and additional City facilities and service frequency at some facilities.
All Other Departments expenditures increased $11.9 million, or 77.9% compared to the same
quarter in the prior fiscal year. Majority of the increase is from Non-Departmental and Office of
Transportation, expending $11.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively.
Non-Departmental expenses increased by $8.4 million, or 273.9% compared from prior
fiscal year and is driven by the following:
Contract Services-legal fees increased by $1.4 million for settlement of Green v. City
of Palo Alto (Santa Clara Court Case No. 1-16-CV-300760)3. This is the first payment of
total legal fees of $4.3 million to be paid over 3 years.
Contract Services-outside services increased $0.7 million primarily due the Trusted
Response Urgent Support Team (Trust) Call Center Team Services program, launched
in April 2023.
General Expenses – payment of first set of refunds issued to active class members and
a lumpsum refund to inactive class members totaling $6.3 million resulting from the
3 Green v City of Palo is a class action lawsuit filed against the City in October 2016 that challenged the City’s gas
and electric rates under Proposition 26. The trial court rejected plaintiff’s challenges to the City electric rates but
found that gas rates constituted unapproved taxes in violation of article XIII C of the California Constitutions. In
December 2023, the court issued a final order approving the $17.3 million settlement which consists of a $12.9
million refund to class members, a $7,500 service award for the class representative, and $4.3 million in attorney’s
fees for plaintiff’s counsel.
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Green v. City of Palo Alto (Santa Clara Superior Court, Case No. 1-16-CV-300760)
settlement3. Total customer refunds are $12.9 million to be paid over three years.
Office of Transportation increased by $1.5 million, or 118.8% from the same quarter in
the prior fiscal year primarily due the contract for Palo Alto Link, the City’s new on
demand shuttle program. Program started spring of FY 2023.
Police and Fire The total actual expenses for the Police and Fire Departments comprised
approximately 42.0% of total General Fund expenditures for the 3rd quarter. The following table
highlights Police and Fire salaries and overtime for the third quarter. Net overtime cost analysis
for the Police and Fire Departments can be found in Attachment B.
Table 3: Police and Fire Salaries and Overtime Expenditures
Police overtime is 19.6% higher than FY 2023 and represents 250.7% of the adjusted budget due
to backfilling vacancies and benefited leave of absences. The Police Department uses overtime
to fill staffing gaps due to vacancies, trainings, leave of absences, and provide resources to
infrequent increased demand such as major incidents. As of 3rd quarter of FY 2024, the
Department has a total of 12 vacancies, or 12% of 139 FTE: six police officer positions, three
dispatchers, two records staff, one community service officer. Another 6 FTE are unavailable to
work due to long-term injury and 8 FTE of filled positions are attending the police academy or
field training to become solo police officers. Most overtime is attributed to staffing police officer
positions. Although overtime is tracking higher and exceeded adjusted budget, overall, the
Department is trending within the budget for total salary and benefits and anticipates doing so
F
(
S F F %F %F %
P 1$1$1 2$6 1$6
P 2 2 1 1 2 1 2
T 1 1 1 2 7 2 7
F 1 1 1 1 6 1 7
F 2 2 5 2 1 3 7
T 1 1 1 2 7 1 7
T
S 3$2$1 4$7 3$7
3 A
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through the remainder of FY 2024. The Department’s net overtime cost is $1.6 million after
deducting the reimbursements and salary savings due to vacancies. Analysis is included in
Attachment B.
Fire overtime is 5.0% higher than the same quarter in FY 2023 and represents 139.4% of the
adjusted budget. Overtime is generated from backfill for vacancies on shift. There are 23
positions required each day for fire engines and ambulances to be fully operational according to
the current deployment model. If there is a vacancy, the position must be backfilled for the
Engine or Ambulance to be operational. This vacancy can be due to unfilled positions (15 FTE as
of 3rd quarter), employee on injury, new hires who are in training and have not completed
probation, and on vacation or sick leave. Overtime will continue to be high as these vacancies
must be filled each day with overtime to maintain operation. Although overtime is tracking higher
and exceeded the adjusted budget, overall, the Department is trending within the budget for
total salary and benefits and anticipates doing so through the remainder of FY 2024. The
Department’s net overtime cost is $2.0 million after deducting the reimbursements and salary
savings due to vacancies. Analysis is included in Attachment B.
General Fund Budget Stabilization Reserve (BSR) Balance
As a result of budget amendment actions taken in FY 2024, including the FY 2024 Midyear Budget
Report4 the Budget Stabilization Reserve (BSR) was $57.0 million at the end of Q3, which is above
the City Council recommended 20% level of $53.9 million by $3.1 million. By policy, the City
maintains a BSR balance of 15-20% of the annual operating expense, with a target level of 18.5%.
However, in development of the FY 2024 budget, the Council adopted the BSR at the 20% level
to mitigate risk due to economic uncertainty. The FY 2025 Proposed Budget is projected to have
a $55.0 million BSR balance at year end, which is 18.8% of expenses and higher than the City
Council’s recommended target level of 18.5% by $1.0 million. The BSR level of $55.0 million
includes a recommendation to use $2.0 million from the BSR to increase the Uncertainty Reserve
to $4.7 million in FY 2025 to prepare for a forecasted shortfall of $9.7 million in FY 2026. FY 2025
and future fiscal year BSR balances are estimates and subject to revision based on Finance
Committee proceedings under way at the time this report was written.
4 City Council Special Meeting, February 12, 2024, Agenda Item 11, Staff Report# 2311-2233
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=82690
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Table 4: Enterprise Funds Change in Net Position
Water Fund increased $0.8 million, or 37.1%, from the prior fiscal year due to overall increase in
revenues partially offset by an increase in operating costs. Water revenues are higher for nine
months ended March 31 due to 5% rate increase effective July 1, 2023, and higher consumption.
Service connection fees are also higher during this fiscal year mainly due to two major customers.
The increase in operating costs is primarily from commodity purchases and salaries and benefits.
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) commodity rate increased from $4.75 to $5.21
per cubic feet, a 9.7% increase.
Electric Fund increased $23.8 million, or 3,513.0% from prior fiscal year due to overall increase
in operating revenue and decrease in operating costs. The $20.1 million increase in operating
revenue is mainly driven by $11.2 million and $4.8 million increases from customer and resource
adequacy capacity sales, respectively. The $11.2 million increase in customer sales is due to the
net impact of 21% increase in base rate effective July 1, 2023, and deactivation of the Electric
Hydro Adjuster (E-HRA). There is also an increase in consumption in the current fiscal year. The
$2.7 million decrease in operating costs is due to $11.4 million decrease in commodity purchases
due to improved hydroelectric generation resulting from rainy winter of 2022/2023. However,
the decrease in purchase of utilities was offset mainly by increases in salaries and benefits and
contract services. Based on the current financials, this fund may end in a positive change in net
position which portion of this will replenish the nearly depleted hydroelectric stabilization
reserves, reducing the chance that City would need to activate the E-HRA in the next few years,
even if there is less snow and rain.
I
F F F (%
W 3$2$8$3
E 2 6 2 3
F 1 1 (-
G 4 5 (-
W 7 7 (-
W 1 4 5 1
R 3 3 (-
S 1 1 (-
A 2 5 1 3
T 5$2 3 1
F
3
(
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Gas Fund decreased by $1.2 million, or 21.6%, from the same period prior fiscal year mainly due
to $0.9 million increase in equity transfer to the General Fund, and $0.4 million retirements of
gas meters due to incompatibility with the new advanced metering infrastructure or smart meter
endpoints. Overall, the operating revenue decrease of $20.1 million, was offset by a decrease in
operating expenses, $20.2 million. Revenue and operating expense decreases are related to the
lowered commodity prices compared to unprecedented spike in natural gas market price in prior
fiscal year wintertime, November 2022 to January 2023. The gas distribution rate increased 8%
effective July 1, 2023, but the system average rate decreased by 31.3% due to decrease in natural
gas market prices which are pass-through in nature.
Wastewater Treatment Fund increased $5.7 million, or 129.4%, from prior fiscal year mainly due
to a revenue increase from partners that is driven by increased capital activity for Joint
Intercepting Sewer Project and credits applied to partners in FY2023. Partner revenues are
determined by estimated cost of maintaining and operating the Regional Water Control Plant
and related system (Plant). Per addendum 12 of the Basic Agreement between the City of Palo
Alto, City of Mountain View, and City of Los Altos for the Acquisition, Construction and
Maintenance of a Joint Sewer System5 (Joint Intercepting Sewer Project), Mountain View and Los
Altos begun paying additional $2.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively for the Joint Intercepting
Sewer Project in 4th quarter, which was billed and sent to Partners in the 3rd quarter. Also, $2.7
million in credits were identified and applied to partners in FY2023, which lowered Q3 revenue
of FY2023. These credits are due to the amount billed to partners in FY2018-2022 for Secondary
Upgrade Upgrades (WQ-19001), and Primary Sedimentation Tank Rehabilitation (WQ-14002
before the California State Water Resource Control Board reimbursed the City in FY2023.
Airport Fund increased by $1.9 million, or 353%, primarily due to $1.6 million increase in grants
received from Federal Aviation Administration and State of California for various airport projects.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There are no financial impacts recommended in this report. Staff will return to Council as part of
the review of the FY 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report with year-end budget
adjustments to recommend any adjustments needed to align budgets with actuals.
5 City Council, December 11, 2023, Agenda Item 2, Staff Report # 2308-1879
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=82522
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STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
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5/22/20244:53 PM
CITY OF PALO ALTO
GENERAL FUND FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
(in thousands)
BUDGET ACTUALS (as of 03/31/2024)
Adopted Adjusted Pre % of Adj
Categories Budget Budget Encumbr Encumbr Actual Budget*
Revenues & Other Sources
Sales Tax 36,272$ 37,887$ -$ -$ 21,669$ 57.2%
Property Tax 63,785 64,578 - - 42,149 65.3%
Transient Occupancy Tax 26,834 25,547 - - 16,443 64.4%
Documentary Transfer Tax 5,920 5,808 - - 4,228 72.8%
Utility Users Tax 18,457 19,674 - - 13,041 66.3%
Business Tax 1,660 2,451 2,620 106.9%
Other Taxes and Fines 1,757 1,757 - - 641 36.5%
Charges for Services 35,131 35,181 - - 26,423 75.1%
Permits & Licenses 10,151 10,402 - - 7,168 68.9%
Return on Investment 1,846 2,909 - - 1,861 64.0%
Rental Income 15,858 15,858 - - 12,181 76.8%
From Other Agencies 3,333 8,231 - - 2,961 36.0%
Charges To Other Funds 15,496 15,550 - - 11,796 75.9%
Other Revenues 636 1,713 - - 785 45.8%
Total Revenues 237,136 247,545 - - 163,967 66.2%
Operating Transfers-In 23,932 27,225 - - 20,419 75.0%
Encumbrances and Reappropriation 15,000 43,471 - - - 0.0%
Contribution from Development Services Reserves 1,084 1,084 - - - 0.0%
Total Sources of Funds 277,152$ 319,325$ -$ -$ 184,386$ 67.1%
Expenditures & Other Uses
City Attorney 4,668 5,287 15 758 3,274 76.6%
City Auditor 986 1,692 0 659 221 52.0%
City Clerk 1,491 1,641 50 150 802 61.1%
City Council 439 541 3 53 323 70.1%
City Manager 4,715 4,968 126 126 3,776 81.1%
Administrative Services 11,099 11,298 52 368 7,775 72.5%
Community Services 38,224 40,701 152 3,486 28,054 77.9%
Fire 46,761 47,529 84 576 35,545 76.2%
Human Resources 4,747 5,280 32 219 3,396 69.1%
Library 12,138 12,599 15 515 8,293 70.0%
Office of Emergency Services 1,576 1,981 82 213 944 62.5%
Office of Transporation 2,704 5,466 140 1,156 2,917 77.1%
Planning and Development Services 26,055 33,700 1,681 2,972 17,744 66.5%
Police 51,764 52,241 441 337 40,022 78.1%
Total Expenditures 245,928 285,323 3,032 15,818 180,043 69.7%
Total Use of Funds 279,508$ 322,753$ 3,032$ 15,818$ 208,116$ 70.3%
Net Change to BSR (2,356)$ (3,428)$ (23,730)$
ATTACHMENT A
Item 3
Attachment A - FY2024
Third Quarter Financial
Report
Packet Pg. 105
Attachment D
2022 2023 2024 Q3
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Overtime Expense
Adopted Budget (A)$944,186 $972,512 $1,028,988
Modified Budget (B)1,244,186 972,512 1,028,988
Net Overtime Cost - see below 781,344 1,107,518 1,575,247
Variance to Budget 462,842 (135,006) (546,260)
Overtime Net Cost
Actual Expense $2,319,043 $2,940,019 $2,576,927
Less Reimbursements
Other Program Reimbursements - 878 259,747
California OES/FEMA (Strike Teams) - - -
Stanford Communications 107,684 124,868 76,900
Utilities Communications Reimbursement 56,004 64,599 43,794
Local Agencies (C)5,456 4,949 4,891
Police Service Fees 120,411 100,413 103,071
Total Reimbursements 289,556 295,707 488,403
Less Department Vacancies (A)1,248,143 1,536,794 513,277
Net Overtime Cost $781,344 $1,107,518 $1,575,247
Department Vacancies (number of days)3,903 4,876 1,577
Workers' Compensation Cases 11 23 21
Department Disabilities (number of days)1,221 739 381
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Overtime Expense
Adopted Budget (D)$1,931,121 $2,124,054 $2,146,234
Modified Budget (E)2,703,621 3,801,054 2,146,234
Net Overtime Cost - see below 4,073,011 1,740,750 1,961,648
Variance to Budget (1,369,390) 2,060,304 184,586
Overtime Net Cost
Actual Expense $4,684,796 $3,589,198 $2,990,514
Less Reimbursements
California OES/FEMA (Strike Teams) - 341,629 -
Total Reimbursements - 341,629 -
Less Department Vacancies (D)611,784 1,506,819 1,028,865
Net Overtime Cost $4,073,011 $1,740,750 $1,961,648
Department Vacancies (number of days)1,717 4,105 1,752
Workers' Compensation Cases 35 32 8
Department Disabilities (number of days)947 484 274
NOTES:
(A)The FY 2024 Police Department budget was increased by 1.0 Court Liaison Officer, 1.0 Administrative Associate, 2.0 Public Safety
Dispatchers, and 2.0 Police Officers.
(B)Police Department adopted budget has not been adjusted in FY 2024.
(C)Includes Animal Control Services contract with Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.
(D)The FY 2024 Fire Department budget was increased by 2.0 Fire Inspectors.
(E)The Fire Department adopted budget has not been adjusted in FY 2024.
Public Safety Departments
Overtime Analysis for Fiscal Years 2022 through 2024
Item 3
Attachment B - FY2024
Q3 Public Safety Overtime
Analysis
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Finance Committee
Staff Report
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Administrative Services
Meeting Date: June 4, 2024
Report #:2405-3104
TITLE
Continue Discussion on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget Wrap-Up and Recommended FY 2025
Budget including the FY 2025 Municipal Fee Schedule for City Council Adoption
RECOMMENDATION
This item allows for the Finance Committee to continue its discussion from their May 21, 2024
“Discussion on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget Wrap-Up and Recommended FY 2025 Budget
including the FY 2025 Municipal Fee Schedule for City Council Adoption” and any further
recommended revisions to the FY 2025 Proposed Budget for City Council Adoption scheduled
June 17, 2024.
The May 21, 2024 Finance Committee Agenda and materials can be found here:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=14280
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is not a project under Section 21065 for purposes of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA).
APPROVED BY:
Lauren Lai
Item 4
Item 4 Staff Report
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