HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-17 Finance Committee Agenda PacketFINANCE COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
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CALL TO ORDER
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ACTION ITEMS
1.Recommendation to the City Council to Adopt a Resolution Approving the Fiscal Year
2027 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Forecast, and Amending Rate Schedules S-1
(Residential Wastewater Collection and Disposal), S-2 (Commercial Wastewater
Collection and Disposal), S-6 (Restaurant Wastewater Collection and Disposal), and S-7
(Commercial Wastewater Collection and Disposal – Industrial Discharger); CEQA Status:
Not a project under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5)
2.Recommendation to the City Council to Adopt a Resolution Approving the Fiscal Year
2027 Water Utility Financial Forecast and Reserve Transfers, and Amending Rate
Schedules W-1 (General Residential Water Service), W-2 (Water Service From Fire
Hydrants), W-3 (Fire Service Connections), W-4 (Residential Master-Metered and General
Non-Residential Water Service), and W-7 (Non-Residential Irrigation Water Service).
CEQA Status: Not a project.
3.Recommendation to the City Council to Adopt a Resolution Amending the Utility Rate
Schedule R-1 for Residential Refuse Collection and Utility Rate Schedule R-C for
Commercial Refuse Collection Reflecting a 3.0 Percent Rate Increase for Fiscal Year 2027;
CEQA status – Exempt under Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(8) and CEQA
Guidelines 15378(b)(4)
FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS
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ADJOURNMENT
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Item No. 4 Page 1 of 19
Finance Committee
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Utilities
Meeting Date: March 17, 2026
Report #: 2512-5608
TITLE
Recommendation to the City Council to Adopt a Resolution Approving the Fiscal Year 2027
Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Forecast, and Amending Rate Schedules S-1 (Residential
Wastewater Collection and Disposal), S-2 (Commercial Wastewater Collection and Disposal), S-6
(Restaurant Wastewater Collection and Disposal), and S-7 (Commercial Wastewater Collection
and Disposal – Industrial Discharger); CEQA Status: Not a project under CEQA Guidelines Section
15378(b)(5)
RECOMMENDATION
The Utilities Advisory Commission and staff request that the Finance Committee recommend that
the City Council adopt a resolution (Attachment A):
1. Approving the Fiscal Year 2027 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Forecast shown in
this staff report and attachments; and
2. Amending Rate Schedules (Attachment A, Exhibit 1) effective July 1, 2026 (FY 2027):
a. S-1 (Residential Wastewater Collection and Disposal)
b. S-2 (Commercial Wastewater Collection and Disposal)
c. S-6 (Restaurant Wastewater Collection and Disposal); and
d. S-7 (Commercial Wastewater Collection and Disposal – Industrial Discharger)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This staff report provides the Finance Committee with a financial forecast for the Wastewater
Collection Utility and provides an overview of the utility’s operating costs, capital costs, and debt
and includes recommended rate adjustments required to maintain the utility’s financial health.
The Wastewater Collection Utility financial forecast proposes a 16% rate increase for FY 2027,
effective July 1, 2026. With this rate increase, Palo Alto’s residential rate will be approximately
2% above the average of neighboring cities, assuming neighboring utilities’ rates remain at
current levels. The additional revenue is necessary to fund increasing wastewater treatment
charges, collection operations, and collection capital improvement projects (CIP).
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Staff updated cost projections for the FY 2027 to FY 2031 five-year financial planning period using
the most recent cost data and updated escalation assumptions. Relative to the FY 2026 financial
forecast1, total expenses are expected to be about 11% higher over the five-year financial
planning period, driven primarily by increased wastewater treatment operating and capital costs
as well as collection system CIP costs, partially offset by higher projected capacity fee revenues
and lower collection operations costs. Consistent with last year’s forecast, this forecast assumes
deferral of the next sewer main replacement project to FY 2028. This approach limits CIP
spending to the highest priority projects, allowing the Wastewater Collection Operations Reserve
to recover within guideline levels and avoid the need for a higher rate increase.
Table 1 compares the rate trajectories reflected in the FY 2026 financial forecast, the FY 2027
preliminary rates report, and the current financial forecast proposal for the Wastewater
Collection Utility.
Table 1: Current Year (FY 2026) and Projected Rate Trajectory (FY 2027 to FY 2031)
During preliminary rate discussions with the UAC on November 5, 20252, and the Finance
Committee on November 18, 20253, staff presented a rate trajectory of 16% in FY 2027, 14% in
FY 2028, and 5% annually from FY 2029 through FY 2031. The current forecast maintains the same
increases for FY 2027 and FY 2028 but assumes higher increases of 6% annually from FY 2029
through FY 2031. The key drivers of this change include:
Updated and higher wastewater treatment cost projections from the RWQCP, reflecting
increased labor costs, higher commodity and chemical prices, service contract expenses,
rent, and an updated calculation of Palo Alto’s share of operations costs.
Slightly lower projected operations and CIP expenditures.
BACKGROUND
The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) provides electricity, water, wastewater, natural gas, and
fiber optic services to the Palo Alto community. The Public Works Department also provides
refuse collection and processing for recycling, compost and garbage, wastewater treatment and
1 FY 2026 Financial Forecast for the Wastewater Collection utility (approved June 16, 2025) is described in the
Finance Committee meeting on April 1, 2025, Staff Report 2412-3871:
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=64772&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
2 Utilities Advisory Commission meeting, November 5, 2025, Staff Report 2503-4364:
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=84164&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
3 Finance Committee meeting, November 18, 2025, Staff Report 2508-5119:
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=83887&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
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stormwater management. The City’s primary goals are to manage these services in a way that
ensures continued safe, reliable, environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective operations.
The City is committed to transparency with utilities customers about the reason for rate changes,
including explaining the cost drivers, benefits to customers, what the City is doing to keep costs
low for ratepayers, and the services and programs provided by the City to help customers keep
utility bill costs low. Staff prepare the financial forecast annually as part of the rate-setting cycle.
Attachment A, Exhibit 3 contains a set of Reserves Management Practices describing the
reserves. Attachment A, Exhibit 4 outlines CPAU’s plan for communicating rate changes to
customers. Staff are presenting an overview of the financial forecast and rate change proposal
for each utility service to the Finance Committee prior to City Council review and approval in June
2026.
ANALYSIS
FY 2025 Costs and Revenues
Actual revenues in FY 2025 were approximately $1.9 million (7%) higher than forecasted. This
was driven by an increase in retail sales revenues, higher treatment grant funding, and higher
connection and capacity fees revenues, partially offset by lower interest income. In FY 2025, the
Wastewater Collection Utility received about $2.7 million in grant revenue from Valley Water
that offset the wastewater treatment capital costs and provided a direct benefit to residents and
businesses in Palo Alto.
On the expense side, overall FY 2025 costs were approximately equal to forecasted. Treatment
costs were about $1.6 million (12%) higher than forecasted, primarily due to higher operational
expenses and higher-than-anticipated minor CIP costs. This increase was largely offset by
collection system operating costs that were about $1.5 million (15%) lower than expected, due
to lower labor and vehicle replacement costs. In addition, CIP costs were approximately $0.3
million (8%) below forecast.
Table 22 below summarizes key reasons for the variances from forecast.
Table 23: FY 2025 Actuals vs. Prior Year’s Forecast ($000) Net Cost/
(Benefit)
Variance
Type of
Change
Higher retail sales, higher treatment grant funding, higher
connection and capacity fees revenues, lower interest income
(1,878) Revenue increase
Treatment expenses higher than expected 1,612 Cost increase
Lower collection system operations and maintenance salaries
and benefits
(1,468) Cost decrease
Lower collection system CIP (250) Cost decrease
Net Cost / (Benefit) of Variances (1,985) Net Cost decrease
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At the end of FY 2025, the Wastewater Operations Reserve was about $0.7 million higher than
expected, while a portion of the remaining net revenues of about $1.2 million were allocated to
the CIP Reappropriations and Commitments Reserve. The utility’s overall cash balance remained
positive at $0.9 million at the end of FY 2025, supported by the Council-approved $3 million short-
term loan (Reso 10173)4 from the Fiber Utility to the Wastewater Collection Utility, planned to
be repaid in FY 2026.
Projections
Overview
Compared to the prior forecast, FY 2026 revenues are projected to be about $3.4 million (10%)
higher, driven by higher projected Valley Water grant funding for treatment expenses, and higher
revenues from the commercial sector. On the expense side, FY 2026 costs are projected to be
about $0.7 million (2%) lower compared to the prior forecast. While treatment costs are
projected to be about $1.7 million (11%) higher due to higher treatment operations expenses,
this increase is largely offset by a projected $1.9 million (17%) lower in collection operations
expenses, primarily due to lower labor costs. For FY 2026, staff used the adopted budget as the
baseline rather than projecting from actuals with an escalation factor, which has slightly reduced
the projected labor costs. Budgeted CIP expenses are also projected to be slightly lower by about
$0.5 million (10%).
Over the FY 2027 to FY 2031 five-year financial planning period, total revenues are projected to
be about 7% higher than the prior forecast, primarily due to rate increases and higher connection
and capacity fees revenues. Total expenses are projected to be about 11% higher than the prior
forecast, primarily driven by higher treatment costs, which are projected to be about 24% higher
due to increased treatment operating and capital-related costs. In contrast, collection operations
costs are projected to be approximately 7% lower than the prior forecast, while CIP costs are
projected to be about 8% higher.
Figure 1 illustrates actual revenues and expenses through FY 2025, along with projections
through FY 2031.
4 Reso 10173: https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=62043&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
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Figure 1: Wastewater Collection Utility Expenses, Revenues and Rate Changes
Note: FY25 Commitments and Reappropriations reserves balances for Operations and Capital Investment are anticipated to be
utilized in FY26 and FY27; Collection Capital represents CIP reserve contribution for FY27 and beyond
Revenues
The Wastewater Collection revenues are derived from sales revenues and other revenues,
including connection and capacity fees. For sales revenues, residential customers pay a flat fee
per dwelling unit for service. Commercial customers are billed for sewer service based on their
metered winter water usage, while Restaurant customers are billed for sewer service based on
their metered monthly water usage.
Over the FY 2027 to FY 2031 five-year financial planning period, total revenues are projected to
grow by about 9% annually, driven primarily by rate increases and continued growth in customer-
related revenues, which will gradually bring the Operations Reserve back to the reserve target by
the end of FY 2031 and allow the CIP Reserve to also be replenished gradually over time.
Other revenues, including connection and capacity fees revenues, are projected to increase more
rapidly than sales revenues, reflecting higher anticipated development activity and system
expansion. The FY 2026 adopted capital budget5 estimated that about $9.4 million of capacity
fee revenues will be received in FY 2026 and FY 2027, this forecast conservatively projects 80%
of this revenue will be received evenly over a five-year period starting in FY 2028. This additional
projected revenue is crucial in supporting the overall financial position of the utility. A sewer
capacity fee study is planned for FY 2027 to evaluate existing connection and capacity fees
5 FY 2026 Adopted Capital Budget, Wastewater Collection Fund, WC-80020, Sewer System, Customer Connection
(pg. 566): https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/administrative-services/city-budgets/fy-2026-city-
budget/adopted/fy-2026-adopted-capital-budget_final_online.pdf
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schedules, and staff will recalibrate revenue assumptions in future financial forecasts
correspondingly.
The rate increases proposed in this financial forecast would allow revenue growth to keep pace
with rising cost pressures, particularly for treatment-related operations and capital investments.
Expenses
Over the FY 2027 to FY 2031 five-year financial planning period, total expenses are expected to
increase by about 7% annually on average. This increase is primarily driven by rising treatment
costs, which are expected to increase by an average of 10% annually, and the deferral of sewer
main replacements to FY 2028, resulting in an average of 4% increase annually in CIP expenses.
In addition, operating costs, including labor, are projected to grow by about 4% annually due to
inflation.
Table 3 below shows the costs for treatment and collection expenses, which will be described in
the sections below.
Table 3: Wastewater Utility Costs ($000)
Fiscal Year Actuals Projection
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
Treatment 15,486 17,295 16,881 18,088 18,456 24,357 25,117
Treatment Operations 11,239 11,921 13,507 14,196 14,695 15,213 15,910
Treatment Capital * 4,247 5,374 3,374 3,893 3,760 9,145 9,207
Collection 10,902 13,604 22,231 27,099 28,266 24,820 26,012
Collection Operations 8,153 9,186 9,231 10,099 10,266 10,820 11,012
Collection Capital 2,749 4,418 13,000 17,000 18,000 14,000 15,000
TOTAL 26,388 30,899 39,112 45,188 46,721 49,177 51,129
* Includes unencumbered/authorized amount for pay-as-you-go capital; excludes Valley Water funding
Wastewater Treatment
Treatment expenses represent the Wastewater Collection Utility’s share of the costs associated
with operating the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP or Treatment Plant). These
charges are determined using a formula that considers the wastewater volume as well as the
organic material, ammonia levels, and total suspended solids that it contains.
Since the preliminary rates report was presented to the UAC and Finance Committee in
November 2025, staff has updated the Treatment budget and Valley Water grant assumptions
based on the latest projections developed by RWQCP staff. In FY 2026, net treatment costs are
projected to be approximately $1.9 million lower than previously forecast, driven by higher
Valley Water grant funding and partially offset by higher RWQCP operations costs. In FY 2027,
net treatment costs are projected to increase by about $1.8 million relative to the prior forecast,
primarily due to higher operations costs. For FY 2028 through FY 2031, net treatment costs are
projected to increase by approximately $3.1 million to $6.7 million annually, representing an
average increase of roughly 30% above the previous forecast. These increases are primarily
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driven by higher labor costs, including the addition of three new staff positions, lower projected
Valley Water grant funding, and higher commodity prices, chemical costs, service contract
expenses, training and professional development costs, and rent associated with the new
laboratory space. RWQCP also updated the projection to more accurately reflect Palo Alto’s share
of treatment operations costs. Additional key cost increases are described below.
In FY 2026, the Wastewater Collection Utility’s flow share of the RWQCP’s revenue requirement
was projected to be 36.66%, based on FY 2024’s actual flow share, which is the most recent
available data. As is standard practice, prior-year flow share data are used for projections and
are subsequently updated as newer data become available. Using FY 2025 actual data, the FY
2025 flow share was recalculated at 36.01%. Going forward, this forecast conservatively
estimates a 37% flow share annually.
The RWQCP is permitted to charge for pay-as-you-go minor capital improvement projects (CIP)
within authorized limits as set forth in the Basic Agreement between City of Palo Alto and
Mountain View and Los Altos for the Acquisition, Construction and Maintenance of a Joint Sewer
System dated October 10, 1968, and in subsequent agreements with Los Altos Hills, East Palo
Alto Sanitary District, and Stanford University (collectively, the "Basic Agreements"). Any unused
amounts are carried over annually. The RWQCP does not charge the Wastewater Collection
Utility for unused amounts each year. These unused amounts remain unencumbered but can be
applied towards future pay-as-you-go capital needs as necessary. These amounts are referred to
in this report as the ‘unencumbered/authorized for pay-as-you-go capital’ (minor CIP). The
Wastewater Collection Utility may retain these amounts but must be prepared to pay them when
needed.
The remaining unencumbered/authorized amount for future pay-as-you-go capital for Palo Alto
is about $3.8 million for FY 2026. Last year, staff recommended collecting the FY 2025 remaining
unencumbered/authorized amount for future pay-as-you-go capital of $3.5 million for FY 2025 in
rates over 4 years starting in FY 2025. However, RWQCP is expected to fully utilize the remaining
amounts in FY 2026, therefore, Wastewater Collection Utility will budget the full amount in FY
2026. And starting FY 2027, this amount will be fully embedded into future pay-as-you-go minor
CIP expenses projections and will not be listed as a separate item.
Lastly, starting in FY 2026, RWQCP will begin adding Section 115 Pension Trust expenses of
around $0.3 million annually to future forecasts. Personnel costs, such as salaries, benefits,
pensions, and other retirement benefits, are a component of treatment costs. The pension trust
expense is a personnel cost intended to cover pension obligations to City of Palo Alto employees
working at the RWQCP. Palo Alto’s share of these operating expenses is estimated at about $1.24
million at the end of FY 2025.
Capital costs for treatment are also increasing because the Treatment Plant requires major
upgrades in the coming years due to aging infrastructure and evolving operational and regulatory
requirements. The Treatment Plant is currently undergoing a long-range facility plan update,
which will guide capital improvements and prioritize projects over the next several decades to
ensure continued operational reliability and regulatory compliance. Rehabilitation and
replacement of plant equipment that has been in use for over 40 years is necessary to ensure the
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City can provide wastewater treatment operation safely and in compliance with regulatory
requirements for the discharge of treated wastewater 24 hours a day. The costs of the Treatment
Plant are shared among member agencies. The biggest increase in Treatment costs is the addition
of debt service (loan repayment) for the Secondary Treatment Upgrades in FY 2030, which is a
$193 million capital project funded through a low-interest State Revolving Fund loan. Palo Alto’s
share of this loan repayment is included in this financial forecast.
The Wastewater Collection Utility will begin to pay for debt service for major projects beginning
with the Primary Sedimentation Tank in FY 2026 (financed through a low-interest State Revolving
Fund loan), Outfall Line Construction in FY 2027 (bond financed), Secondary Treatment Upgrades
in FY 2030 and Headworks Facility in FY 2030-34 (financing plan is still preliminary and may be a
combination of bond and State Revolving Fund loans). Palo Alto’s low-interest State Revolving
Fund loans for the Primary Sedimentation Tank and Secondary Treatment Upgrades are at fixed
interest rates. Future financing for other projects may involve bonds or additional loans, with
rates, timing, and availability subject to market conditions, which could affect long-term
treatment costs. These planned investments are necessary to maintain reliable wastewater
treatment, though actual costs may vary depending on financing and market conditions.
Valley Water Grant Funding
Santa Clara Valley Water District is the groundwater manager for Santa Clara County and provides
water to most of the water retailers in the county. Valley Water developed the Guiding Principle
5 grant program or “GP5 Program” for communities and/or organizations, like the City of Palo
Alto, where property taxpayers pay State Water Project property taxes but receive on average
85% of their water supply from sources other than Valley Water-managed supplies. This program
awards grants to each community at a dollar amount up to the State Water Project property
taxes paid by property owners in their respective service areas from FY 2019-24 plus interest.
The grants must fund conservation programs, potable recycled water, non-potable recycled
water (including salinity reductions), options to purchase wastewater, purified water,
wastewater treatment plant environmental upgrades, Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI)
updates, or dedicated environmentally focused activities.
On June 3, 2024, the City Council approved the cost-share agreement with Santa Clara Valley
Water District for Valley Water grant funding for future projects at the RWQCP. The Wastewater
Collection Utility’s share of the following upcoming projects is eligible for grant funding:
Joint Intercepting Sewer Rehabilitation
Outfall Line Construction
12kV Loop Electrical Improvements and
Headworks
The estimated funding available to Palo Alto through this grant program is $11.8 million and
projects must be completed by June 30, 2033. In FY 2025, the Wastewater utility received about
$2.76 million of grant funding from Valley Water to offset capital expenses. It is projected that
Palo Alto will receive about $3.91 million of Valley Water grant funding in FY 2026.
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Collection Operations
Operations costs include the Customer Service, Sewer Operations, Engineering, and Allocated
Charges categories. Debt service, rent, and transfers are also included in this category. The Sewer
Operations category includes preventative and corrective maintenance on sewer mains and
laterals, investigation of sewer overflows, regular cleaning of heavily impacted sections of the
sewer system, and services shared with other utilities. Allocated Charges include the costs of
accounting, human resources, information technology, purchasing, legal, and other
administrative functions provided by the City’s General and Internal Services Funds staff, as well
as shared communications services and Utilities Department administrative overhead and billing
system maintenance costs. A portion of these costs are allocated to operations costs and a
portion to capital costs.
Engineering, operations, and maintenance expenses combined are expected to increase by 4%
annually over the financial planning period, driven by inflationary assumptions. The salaries and
benefits forecast includes preliminary budget numbers for FY 2026 and FY 2027, and this forecast
assumes a 4% increase annually through the remaining financial planning period. Other expense
increases include cross-bore project, tools and equipment upgrades, compliance publishing,
membership fees, construction materials, contract services, training, and certification.
Figure 2: Wastewater Collection Utility Operations Costs
Collection operations and engineering included one-time labor and vehicle replacement costs in
FY 2024. Transfers include transfers to other City funds for services or share of costs. The
transfers in FY 2026 and every other subsequent year are anticipated for leasing space in the
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laydown yard from the Electric Utility for materials related to the Sanitary Sewer Replacement
projects. Vehicle replacement cost increases for replacing aging fleet vehicles are forecasted to
be about $0.35 million annually starting in FY 2028. There may be a need to electrify vehicles in
the future, however, these costs are unknown and are not included in the forecast.
Capital Improvement Program
The Wastewater Utility’s CIP consists of the following types of projects.
The Sanitary Sewer Replacement/Rehabilitation (SSR) Program funds the replacement of
deteriorating sewer mains to increase capacity or improve pipe condition in various parts of
the sewer system.
Non-recurring construction projects (One Time Projects) of large system assets, such as the
pump station replacement projects.
Ongoing projects include sewer and manhole rehabilitation, equipment and tool
replacement, and wastewater collection system improvements focused on improving the
reliability and operations of the wastewater distribution system. These projects include, but
are not limited to, engineering studies and hydraulic modeling.
New Development Improvements (customer connections) are new services projects funded
or constructed by private developers and property owners.
Table 4 provides an overview of projected CIP spending from FY 2026 to FY 2031.
Table 4: Projected CIP Spending ($000)
The Wastewater Collection Utility completed SSR 31 in FY 2024 which replaced and rehabilitated
over two miles of sanitary sewer main, sewer laterals and manholes. Most of the original clay
pipes in Palo Alto were installed between 1950 and 1970. 136 miles of sewer mains remain to be
replaced before the end of their useful life. Under the current replacement cycle of 2.5 miles of
main replaced each year on average beginning in FY 2028, replacement of the remaining mains
would take approximately 60 years and the last main would be approximately 111 years old
before replacement. This rate of main replacement is based on staff’s experience, other nearby
communities’ experience, and the National Clay Pipe Institute Engineering Manual, which
2026*2027*2028 2029 2030 2031
Sewer Rehab/Augmentation (665) 2,225 11,250 2,470 12,490 2,750
One-Time Projects 333 1,050 1,530 4,740 620 650
Ongoing Projects 407 1,090 1,160 1,200 1,390 1,450
Customer Connections 120 460 480 490 510 540
CIP Salaries and Benefits 4,041 4,185 4,306 4,401 4,506 4,608
Transfers (In)/Out 181 217 173 133 210 220
Total CIP Expenses 4,418 9,227 18,900 13,435 19,726 10,218
CIP Reserve Contribution - 13,000 17,000 18,000 14,000 15,000
Project Category
Fiscal Year
*Includes spending that will be funded by reappropriated or committeed fund balanaces that
have been carried forward from the previous year
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suggests that clay pipe can last around 100 years in Palo Alto’s underground conditions. Staff re-
evaluates and prioritizes future projects based on a structural rating system, feedback from
Wastewater Operations and available budget. In addition, in November 2025 the City updated
the Sewer Master Plan. Results from this plan will assist in identifying and prioritizing future SSR
projects. The Sewer Master Plan is on a five-year update schedule with the next update beginning
in FY 2030. The estimated cost of the plan is $0.2 million annually in FY 2030 and FY 2031.
As part of the FY 2024 Financial Plan, the Council approved an accelerated CIP program to
increase the Sanitary Sewer Replacement (SSR) rate from 1 mile to 2.5 miles per year (from 2
miles to 5 miles per project constructed every other year) to fulfil the goal of replacing pipes near
their life expectancy. Due to unforeseen reductions in revenue and increases in operating
expenses, the FY 2025 Financial Plan recommended deferring the first of the 5-mile main
replacement projects that had previously been scheduled for construction in FY 2026. The plan
recommended a reduced main replacement project, covering 1 mile instead of 5 miles, with
construction planned in FY 2026. Due to further increases in operating expenses and treatment
expenses, the FY 2026 Financial Forecast deferred the smaller 1-mile SSR which is proposed to
be included in the first 5-mile main replacement in FY 2028. The current forecast keeps the same
proposal as the FY 2026 forecast.
For one-time projects, the foothills lift station replacement will replace the existing 1960’s lift
station which employs a pump type that will soon no longer be manufactured. Staff who work on
this lift station require Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) confined space
entry to access and maintain. The new foothills lift station will be a submersible pump station
that is the standard for this type of facility and will not require OSHA confined space entry. Also,
the FY 2026 financial forecast assumed the Wastewater Utility would fund its share of the
Arastradero Creek repair project, estimated at about $0.3 million in FY 2026. The current forecast
deferred this expense and increased it to $0.7 million annually in FY 2027 and FY 2028, and $1
million in FY 2029. Lastly, staff recommended last year to introduce a Closed-Circuit Television
(CCTV) program to perform a sewer collection system condition assessment in critical sections of
the system. This initiative aims to better assess pipe conditions and prioritize necessary sewer
replacements. The program is estimated to cost $0.3 to $0.4 million annually throughout the
financial planning period.
The Customer Connections five-year CIP spending is projected to be about $0.5 million annually
and is funded by connection fee revenue. Customer connection expenses vary each year based
on the level of development and redevelopment, which drives the need for wastewater service
replacements or upgrades. Property owners pay a fee for wastewater collection system
replacement or expansion during redevelopment, so when the number of projects go up
(meaning higher costs for this activity), so does fee revenue.
The CIP budget assumes inflation of 5.4%, which is derived from a linear trend of historical CIP
cost increases. Allocated overhead and unallocated salaries and benefits are added to the capital
budget and are assumed to escalate at the same rate annually.
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The Transfer Out amount represents the wastewater utility’s share of the joint Water–Gas–
Wastewater Utility GIS project. This amount is transferred to the Water utility, which initially
funded the project.
Aside from customer connections, the CIP plan for FY 2026 to FY 2031 is funded by revenue from
utility rates and capacity fees. Attachment A, Exhibit 2: FY27 Wastewater Collection Utility and
CIP Financial Details shows the details of the plan.
Debt Service
The Wastewater Collection Utility paid the only outstanding debt for its share of the 1999 Utility
Revenue Bonds, Series A, at the end of FY 2024. Council approved a short-term loan up to $3
million from the Fiber Optics Fund Reserve to cover the projected shortfall of cash in the
Wastewater Collection Utility to be repaid in FY 2026. The Wastewater Collection Utility
borrowed the full $3 million at the end of FY 2024. The loan also included an interest payment
rate equal to the City’s portfolio rate each quarter plus 0.25%, or about $90K per year, assuming
a portfolio interest rate of 3%. The Wastewater Collection Utility is expected to repay the Fiber
Utility with interest by June 30, 2026, in accord with the loan agreement terms.
Reserves
The Operations Reserve, which is the Wastewater Collection Utility’s primary contingency
reserve, is projected to be between the minimum and target guideline levels at the end of FY
2027 through FY 2030, and gradually return to the target level by FY 2031.
Figure 3 shows the Operations Reserve ending balances alongside the minimum, maximum, and
target guidelines and risk assessment levels.
Figure 3: Operations Reserve Adequacy
Note: Operations Reserve shown with a minimum balance of $0.
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Table 5 summarizes the risk assessment calculation for the Wastewater Utility through FY 2031.
The risk assessment includes the revenue shortfall that could occur due to:
1. Lower than forecasted sales revenue; and
2. A 10% increase in treatment costs for the budget year; and
3. A 10% increase in planned system improvement CIP expenditures for the budget year. CIP
Contingency for FY 2027 and after is not needed due to resuming the use of the CIP
reserve.
Table 5: Wastewater Collection Risk Assessment ($000)
Fiscal Year 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
Sales Revenue 31,751 36,876 42,065 44,713 47,396 50,239
Budget-to-Actual Risk @ 4% 1,268 1,473 1,681 1,787 1,894 2,008
Treatment Budget 17,295 16,881 18,088 18,456 24,357 25,117
Treatment Cost Contingency @ 10% 1,730 1,688 1,809 1,846 2,436 2,512
CIP Budget * 4,116 - - - - -
CIP Cost Contingency @ 10% * 412 - - - - -
Total Risk Assessment Value 3,410 3,161 3,490 3,632 4,330 4,519
Projected Operations Reserve Level 7,258 6,502 6,286 7,212 8,402 10,533
*CIP budget is excluded from FY 2027 onward
Reserve Balances
The CIP Reserve has a zero balance due to insufficient wastewater collection revenues to
maintain the annual Capital Program Contribution to the CIP Reserve. However, starting in FY
2027, staff anticipates the wastewater utility can resume contribution to the CIP reserve. The
FY27 Wastewater Collection Utility and CIP Financial Details (Attachment A, Exhibit 2) shows
the amount of the rate-funded CIP Reserve contributions under “Expenses” for FY 2027
through FY 2031.
Figure 4 below shows the projected CIP Reserve balances from FY 2025 through FY 2031. The
projected CIP expenditures fluctuate from year to year with the staggered main replacement
schedule.
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Figure 4: Projected CIP Reserve Balances
Figure 5 below shows year-end reserve balance levels for each reserve from FY 2020 through FY
2031. Table 6 shows reserve starting and ending balances, revenues, transfers expenses, capital
program contribution and operations reserve guideline levels from FY 2026 to FY 2031. The
Operations Reserve was depleted in FY 2023 and FY 2024 because the schedule for Sanitary
Sewer Replacement 31 was accelerated to complete the replacement prior to Caltrans’ street
improvement project on El Camino Real, to avoid digging into the newly-paved street.
Figure 5: Wastewater Collection Utility Year-End Reserve Levels
Note: Operations Reserve shown with a minimum balance of $0.
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Table 6: Operations, Rate Stabilization and CIP Reserves Starting and Ending Balances,
Revenues, Transfers To/(From) Reserves, Expenses, Capital Program Contribution To/(From)
Reserves, Total Reserve Changes, and Operations Reserve Guideline Levels ($000)
Proposed Rates
The current rates were effective July 1, 2025, when the City increased sewer rates by 20%. To
continue to move toward full cost recovery, CPAU proposes to increase overall rates by 16% in FY
2027, and projects rate increases by 14% in FY 2028, and 6% annually in FY 2029 through FY 2031.
CPAU has three sewer rate schedules applicable to current customers: one for residential
customers (S-1), one for non-residential customers (other than restaurants) (S-2), and one for
restaurants (S-6). Table 7 below summarizes the current and proposed rates for all customer
classes.
Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. completed a cost of service (COS) study for the Wastewater
Collection Utility in 2021. Staff calculated the revenue increases needed for the Wastewater
Collection Utility based on projected revenue and expenses to determine the proposed rates
across customer classes.
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Table 7: Current and Proposed Sewer Rates
Current
(as of 7/1/2025)
Proposed
(effective 7/1/2026)
Change
$ %
Monthly Service Charges ($/Month)
S-1 (Residential) Service Charge $67.11 $77.84 $ 10.73 16%
Water Quantity Rates ($/CCF)
S-2 (Commercial) Quantity Rates 12.52 14.52 2.00 16%
S-6 (Restaurant) Quantity Rates 18.69 21.68 2.99 16%
The proposed rates for the S-7 (Industrial Discharger) rate schedule are also increasing 16% to
the rates shown below:
1) Collection System Operation, Maintenance, and Infiltration Inflow: $7.20 per 100 cubic
feet of metered water use.
2) Advanced Waste Treatment Operations and Maintenance Charge: $2.87 per 100 cubic
feet of metered water use
3) $352.84 per 1000 pounds (lbs) of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)
4) $850.74 per 1000 lbs of SS (Suspended Solids)
5) $5,878.53 per 1000 lbs of NH3 (Ammonia)
6) $25,791.37 per 1000 lbs of toxics (chromium, copper, cyanide, lead, nickel, silver, and zinc)
Bill Impacts
In FY 2027, residential customers will experience a 16% increase in bills. Commercial and
Restaurant customers bill impacts will vary due to each customer’s utilization of the system. Table
8 below shows the bill impact of the proposed FY 2027 rate changes (effective 7/1/2026) for the
typical customers:
Table 8: Bill Impact of Proposed Sewer Rate Changes ($/Month)
Rate Schedule Current
(as of 7/1/2025)
Proposed
(effective 7/1/2026)
Change
$ %
S-1 (Residential) $ 67 $ 78 $ 11 16%
S-2 (Commercial) - 14 CCF 175 203 28 16%
S-6 (Restaurant) - 38 CCF 710 824 114 16%
Bill Comparisons/Competitiveness
Table 9 shows the monthly sewer bills for residential customers compared to what they would be in
surrounding communities. The average monthly sewer bill for a Palo Alto single family residential
customer is $67 at current rates, which is about 12% lower than the neighboring community average.
These communities are the same six that Palo Alto compares itself to in the annual budget across
Water, Wastewater, Gas, and Electric industries. In the following tables, “Menlo Park” refers to the
West Bay Sanitary District.
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The cities of Mountain View and Los Altos are RWQCP partners. Sewage from Menlo Park and
Redwood City is treated by Silicon Valley Clean Water where some plant upgrades have been
completed and others are yet to be implemented. Santa Clara customers are served by the San
Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility, which is still working on necessary facility
upgrades. In contrast, plant upgrades at the Hayward Water Pollution Control Facility have not
yet begun. Each of the plants are at different stages of rebuilding.
Table 9: Residential Monthly Equivalent Sewer Bill Comparison, Compared to Neighboring
Communities at Current Rates ($/Month)
Palo Alto
(rates effective
7/1/2025)
Neighboring
Community
Average
Neighboring Communities
Menlo
Park
Redwood
City
Santa
Clara
Mountain
View
Los
Altos Hayward
67 76 120 105 58 58 68 48
Table 10 compares the sewer bills for two classes of non-residential customers to what they would
be under surrounding communities’ rate schedules. The average monthly commercial sewer bill,
assuming 14 CCF of water usage, is about $175 at current rates, which is about 28% higher than
the neighboring community average, while the average monthly restaurant sewer bill, assuming
38 CCF of monthly water usage, is about 4% higher. Note that other communities often have
specific rates for industrial customers that discharge high intensity wastewater, such as food
processors or chemical or electronics manufacturers, but Palo Alto does not currently have any
customers that require these special rates.
Table 10: Non-Residential Monthly Equivalent Sewer Bill Comparison, Compared to
Neighboring Communities at Current Rates ($/Month)
Palo Alto
(rates effective
7/1/2025)
Neighboring
Community
Average
Neighboring Communities
Menlo
Park
Redwood
City
Santa
Clara
Mountain
View
Los
Altos Hayward
General
Commercial 175 137 162 169 96 174 118 100
Restaurant 710 681 928 1,140 679 574 322 443
As of January 2026, Menlo Park (West Bay Sanitary District) is projecting an average of 4.5%
rate increase annually from FY 2027 through FY 2030, Redwood City is projecting a 7% rate
increase for FY 2027, Los Altos is projecting 15% rate increase annually in FY 2027 and FY 2028,
while Hayward is projecting 12% rate increases annually from FY 2027 through FY 2030.
Next Steps
Staff plans to include the Finance Committee’s recommendations for wastewater rate changes
in the notification of potential rate increases to customers as required by Article XIIID of the State
Constitution expected in April 2026. Staff will incorporate the Finance Committee’s
recommendations into the draft financial forecast and attachments and bring those to the City
Council in June 2026. Then the City Council will consider the proposed Financial forecasts and
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amended rate schedules concurrent with the FY 2027 budget, expected in June, at which time the
public hearing required by Article XIIID of the State Constitution will be held. If Council approves
the proposed rate changes, the rates will become effective July 1, 2026.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Based on the proposed rate increase as shown, the estimated revenue impacts in FY 2027
would be an increase of $4.9 million in the Wastewater Collection Fund. Utility rate increases
impact the general fund because the City is a utilities customer. The impact to the General Fund
from the proposed rate increases is a $0.02 million expense increase.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The proposed Wastewater Collection Utility rate adjustments are consistent with Council-
adopted Reserve Management Practice (Attachment A, Exhibit 3) and were developed using a
cost-of-service study and methodology consistent with the California constitution and industry-
accepted cost of service principles. As noted in the Reserves Management Practices, if reserves
fall below the minimum guidelines, Council approval is required for a rate plan that requires more
than one year to return reserves to within guideline levels. This staff report serves as the required
plan.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
On November 5, 20256, staff presented the preliminary rate proposals at the UAC meeting. Some
Commissioners raised affordability concerns and expressed interest in exploring innovative
operating cost reductions rather than relying on the traditional approach of deferring capital
investments. One Commissioner also requested examples of multi-year rate plans from peer
agencies for comparison.
On November 18, 20257, staff presented the same preliminary rate proposals to the Finance
Committee. Committee members focused on benchmarking rates against comparable utilities.
They also inquired about cost-containment strategies. Regarding the $3 million loan from the
Fiber utility to the Wastewater utility, one Councilmember asked whether inter-utility borrowing
is a common practice and staff explained that it is not common; few cities have so many utilities
available to fund such loans. Additional discussion centered on reserve guidelines and the
associated risk assessment. Members emphasized that the absence of rate increases during the
pandemic created a catch-up scenario that should be avoided in the future.
6 Utilities Advisory Commission meeting, November 5, 2025, Staff Report 2503-4364:
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=84164&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
7 Finance Committee meeting, November 18, 2025, Staff Report 2508-5119:
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=83887&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
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On March 4, 20268, staff presented the Wastewater Collection Utility rate proposal to the UAC.
The UAC voted 6-1 (Commissioner Gupta voted no) to recommend that the City Council adopt a
resolution approving the 16% rate increase. Commissioners requested additional detail on the
components of the wastewater treatment costs, the underlying drivers, their impact on
Wastewater Collection utility rates, and potential cost-saving opportunities at the treatment
plant. One Commissioner asked about the assumptions underlying projected capacity fee
revenues and the risks associated with those projections. Commissioners also inquired about
rainwater infiltration and its potential impact on Collection system costs. In addition, one
Commissioner asked about the findings of the sewer master plan and recommended improving
the staff report narrative, particularly the discussion of FY 2025 actuals and neighborhood bill
comparisons.
Additional feedback from the Finance Committee meetings in 2026 will be incorporated in the
financial forecast and included in the proposal presented to City Council in June 2026 concurrent
with the budget adoption process.
Attachment A, Exhibit 4 contains examples of CPAU’s communication and outreach methods
including the use of the Utilities website, utility bill inserts, messaging on utility bills, and MyCPAU
online account management platform, email newsletters, print and digital ads in local
publications, social media, and community messaging platforms.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Finance Committee’s review and recommendation to the City Council on the FY 2027
Wastewater Collection Utility financial forecast and rate adjustments does not meet the
California Environmental Quality Act’s definition of a project, pursuant to Public Resources Code
Section 21065, thus no environmental review is required.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: FY27 Wastewater Collection Resolution
Attachment A: Exhibit 1: FY27 Wastewater Collection Utility Rate Schedules
Attachment A: Exhibit 2: FY27 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Forecast Details
Attachment A: Exhibit 3: FY27 Wastewater Collection Reserve Management Practices
Attachment A: Exhibit 4: FY27 Wastewater Collection Utility Communications Plan
APPROVED BY:
Alan Kurotori, Director of Utilities
Staff: Eric Wong, Resource Planner
8 Utilities Advisory Commission meeting, March 4, 2026, Staff Report 2512-5640:
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=86546&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto&cr=1
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Resolution No.
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Approving the
FY 2027 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Forecast and Reserve Management Practices,
Amending Rate Schedules S-1 (Residential Wastewater Collection and Disposal), S-2
(Commercial Wastewater Collection and Disposal), S-6 (Restaurant Wastewater Collection and
Disposal) and S-7 (Commercial Wastewater Collection and Disposal – Industrial Discharger), and
Repealing Rate Schedules S-3 (Industrial Waste Laboratory and Analysis Charges) and S-4
(Hauled Liquid Waste Charges)
R E C I T A L S
A. Each year the City of Palo Alto (“City”) assesses the financial position of its utilities
with the goal of ensuring adequate revenue to fund operations. This includes making long-term
projections of market conditions, the physical condition of the system, and other factors that
could affect utility costs, and setting rates adequate to recover these costs. The City does this
with the goal of providing safe, reliable, and sustainable utility services at competitive rates. The
City adopts Financial Forecasts or Plans to summarize these projections.
B. The City uses reserves to protect against contingencies and to manage other
aspects of its operations, and regularly assesses the adequacy of these reserves and the
management practices governing their operation. The status of utility reserves and their
management practices are included in Reserves Management Practices and Financial Forecast
(Exhibit 4 and Exhibit 1) attached to this resolution and made a part of the staff report presented
to the City Council.
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 15, 2026, the City Council held a full and fair public hearing regarding the
proposed rate increase and considered all protests against the proposals.
E. As required by Article XIII D, Section 6 of the California Constitution and
applicable law, notice of the June 15, 2026 public hearing was mailed to all City of Palo Alto
Utilities wastewater customers by May 1, 2026.
F. The City Clerk has tabulated the total number of written protests presented by
the close of the public hearing, and determined that it was less than fifty percent (50%) of the
total number of customers and property owners subject to the proposed wastewater rate
amendments, therefore a majority protest does not exist against the proposal.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION 1. The Council hereby approves the Reserves Management Practices (Exhibit
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31) and FY 2027 Financial Forecast presented to the Finance Committee on March 17, 20262
and updated by the June 15, 2026 Council report, (Exhibit 23), which is attached to this
resolution and made a part of the staff report presented to the City Council.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule S-1 (Residential Wastewater Collection and Disposal) is hereby amended to
read as shown in Exhibit 14. Utility Rate Schedule S-1, as amended, shall become effective
July 1, 2026.
SECTION 3. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate
Schedule S-2 (Commercial Wastewater Collection and Disposal) is hereby amended to read as
shown in Exhibit 1. Utility Rate Schedule S-2, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2026.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate
Schedule S-6 (Restaurant Wastewater Collection and Disposal) is hereby amended to read as
shown in Exhibit 1. Utility Rate Schedule S-6, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2026.
SECTION 5. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate
Schedule S-7 (Commercial Wastewater Collection and Disposal – Industrial Discharger) is
hereby amended to read as shown in Exhibit 1. Utility Rate Schedule S-7, as amended, shall
become effective July 1, 2026.
SECTION 6. The Council finds that the revenue derived from the wastewater rates
approved by this resolution do not exceed the funds required to provide wastewater service,
and the revenue derived from the adoption of this resolution shall be used only for the
purposes set forth in Article VII, Section 2, of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto.
SECTION 7. 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.
SECTION 8. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution approving the FY
2027 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Forecast and Reserve Management Practices does
not meet the California Environmental Quality Act’s definition of a project under Public
Resources Code Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), because it is an
administrative governmental activity which will not cause a direct or indirect physical change in
the environment, and therefore, no environmental review is required. The Council finds that the
adoption of this resolution changing Wastewater collection rates to meet operating expenses,
purchase supplies and materials, meet financial reserve needs and obtain funds for capital
improvements necessary to maintain service is not subject to the California Environmental
1 Exhibit 3: “_____”
2 Meeting Agenda Item 2: “_____”
3 Exhibit 2: “_____”
4 Exhibit 1: “_____”
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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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Resolution
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RESIDENTIAL WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE S-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No S-1-1 Effective 07-01-20265
dated 07-01-20245 Sheet No S-1-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to each Occupied Domestic Dwelling unit.
B. TERRITORY:
This schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Wastewater Service.
C. RATES:
Per Month
Each Occupied Domestic Dwelling unit ................................................................................ $
67.1177.84
D. SPECIAL NOTES:
1.Any dwelling unit being individually served by a Water, Gas, or Electric Meter will be
considered continuously occupied.
2.For two or more Occupied Domestic Dwelling units served by one Water Meter, the
monthly Wastewater charge will be calculated by multiplying the current Wastewater rate
by the number of dwelling units.
3.Each developed separate lot shall have a separate Sservice lateral to a sanitary main or
manhole.
{End}
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 1
Attachment A Exhibit 1 -
FY27 Wastewater Collection
Rate Schedules
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COMMERCIAL WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE S-2
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No S-2-1 Effective 07-01-20265
dated 07-01-20254 Sheet No S-2-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to all commercial establishments other than those served under Utility Rate
Schedule S-1 (Residential Wastewater Collection and Disposal), Rate Schedule S-6 (Restaurant
Wastewater Collection and Disposal) or Rate Schedule S-7 (Commercial Establishments
Wastewater Disposal – Industrial Discharger).
B. TERRITORY:
This schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Wastewater Service.
C. RATES:
Quantity Rate, per 100 cubic feet (See Section D.1) .......................................................... $ 12.5214.52
D. SPECIAL NOTES:
1. The monthly charge for the quantity rate set forth in Section C of this rate schedule will be
based upon the average Water usage for the months of January, February and March, and
applied in the following July. If a Water Meter is identified as exclusively serving
irrigation landscaping, such Meter will be exempted from Wastewater charge calculations.
Customers without an applicable usage history will be rebuttably presumed to have usage
of 4.8 ccf per month until such time as such usage may reasonably be established by the
City of Palo Alto Utilities Department.
2. The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department may require Wastewater Metering facilities, in
which case Service will be governed by terms of a special agreement between the City and
the Customer.
{End}
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 1
Attachment A Exhibit 1 -
FY27 Wastewater Collection
Rate Schedules
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 28 of 112
RESTAURANT WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE S-6
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No S-6-1 Effective 07-01-20265
dated 07-01-20254 Sheet No S-6-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to all restaurants.
B. TERRITORY:
This schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Wastewater Service.
C. RATES:
Quantity Rates, per 100 cubic feet of monthly metered Water usage ...................................$
18.6921.68
D. SPECIAL NOTES:
1. The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department may require Wastewater Metering facilities, in
which case Service will be governed by terms of a special agreement between the City and
the Customer.
{End}
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 1
Attachment A Exhibit 1 -
FY27 Wastewater Collection
Rate Schedules
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 29 of 112
COMMERCIAL WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
– INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGER
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE S-7
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No S-7-1 Effective 07-01-20265
dated 07-01-20254 Sheet No S-7-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to any establishment requiring sampling of industrial discharges in excess
of 25,000 gallons per day, or special discharge monitoring, as defined in Rule 23, Section C.
B. TERRITORY:
This schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Wastewater Service.
C. RATES:
1. Collection System Operation, Maintenance, and Infiltration Inflow:
$ 7.206.21 per 100 cubic feet of metered water use.
2. Advanced Waste Treatment Operations and Maintenance Charge:
$ 2.872.48 per 100 cubic feet of metered water use
3. $352.84304.18 per 1000 pounds (lbs) of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)
4. $ 850.74733.40 per 1000 lbs of SS (Suspended Solids)
5. $ 5,878.535,067.70 per 1000 lbs of NHRR3RR (Ammonia)
6. $ 25,791.3722,233.94 per 1000 lbs of toxics (chromium, copper, cyanide, lead, nickel, silver,
and zinc)
D. SPECIAL NOTES:
1. Water usage will be determined as defined in Rule 23, Section C. If a Water Meter is
identified as exclusively serving irrigation landscaping, such Meter will be exempted from
Wastewater charge calculations.
2. The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department may require Wastewater Metering facilities, in
which case Service will be governed by terms of a special agreement between the City of
Palo Alto and the Customer.
3. Charges for large discharges will be determined on the basis of sampling as outlined in
Utilities Rule 23, Section C. However, for purposes of arriving at an accurate flow
estimate, discharge Meters, if installed, can be utilized to measure outflow for billing
purposes. Annual charges will be determined and allocated monthly for billing purposes.
{End}
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 1
Attachment A Exhibit 1 -
FY27 Wastewater Collection
Rate Schedules
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 30 of 112
Attachment A, Exhibit 2
Table 1: Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Forecast
Fiscal Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
1 % Change in Retail Rate 3% 9% 15% 20% 16% 14% 6% 6% 6%
2 Retail Sales Revenue 20,694 22,337 26,517 31,711 36,834 42,022 44,668 47,350 50,192
3 Connection & Capacity Fees 219 492 458 257 660 2,069 2,079 2,099 2,129
4 Treatment Revenue - - 2,760 3,908 256 256 256 256 256
5 Other Revenues & Transfers In 387 1,315 655 486 507 522 538 554 570
6 Interest 168 89 23 97 100 103 106 109 113
7 REVENUES 21,468 24,233 30,413 36,459 38,356 44,971 47,646 50,367 53,259
8 Treatment 10,784 13,803 15,486 17,295 16,881 18,088 18,456 24,357 25,117
9 Allocated Charges (Operating) 2,158 2,175 2,106 2,457 2,539 2,626 2,717 2,810 2,907
10 Customer Service 414 463 570 563 600 622 645 669 695
11 Collection Operations 4,054 5,299 4,553 5,103 5,142 5,682 5,890 6,106 6,330
12 Engineering (Operating) 273 338 423 487 502 522 542 563 585
13 Debt Service 129 129 - - - - - - -
14 Rent 268 281 289 297 383 395 407 419 431
15 Other/ Transfers Out 526 209 213 280 65 252 65 252 65
16 Capital * 6,446 10,494 2,749 4,418 13,000 17,000 18,000 14,000 15,000
17 EXPENSES 25,052 33,191 26,388 30,899 39,112 45,188 46,721 49,177 51,129
18 INTO / (OUT OF) RESERVES (3,584) (8,959) 4,025 5,560 (756) (216) 925 1,190 2,131
19 Ending Operations Reserve (673) (1,012) 1,698 7,258 6,502 6,286 7,212 8,402 10,533
20 Ending Commitments & Reappropriations 9,582 682 1,941 25 - - - - -
21 Ending CIP Reserve - - - - 3,773 1,873 6,439 712 5,495
22 Ending Rate Stabilization Reserve - - - - - - - - -
23 Unassigned Reserves - - - - - - - - -
24 Operations Reserve Guidelines
25 Max (150 Days Treatment/O&M Exp) 7,646 9,328 9,715 10,883 10,731 11,584 11,803 14,456 14,847
26 Target (105 Days Treatment/O&M Exp) 5,353 6,529 6,800 7,618 7,512 8,109 8,262 10,119 10,393
27 Min (60 Days Treatment/O&M Exp) 3,059 3,731 3,886 4,353 4,292 4,634 4,721 5,782 5,939
28 Short Term Risk Assessment Value 2,515 3,285 2,835 3,410 3,161 3,490 3,632 4,330 4,519
* CIP Expenses for FY 2022-26. FY 2027-31 represents CIP funding from the Operations Reserve to the CIP Reserve.
Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Forecast
($'000)
Actual Projection
Item 1
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FY27 Wastewater Collection
Utility Financial Details
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 31 of 112
Attachment A, Exhibit 2
Wastewater Collection Utility Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Details
Item 1
Attachment A Exhibit 2 - FY27
Wastewater Collection Utility Financial
Details
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 32 of 112
WASTEWATER COLLECTION UTILITY RESERVES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
The following reserves management practices shall be used when developing the Wastewater
Collection 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. Reserves
The Wastewater Collection Utility’s Fund Balance is reserved for the following purposes:
a)For existing contracts, as described in Section 3 (Reserve for Commitments)
b)For operating and capital budgets re-appropriated from previous years, as described in
Section 4 (Reserve for Re-appropriations)
c)For cash flow management and contingencies related to the Wastewater Collection
Utility’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), as described in Section 5 (CIP Reserve)
d)For rate stabilization, as described in Section 6 (Rate Stabilization Reserve)
e)For operating contingencies, as described in Section 7 (Operations Reserve)
f)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 8
(Unassigned Reserves).
Section 3. Reserve for Commitments
At the end of each fiscal year the Reserve for Commitments will be set to an amount equal
to the total remaining spending authority for all contracts in force for the Wastewater
Collection Utility at that time.
Section 4. Reserve for Re-appropriations
At the end of each fiscal year the Reserve for Re-appropriations will be set to an amount
equal to the amount of all remaining capital and non-capital budgets, if any, that will be re-
appropriated to the following fiscal year in accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code
Section 2.28.090.
Attachment A, Exhibit 3 Item 1
Attachment A Exhibit 3 -
FY27 Wastewater Collection
Reserve Management
Practices
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 33 of 112
Section 5. CIP Reserve
The CIP Reserve is used to manage cash flow for capital projects and acts as a reserve for
capital contingencies. Staff will manage the CIP Reserve according to the following
practices:
a)The following guideline levels are set forth for the CIP Reserve. These guideline levels are
calculated for each fiscal year of the Financial Planning Period and approved by Council
Resolution.
2
b)Changes in Reserves: Staff is authorized to transfer funds between the CIP Reserve and
the Reserve for Commitments when funds are added or removed from to that reserve as
a result of a change in contractual commitments related to CIP projects. Any other
additions to or withdrawals from the CIP reserve require Council action.
c)Minimum Level:
i)If, at the end of any fiscal year, the minimum guideline is not met, staff shall present
a plan to the City Council to replenish the reserve. The plan shall be delivered by the
end of the following fiscal year, and shall, at a minimum, result in the reserve reaching
its minimum level by the end of the next fiscal year. For example, if the CIP Reserve is
below its minimum level at the end of FY 2017, staff must present a plan by June 30,
2018 to return the reserve to its minimum level by June 30, 2019. In addition, staff
may present, and the Council may adopt, an alternative plan that takes longer than
one year to replenish the reserve, or that does so in a shorter period of time.
d)Maximum Level: If there are funds in this reserve in excess of the maximum level staff
must propose in the next Financial Plan to transfer these funds to another reserve, return
the funds to ratepayers, or designate a specific use of the funds for CIP investments that
will be made by the end of the next Financial Planning Period. Staff may also seek City
Council to approve holding funds in this reserve in excess of the maximum level if they
are held for a specific future purpose related to the CIP.
Section 6. 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. 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 Wastewater Collection Utility
Financial Plan must result in the withdrawal of all funds from this Reserve by the end of the
Financial Planning Period.
1 Each month is calculated based upon 1/12 of the annual budget.
2 For example, in the Financial Plan for FY 2022, the 48 month period to use to derive the
annual average is FY 2022 through FY 2025. In the FY 2023 Financial Plan, the 48 month period
to use to derive the annual average would be FY 2023 through FY 2026 etc.
Attachment A, Exhibit 3 Item 1
Attachment A Exhibit 3 -
FY27 Wastewater Collection
Reserve Management
Practices
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 34 of 112
Section 7. Operations Reserve
The Operations Reserve is used to manage normal variations in costs and as a reserve for
contingencies. Any portion of the Wastewater Collection Utility’s Fund Balance not included
in the reserves described in Section 3-Section 6 above will be included in the Operations
Reserve unless this reserve has reached its maximum level as set forth in Section 7(d)
below. Staff will manage the Operations Reserve according to the following practices:
a)The following guideline levels are set forth for the Operations Reserve. These guideline
levels are calculated for each fiscal year of the Financial Planning Period based on the
levels of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and commodity expense forecasted for that
year in the Financial Plan.
b)Minimum Level: If, at the end of any fiscal year, the funds remaining in the Operations
Reserve are lower than the minimum level set forth above, staff shall present a plan to
the City Council to replenish the reserve. The plan shall be delivered within six months of
the end of the fiscal year, and shall, at a minimum, result in the reserve reaching its
minimum level by the end of the following fiscal year. For example, if the Operations
Reserve is below its minimum level at the end of FY 2014, staff must present a plan by
December 31, 2014 to return the reserve to its minimum level by June 30, 2015. In
addition, staff may present, and the Council may adopt, an alternative plan that takes
longer than one year to replenish the reserve.
c)Target Level: If, at the end of any fiscal year, the Operations Reserve is higher or lower
than the target level, any Financial Plan created for the Wastewater Collection Utility shall
be designed to return the Operations Reserve to its target level within four years.
d)Maximum Level: If, at any time, the Operations Reserve reaches its maximum level, no
funds may be added to this reserve. Any further increase in the Wastewater Collection
Utility’s Fund Balance shall be automatically included in the Unassigned Reserve
described in Section 8, below.
Section 8. Unassigned Reserve
If the Operations Reserve reaches its maximum level, any further additions to the
Wastewater Collection 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 Wastewater Collection 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.
Attachment A, Exhibit 3 Item 1
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FY27 Wastewater Collection
Reserve Management
Practices
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Attachment A, Exhibit 4
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0
4
1
1
WASTEWATER COLLECTION UTILITY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN/SAMPLES
A structured and transparent communication strategy will accompany the proposed wastewater
rate adjustment to inform ratepayers, community stakeholders, and decision-makers of the
factors driving the increase and the importance of maintaining the financial sustainability of the
wastewater utility. The communication effort will emphasize accountability, clarity, and
engagement with the community throughout the rate-setting process.
The proposed rate adjustment is primarily driven by higher-than-anticipated costs for
wastewater treatment processes, necessary upgrades to aging operational equipment, and
ongoing operations and maintenance expenditures that ensure regulatory compliance and
reliable service delivery. Messaging will highlight the important infrastructure upgrades that are
occurring at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) as well as increased capital
improvement projects (CIP) to improve our wastewater collection utility services. These
infrastructure upgrades are necessary to replace aging wastewater collection mains and sanitary
sewer treatment equipment at the RWQCP. Operations reserves are also below minimum
guidelines due to higher capital improvement program costs and increasing treatment costs.
The communication plan will focus on articulating these cost drivers in a clear and accessible
manner, linking them directly to the continued provision of safe and efficient wastewater service.
Public outreach will be implemented through both required and supplementary communication
channels. Consistent with Proposition 218 requirements, notice of the proposed adjustment will
be mailed to all affected property owners and customers in advance of the public hearing.
Additional communication tools will include informational postings on the City’s website
(www.paloalto.gov/ratesoverview), blogs or news releases, social media updates, and inclusion
in customer newsletters and billing inserts to provide consistent and accessible information to
the community.
Staff will provide public presentations to discuss the financial plan, outline the wastewater
system’s infrastructure and equipment needs, and explain how the proposed rate adjustments
support long-term operational sustainability. Materials will include visual summaries, cost
breakdowns, and explanations of how revenues will be utilized to maintain treatment
performance, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. All outreach will underscore
the City’s commitment to transparency, fiscal stewardship, and maintaining the community’s
essential wastewater infrastructure in a safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible manner.
Item 1
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FY27 Wastewater Collection
Utility Communications Plan
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Attachment A, Exhibit 4
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FY27 Wastewater Collection
Utility Communications Plan
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 37 of 112
Finance Committee
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Utilities
Meeting Date: March 17, 2026
Report #:2512-5604
TITLE
Recommendation to the City Council to Adopt a Resolution Approving the Fiscal Year 2027
Water Utility Financial Forecast and Reserve Transfers, and Amending Rate Schedules W-1
(General Residential Water Service), W-2 (Water Service From Fire Hydrants), W-3 (Fire Service
Connections), W-4 (Residential Master-Metered and General Non-Residential Water Service),
and W-7 (Non-Residential Irrigation Water Service). CEQA Status: Not a project.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff requests that the Finance Committee recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution
(Attachment A):
1. Approving the Fiscal Year 2027 Water Utility Financial Forecast shown in this staff report
and attachments and approving a reserve transfer of up to $5,500,000 from the
Operations Reserve to the CIP Reserve in FY 2026; and
2. Increasing Water Utility Rates for FY 2027 by Amending Rate Schedules (Attachment A
Exhibit 1) to reflect increases effective July 1, 2026 (FY 2027):
a. W-1 (General Residential Water service)
b. W-2 (Water Service from Fire Hydrants)
c. W-3 (Fire Service Connections)
d. W-4 (Residential Master-Metered and General Non-Residential Water Service),
and
e. W-7 (Non-Residential Irrigation Water Service)
On March 4, 2026 the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) met and discussed this item and made
the following recommendations to the City Council:
1.Not approving the FY 2027 Water Utility Financial Forecast shown in this staff report and
attachments;
2.Approving a reserve transfer up to $5,500,000 from the Operations Reserve to the CIP
Reserve in FY 2026; and
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3.Increasing Water Utility rates for FY 2027 by 8 percent to reflect increases effective July
1, 2026 (FY 2027): by reducing the amount going to the operation reserves by 1.2 million
from the proposed amount by amending rate schedules:
a. W-1 (General Residential Water service)
b. W-2 (Water Service from Fire Hydrants)
c. W-3 (Fire Service Connections)
d. W-4 (Residential Master-Metered and General Non-Residential Water Service),
and
e. W-7 (Non-Residential Irrigation Water Service)
A UAC Commissioner will attend the Finance Committee to aid in the Committee’s deliberations.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This staff report provides the Finance Committee with a financial forecast for the Water Utility
and provides an overview of the utility’s operating costs, capital costs, and debt and includes
recommended rate adjustments required to maintain the utility’s financial health. This work is
done annually as part of the budget and rate-setting cycle. Due to timing, this staff report was
written reflecting staff’s proposal reviewed by the UAC on March 4th. The assumptions and
discussion withing results in a 10 percent overall average utility bill increase for a median
residential customer, however the UAC did recommend an 8 percent increase. Additional
information about the UAC’s discussion and reasoning are in the Stakeholder Engagement
section below.
The FY 2027 rate projection in the Water Utility Financial Forecast reflects a 12% distribution rate
increase and an 8% commodity rate increase, which is equivalent to a 10% overall system average
increase. The projected 10% overall system increase is unchanged from the FY 2026 Financial
Forecast presented to the Council on June 16, 20251. It is also unchanged from the FY 2027
Preliminary Financial Forecast presented to the Utilities Advisory Commission on November 4,
20252 and to the Finance Committee on November 18, 20253. However, the underlying
distribution rate and commodity rate projections have been revised based on updated wholesale
rate projections from SFPUC as well as updates to the water fund’s operating and capital
forecasts.
The FY 2027 Financial Forecast’s five-year rate trajectories reflect overall average system rate
increases of up to 10% (see Table 1) and distribution rate increase of up to 14% (see Table 1).
These rate increases are at or below the projected rate increases presented in the FY 2026
Financial Forecast and the FY 2027 Preliminary Financial Forecast.
1 FY 2026 Financial Forecast for the Water Utility (approved June 16, 2025) is described in the Finance Committee
Staff Report 2412-3869: Staff Report 2412-3869
2 Staff Report 2503-4364: Staff Report 2503-4364
3 Staff Report 2508-5119: Staff Report 2508-5119
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Table 1: Current Year (FY 2026) and Projected Rate Trajectory (FY 2027 to FY 2031)
Fiscal Year 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
Overall System Average Rate Trajectory
FY 2027 Proposal 10%10%10%10%7%6%
FY 2027 Preliminary 10%10%10%10%10%9%
FY 2026 Forecast 10%10%10%10%10%
Distribution Rate Trajectory
FY 2027 Proposal 17%12%12%14%9%7%
FY 2027 Preliminary 17%16%16%12%11%12%
FY 2026 Forecast 17%16%15%12%11%
Commodity Rate Trajectory
FY 2027 Proposal 2%8%7%3%2%4%
FY 2027 Preliminary 2%1%1%5%8%3%
FY 2026 Forecast 2%1%1%5%8%
On January 14, 2026, the SFPUC provided the January 2026 Rate Range Memo to the Bay Area
Water Supply & Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) reflecting an estimated FY 2027 wholesale rate
increase range between 5.9% to 9.1%. As shown in Table 1, this range is higher than the
previously estimated 1.0% rate increase, which was provided in the May 2025 rate notice from
SFPUC and assumed in the Water Fund’s FY 2026 Financial Forecast. Table 1 also shows the
commodity rate trajectory through FY 2031, which staff updated based on SFPUC’s Proposed 10-
Year Financial Plan7 as of January 2026. SFPUC will hold a public meeting in May 2026 to set the
final FY 2027 price for wholesale water and will provide Palo Alto with a 30-day notice prior to
that meeting. See the Wholesale Water Purchases section for more details about SFPUC
wholesale rates.
During the FY 2026 water rate discussions, staff received feedback from the UAC8 and Finance
Committee9 to limit overall water system rate increases in Palo Alto to no more than 10%
annually. Staff applied this guidance to the FY 2027 Water Fund Financial Forecast, and adjusted
distribution rate increases in response to updated SFPUC wholesale rate projections.
Other significant updates to the financial forecast include changes to the Water Fund’s Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) and higher than projected reserve balances as of June 30, 2025,
7 January 12, 2026 SFPUC Special Meeting, Agenda Item 3(d): https://www.sfpuc.gov/sites/default/files/about-
us/commission/1.12.2026_SpcMtg_A.pdf
8 December 4, 2024 Utilities Advisory Commission, Staff Report
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=86548&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto, Minutes 2024-12-
04 Utilities Advisory Commission Summary Minutes
9 December 3, 2024 Finance Committee, Staff Report Staff Report 2411-3822, Minutes 2024-12-03 Finance
Committee Summary Minutes
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which help to offset the impacts of the revised commodity rate trajectory. The 5-year CIP budget
for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 totals $71.7 million, $5.0 million lower than the prior year’s 5-
year budget, and some projects have been deferred to later years within the 5-year period.
Moreover, as of June 30, 2025, the Operations Reserve balance was $16.5 million, approximately
$10.2 million higher than projected levels, and the Rate Stabilization Reserve balance of $4.0
million was unutilized. The positive variance is primarily attributed to salary and benefits
expenses and capital expenses in FY 2025 that were lower than forecasted by $3.8 million and
$5.4 million, respectively. This positive fiscal year-end result contributes to higher reserve
balances over the five-year planning period compared to the FY 2026 Financial Forecast. These
updates also contribute to the City’s updated rate projections moderating in fiscal years 2030
and 2031 (see Table 1).
BACKGROUND
ANALYSIS
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Attachment A, Exhibit 2: Water Utility Financial Forecast Detail shows how costs have changed
during the last five years as well as how staff projects they will change over the next five years.
FY 2025 Costs and Revenues
Table 2: FY 2025 Actual Results vs. Prior Year’s Forecast
Net Cost/
(Benefit) ($000)
Type of
change
Net Cost / (Benefit) of Variances
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Projections
Overview
FY 2026 is the starting point for the FY 2027 Financial Forecast. FY 2026 projected revenues are
4% lower than the prior forecast based on monthly actuals-to-date through November 2025. The
relatively cool summer at the start of fiscal year drove purchases to be lower than projected. FY
2026 operating expenses are projected to be 4% lower than the previous forecast. This revision
is largely informed by FY 2025 actual operating expenses (which were 13% lower than previously
forecasted). Transfers out are also projected to increase due to planned leasing costs for a
construction laydown yard.
This forecast anticipates that water supply costs will increase 5% annually on average over the
forecast period FY 2027 – FY 2031, based on SFPUC’s Proposed 10-Year Financial Plan as of
January 202613. Staff projects operating costs other than debt service to increase by 3.4%
annually on average, which is largely driven by inflationary assumptions. Debt service costs
decline during the FY 2026 – FY 2031 time period because the 2011 Utility Revenue Refunding
Bond, Series A, is scheduled to be retired in 2026.
The FY 2027 Financial Forecast includes a 5-year capital project budget of $71.7 million for FY
2027 – FY 2031, which include water main replacement projects and seismic improvements to
two reservoirs. See the CIP section for a description of the 5-year CIP budget. The rise in capital
contributions reflect the higher construction costs seen in recent projects, funding for tank
rehabilitations, and transfers to restore the CIP Reserve.
Figure 1 illustrates actual revenues and expenses through FY 2025, along with projections
through FY 2031.
13 January 12, 2026 SFPUC Special Meeting, Agenda Item 3(d): https://www.sfpuc.gov/sites/default/files/about-
us/commission/1.12.2026_SpcMtg_A.pdf
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Figure 1: Water Utility Expenses, Revenues, and Rate Changes:
Actual Expenses through FY 2025 and Projections through FY 2031
Load Forecast
In FY 2025, actual water supply purchases totaled 4,543,561 CCF, about 0.3% higher than
projected in the FY 2026 Financial Forecast. The FY 2027 Financial Forecast estimates supply
purchases at 4,427,313 CCF (2.6% year-over-year decline) in FY 2026 and 4,510,198 CCF (1.9%
year-over-year increase) in FY 2027. The decline in demand for FY 2026 reflects lower purchases
to-date based on actuals through November 2025. Previous projections for FY 2026 assumed
continued drought recovery and a slight increase in purchases of about 1.1%. For FY 2027, the
forecast reflects a 1.9% rebound from FY 2026 followed by a return to the pre-drought long-term
decline trend. Figure 2 below shows water purchase actuals through FY 2025 and the current
forecast through 2031.
This forecast is used for financial planning, and it applies conservative assumptions which may
differ from forecasts produced for resource planning purposes. It begins with the most recent
water purchases from FY 2025 (a year with close to average precipitation). The forecast utilizes
the econometric model developed by consultant Hazen and Sawyer, in coordination with
BAWSCA, for the 2025 Regional Demand Study’s15 demand and conservation projections. The
financial forecast assumes no population or account growth, annual rate increases of 10%
through FY 2030, and active and passive conservation savings. When applying these assumptions
to the model, this results in year-over-year declines of about 2% through FY 2030.
15 2025 Demand Study: https://bawsca.org/water/use/2025_Demand_Study
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Figure 2: Water Purchases Forecast
Revenues
Staff based the sales revenue projections on the load forecast and the projected rate changes
shown in Table 1. Precipitation can vary substantially, and this can significantly affect revenues.
In dry, non-drought years customers use more water, increasing revenues, and in wet years they
use less. It is difficult to predict customer usage recovery from drought together with impacts
from weather year to year. Staff will continue to monitor these patterns and adjust projections
accordingly in subsequent forecasts.
The Water Utility receives most of its revenues from sales of water. In FY 2025 the Water Utility
received approximately 7% of total revenue from a combination of other sources including
service connection fee and capacity fee revenue, interest income, and grants (interest subsidy on
Build America Bonds). Capacity fee revenue is expected to increase while other sources of
revenue are projected to remain stable during the forecast period.
The FY 2026 adopted capital budget estimated that about $9.4 million of capacity fees revenues
will be received in FY 2026 and FY 2027. This forecast conservatively projects that 80% of this
revenue will be received over a 5-year period starting in FY 2028 to account for potential projects
delays or cancelations. This estimated increase in revenues is based on large new housing
developments that are currently in the permitting process.
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Expenses
17, which was assumed in the City’s
FY 2026 Financial Forecast and the FY 2027 Preliminary Financial Forecast (see Table 1). The
primary driver for the revision to the FY 2027 projected wholesale rate increase is that FY 2026
purchases to-date are lower than projected due to the effects of the relatively cool weather
experienced this past summer, in addition to less Balancing Account funds available for rate
smoothing. Based on this update, the City’s FY 2027 Financial Forecast assumes a wholesale rate
increase of 7.6% for FY 2027. If the final adopted wholesale rate increase is higher or lower than
17 San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Wholesale Water Rates, May 13, 2025,
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7.6%, the FY 27 Financial Forecast proposes passing through the rate increase without any further
adjustment to the current proposed distribution rate of 12%. This would result in an overall
system rate increase range of 9.4% to 10.8%.
19, which included its updated long-term wholesale rate projections. For FY 2027 through
FY2031, the wholesale rate increases average 5% per year. These projections are included in the
Water Fund’s FY 27 Financial Forecast but are highly uncertain and subject to change. When
comparing the FY 27 Financial Forecast’s commodity rate trajectory to that of the FY 26 Financial
Forecast (see Table 1), commodity rate increases are higher than previously projected in the near
term and lower than previously projected in later years. In response to this, City staff revised
distribution rate increases to be lower in the near-term and higher in later years of the forecast
period.
Administration, a category that includes charges allocated to the Water Utility for
administrative services provided by the General Fund and for Utilities Department
administration, as well as debt service and other potential transfers.
Customer Service
Engineering work for maintenance activities (as opposed to capital activities)
Operations and Maintenance of the distribution system; and
Resource Management
20 This plan anticipates operations costs to
increase by 3.4% per year, on average, over the forecast period. In FY 2026, operation expenses
are projected to increase due to citywide enterprise system upgrades and anticipated hiring of
vacant positions from previous year. For salary and benefit assumptions, this Financial Forecast
applies an annual percentage increase of 4% to FY 2027 budgeted salaries and benefits, after
making adjustments based on anticipated budget updates and recent actuals. These percentage
estimates may change as the budget is refined and finalized this fiscal year. This forecast adjusts
adopted numbers if there is a pattern of under or over-spending by category.
19 January 12, 2026 SFPUC Special Meeting, Agenda Item 3(d): https://www.sfpuc.gov/sites/default/files/about-
us/commission/1.12.2026_SpcMtg_A.pdf
20 Revised Report #:2511-5473: Staff Report 2511-5474, Staff Report 2511-5473
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Figure 3: Historical and Projected Operational Costs
Capital Improvement Program
The Water Utility’s CIP consists of the following types of projects.
Non-recurring construction projects (One Time Projects) of large system
assets, such as the tank rehabilitation projects. Currently there are no
alternative water supply projects included in the budget but if Council decides
to move forward with any such project in the future, it would fall within this
project type.
The Water Main Replacement Program, which represents the ongoing
replacement of aging water mains and main appurtenances.
Ongoing projects:
o Water distribution system improvements are projects improving
the reliability and operations of the water distribution system.
The projects include but are not limited to engineering studies,
hydraulic modeling, leak survey, hydrant maintenance, and
updates to engineering standards.
o Water supply improvements are projects maintaining and
improving the water supply within the City’s distribution network
and to individual pressure zones. The projects include but are not
limited to emergency diesel generators, power supply projects,
communications and controls, water quality engineering, site
security, and engineering studies.
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o Water metering improvements are projects replacing water
meters, testing, and improving accuracy of the City’s water
metering.
New Development Improvements (customer connections) are projects
funded or constructed by private developers and property owners. The
projects may include new services, hydrants, and other water system
improvements necessary to support new development and new water
demand.
Table 3 shows the FY 2026 current year projection and the five-year CIP spending plan,
although these figures are preliminary pending ongoing budget discussions.
Table 3. Projected CIP Spending, FY 2026 to FY 2031 ($,000)
*Excludes spending that will be funded by reappropriated or committed fund balances that have been
carried forward from the previous year.
The One Time Projects five-year plan totals $20.8 million, of which $0.1 million is expected to be
funded by reappropriation or committed fund balances in FY 2027. The largest one-time projects
are the water tank seismic upgrade and rehabilitation of two water distribution storage
reservoirs located in the Palo Alto Foothills. The tanks’ construction work has been deferred to
FY30 and FY31 to further evaluate a rehabilitation approach to the tanks. One-time projects also
include the Arastradero Creek Relocation project.
A one-time project will be created to develop a new Water System Master Plan, and the plan will
be maintained and updated on an on-going basis from the recurring water supply and distribution
projects. The current Water System Master Plan was completed in 2015, and the plan included
an analysis of the City’s piping distribution system and presented a recommendation for the City’s
water main replacement program. The new water system master plan will evaluate the entire
drinking water system, identify deficiencies, identify needed improvements, and recommend an
adequate CIP plan.
2026* 2027* 2028 2029 2030 2031
One Time Projects - 833 1,950 10,177 - 7,776
Water Main Replacement - - 5,450 525 11,057 583
Ongoing Projects 570 1,883 4,476 2,291 2,672 2,814
Customer Connections 942 1,185 1,265 1,294 1,257 1,325
CIP Salaries and Benefits 1,581 1,597 1,634 1,681 1,711 1,803
Allocated Charges 787 821 846 872 898 925
Unallocated CIP Salaries and Benefits 717 748 771 794 818 842
CIP Total Spending 4,598 7,069 16,392 17,633 18,412 16,068
CIP Transfers (In)/Out to other Enterprise Funds 717 492 265 344 188 166
Total Spending 5,314 7,561 16,657 17,978 18,601 16,234
Fiscal Year
Project Category
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The water tank seismic and rehabilitation work will repair and maintenance failing tank coatings
and corroded steel members. The City contracted an engineering specialist and investigated and
analyzed the structural integrity and condition of the Park Tank Reservoir. The engineering
specialist recommended a full roof replacement of the Park Tank Reservoir. The City contracted
with another firm to perform a condition assessment of Dahl Tank and evaluate the seismic
resiliency of both Park Tank and Dahl Tank and results are expected by summer 2026. If full tank
replacement is needed for either Dahl or Park Tank, staff estimates the cost for design and
construction of Dahl and Park reservoirs is approximately $8-9 million each, which is currently
assumed in the five-year plan. Staff estimates the cost to replace tank roofs and seismically
retrofit the tanks is approximately $4 million per tank. Staff is evaluating the replacement or
rehabilitation needs of these two tanks.
Construction costs in the San Francisco Bay Area have increased substantially,
outpacing the consumer price index for all urban consumers. Material, fuel, and
labor costs have escalated due to inflation, leading to higher bids.
More stringent traffic control requirements have driven cost increases: requirements
for engineered traffic control plans, restricted working hours, maintaining
pedestrian right of ways, bike lanes during construction, and special street plating
requirements.
Street cut fees.
CPAU has switched to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for its water mains for leak
reduction and seismic performance.
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and most susceptible pipe to corrosion, leakage, and failure. In 2000 the program was expanded
to include other pipe materials. In 2015, CPAU completed a pipe replacement master planning
process identifying and prioritizing seismically vulnerable pipe. A new prioritization for the water
main replacement program will be recommended in the Water System Master Plan. Master plans
should be updated every 5 years to ensure that water system changes and new developments
are accurately captured in watermain replacement programs.
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The second bond issuance is the 2011 Utility Revenue Refunding Bond, Series A, which is to be
retired in 2026. This $17.2 million issuance refinanced an earlier Water and Gas Utility bond
issuance, the 2002 Utility Revenue Bonds, Series A, which was issued to finance various capital
improvements for both systems. The Water Utility’s share of the issuance was roughly $7.8
million.
Table 4: Water Utility Debt Service ($000)
23; however, these funds were not
23 City Council June 16, 2025, Attachment B – Resolution for the FY 2026 Water Utility
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https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=fb89843a-2af7-4656-ba32-8713bbd327cf
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transferred at year-end because the Operations Reserve balance was already within the reserve
policy guideline range. As of the end of FY 2025, $4 million remains in the Rate Stabilization
Reserve. Staff proposes drawing on the Rate Stabilization Reserve by $1 million annually for fiscal
years 2027 through 2030. This is consistent with the Water Utility Reserve Management
Practices25, which state that if there are funds in the Rate Stabilization Reserve at the end of any
fiscal year, any subsequent Water Utility Financial Plan must result in the withdrawal of all funds
from this Reserve by the end of the next Financial Planning Period.
Figure 4: Operations Reserve Adequacy
25 Water Utility Reserve Management Practices; Section 5 (CIP Reserve), Section 7 (Operations Reserve):
Attachment A, Exhibit 3 Water Reserve Management Practices FY27
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Figure 5: Projected CIP Reserve Balances FY 2026 to FY 2031
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Figure 7: Water Utility Reserves
FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031
Starting Balance
1 Operations/Unassigned 16,351 12,175 13,546 12,171 13,963 15,419
2 Rate Stabilization 4,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0
3 CIP 3,500 9,000 11,000 11,000 11,000 13,000
Total Starting Reserve Balances 23,852 25,176 27,546 25,171 25,963 28,420
Revenues
4 Total Revenue 60,552 66,823 73,391 78,763 82,317 86,328
5 Transfers In 345 266 422 444 455 467
Total Revenues 60,897 67,089 73,813 79,208 82,772 86,794
Transfers
6 Operations/Unassigned (5,500) (1,000) 1,000 1,000 (1,000) (6,300)
7 Operating Commitments - - - - - -
8 Rate Stabilization - (1,000) (1,000) (1,000) (1,000) -
9 CIP 5,500 2,000 - - 2,000 6,300
Capital Program Contribution
10 Operations/Unassigned (4,598) (7,069) (16,392) (17,633) (18,412) (16,068)
11 CIP 4,598 7,069 16,392 17,633 18,412 16,068
Expenses
12 Total Expenses other than CIP (53,642) (56,165) (58,648) (59,746) (60,732) (62,621)
13 Planned CIP (4,598) (7,069) (16,392) (17,633) (18,412) (16,068)
14 Transfers Out (1,333) (1,485) (1,148) (1,036) (1,172) (1,123)
Total Expenses (59,573) (64,718) (76,188) (78,416) (80,316) (79,812)
Ending Balance
1+4+5+6+10+12+14 Operations/Unassigned 12,175 13,546 12,171 13,963 15,419 16,102
2+8 Rate Stabilization 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 0
3+9+11+13 CIP 9,000 11,000 11,000 11,000 13,000 19,300
Total Ending Reserve Balances 25,176 27,546 25,171 25,963 28,420 35,402
Total Reserve Changes
Total Reserve Changes 1,324 2,370 (2,375) 792 2,457 6,982
Operations Reserve Guideline Levels
15 Minimum Guideline Level 9,037 9,477 9,829 9,992 10,176 10,478
16 Maximum Guideline Level 18,074 18,953 19,659 19,983 20,352 20,957
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* Planned CIP (item 13) is reflected as an expense in the CIP Reserve and does not include CIP funded
through Reappropriations or Commitments reserves. This will be funded with the $4.6 million Capital
Program Contribution (item 11).
Table 6 summarizes the risk assessment calculation for the Water Utility through FY 2031. The
risk assessment includes the revenue shortfall of 14% that could occur due to lower than
forecasted sales revenue.
Table 6: Water Risk Assessment ($000)
FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031
Total non-commodity revenue $37,569 $41,571 $46,638 $49,976 $52,416
Max. revenue variance, previous ten years 14%14%14%14%14%
Risk of revenue loss $3,599 $3,982 $4,467 $4,787 $5,021
Total Risk Assessment value $3,599 $3,982 $4,467 $4,787 $5,021
The City’s external auditor, Baker Tilly, is completing a review of the Utility Funds’ reserve
management policies and is expected to report its findings and recommendations to the Policy
and Services Committee in Spring 2026. The preliminary results reflect that reserve guidelines
are generally in line or below recommended levels.
Proposed Rates
The Water Utility’s rates are evaluated and implemented in compliance with the cost of service
requirements and procedural rules set forth in Article XIII D of the California Constitution
(Proposition 218) and applicable statutory law. The City structured current rates based on staff’s
assessment of the financial position of the Water Utility, and updated current rates using the
methodology and rate structures developed by Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. (RFC).27 The
Water Utility’s rates are based on RFC’s 2019 update to the 2015 cost of service study, which
reviewed the City’s most recent cost of service methodologies and rate structures and declared
both fundamentally sound. Staff plans to update the cost of service study in 1 to 2 years, unless
any major changes occur to the utility’s operations or customer base that would necessitate an
earlier study. Before conducting any new cost of service study, staff will review current water
rates and the scope of the study with the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) and Council to
determine the City’s policy priorities.
27 RFC has developed 3 cost studies for the City: the March 2012 Palo Alto Water Cost of Service & Rate Study Staff
Report 2676, a 2015 study reviewing the 2012 methodology and analyzing drought rates entitled, Memorandum:
Proposed Water Rates, Staff Report 5951 and a 2019 Memorandum analyzing the 2015 methodology and rate
structure, titled Proposed FY 2020 Water Rates Staff Report 10295
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The current rates and surcharges became effective on July 1, 2025. CPAU has five water rate
schedules: separately metered residential customers (W-1), commercial and master-metered
multi-family residential customers (W-4), irrigation-only services (W-7), services to fire sprinkler
systems in buildings and private hydrants (W-3), and service to fire hydrant rental meters used
for construction (W-2). All customers pay a monthly service charge based on the size of their inlet
meter. This charge represents meter reading, billing, and other customer service costs, and also
the cost of maintaining the capability to deliver a peak flow for that customer based on their
meter size.
29. The separate
commodity charge passed-through SFPUC rate increases to customers. All customers pay this
separate commodity rate, currently $5.80 per CCF, for each unit of water in addition to the
volumetric rate that is applicable for their customer class. The rates shown below are in addition
to the pass-through commodity rate charged to Palo Alto’s customers based on SFPUC supply
charges. For further information and details about the proposed commodity rate, see Water
Purchase Cost section above.
29 Resolution 10231: RESO 10231
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CIP expenditures (money spent on actual projects in a given year). Previously, CIP expenditures
were reflected in the Operations Reserve.
Table 7: Current and Proposed Water Distribution Charges
Current
(7/1/2025)
Proposed
(7/1/2026)
Change
($/CCF)Change (%)
4.92 5.51 0.59 12%
7.49 8.38 0.89 12%
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Table 8 and Table 9 show the current monthly service charges for rate schedules W-1, W-4 and
W-7. These monthly service charges are also considered distribution rates.
Table 8: Current and Proposed Monthly Service Charges for Residential W-1
Monthly Service Charge
($/month based on meter size)ChangeMeter
Size Current
(7/1/2025)
Proposed
(7/1/2026)$%
Table 9: Current and Proposed Monthly Service Charges for W-4 and W-7
Monthly Service Charge
($/month based on meter size)ChangeMeter
Size Current
(7/1/2025)
Proposed
(7/1/2026)$%
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Table 10 shows the current and proposed monthly service charges for rate schedule W-3.
Table 10: Current and Proposed Monthly Service Charges for Fire Services (W-3)
Monthly Service Charge
($/month based on meter size)ChangeMeter
Size Current
(7/1/2025)
Proposed
(7/1/2026)$%
Error! Reference source not found. shows the impact of the proposed July 1, 2026 rate changes
on the median residential bill. The system average increase is projected to be 10 percent, but
some customers will see higher or lower increases due to changes in the composition of the
customer’s utilization of the system over time, as well as changes in the utility’s costs.
Table 11: Impact of Proposed Water Rate Changes on Residential Bills
Change
Usage (CCF/mo.)
Bill under
Current Rates
(7/1/2025)
Bill under
Proposed Rates
(7/1/2026)$/mo.%
$65 $72 $7 10%
$97 $107 $10 10%
$125 $138 $13 10%
$195 $215 $20 10%
$348 $383 $35 10%
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Table 12 shows the impact of the proposed July 1, 2026 rate changes on the median
commercial bill.
Table 12: Impact of Proposed Water Rate Changes on Commercial Bills
Change Usage (CCF/mo.)Bill under
Current Rates
(7/1/2025)
Bill under Proposed
Rates (7/1/2026)$/mo.%
Commercial (W-4) (5/8” meters)
$153 $168 $15 10%
$710 $779 $69 10%
Irrigation (W-7) (1 ½” meters)
Table 13: Single-Family Residential Monthly Water Bill Comparison
Usage Residential monthly bill comparison ($/month)*
(CCF/month)As of January 2026
Redwood
Palo Alto
Average of
Surrounding
Communities
Menlo
Park
Mountain
View Hayward
City
Santa
Clara
Los
Altos
4 $64.79 $59.39 $61.65 $54.69 $55.91 $82.91 $39.56 $61.62
(Winter median)
7 $97.31 $84.65 $79.43 $82.56 $86.09 $110.45 $69.23 $80.17
(Annual median)
9 $125.19 $105.62 $102.57 $101.14 $106.21 $128.81 $89.01 $105.99
(Summer
median) 14 $194.89 $159.96 $160.44 $147.59 $168.01 $174.71 $138.46 $170.54
25 $348.23 $292.62 $297.15 $301.78 $303.97 $275.69 $247.25 $329.88
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* Based on the FY 2013 BAWSCA survey, the percentage of SFPUC as the source of potable
water supply was 100% for Palo Alto, 95% for Menlo Park, 100% for Redwood City, 87% for
Mountain View, 10% for Santa Clara and 100% for Hayward. Los Altos does not receive water
supply from SFPUC.
Next Steps
The City Council will consider adopting the Financial Forecast and rate adjustments as part of
the FY 2027 budget review and adoption process in June 2026. If Council approves the
proposed rate changes, the rates will become effective July 1, 2026.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Based on the rate increases as shown, the estimated revenue impacts in FY 2027 would be an
increase of $6.2 million in the Water Fund. Utility rate increases impact the General Fund
because the City is a utilities customer. The impact to the General Fund of these rate increases
is a $0.15 million expense increase.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The proposed water rate adjustments are consistent with Council-adopted Reserve
Management Practices that are part of the Financial Forecast and were developed using a cost-
of-service study and methodology consistent with the California Constitution and industry-
accepted cost-of-service principles.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
On November 5, 2025, staff presented the preliminary rate proposals at the UAC meeting.
Commissioners raised affordability concerns. There was interest in exploring more innovative
operating cost reductions rather than relying on the traditional approach of deferring capital
investments. One Commissioner also requested examples of multi-year rate plans from peer
agencies for comparison.
On November 18, 2025, staff presented the same preliminary rate proposals to the Finance
Committee. Committee members focused on benchmarking rates against comparable utilities.
They also inquired about cost-containment strategies. Additional discussion centered on
reserve guidelines and the associated risk assessment. Members emphasized that the absence
of rate increases during the pandemic created a catch-up scenario that should be avoided in the
future.
On March 4, 2026, staff presented substantially the same proposal in this staff report to the
UAC. UAC Commissioners expressed concern about the SFPUC wholesale rate projection
change from 1% last year to 7.4% now and expressed a concern that the wholesale rate
projections in the outer years were likely to increase as well. Staff explained that this is a pass-
through and no Council action is needed to pass this rate through to customers. One
Commissioner recommended completing a cost-of-service study and examining different rates
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for different pressure zones as well as understanding legal guidance on tiered rates. Staff
suggested to agendize an item to discuss the cost-of-service study prior to beginning the study
to hear UAC input. Commissioners asked about staff’s proposal to transfer $5.5 million to the
CIP reserve and then increase rates to replenish the Operations Reserve. In response to this
feedback, staff refined the reserve transfers forecast in this report, increasing the amount
transferred from the Operations Reserve to the CIP Reserve in FY 2027 and clarifying that the
reason for the increase is to restore total reserves. Commissioners questioned reserve
guidelines and whether they were appropriate. Staff explained that Baker Tilly is completing a
Reserve Advisory Report to address this question and that the report is scheduled to go to the
Policy and Services Committee in April. Commissioners also questioned when the next water
master plan would be available and noted that the existing water master plan is 20 years old
and requested that the plan be completed within 18 months. Some Commissioners expressed
lack of confidence in the forecast during the outer years because the water master plan was
unavailable to inform the capital project forecasts.
e)W-7 (Non-Residential Irrigation Water Service) (approved 5-2, Commissioners Tucher
and Gupta voting no)
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
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*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
027021726
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Resolution No. _____
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Approving the FY 2027 Water
Utility Financial Forecast, Reserve Management Practices, and Reserve
Transfers, and Amending Rate Schedules W-1 (General Residential Water
Service), W-2 (Water Service from Fire Hydrants), W-3 (Fire Service
Connections), W-4 (Residential Master-Metered and General Non- Residential
Water Service), and W-7 (Non-Residential Irrigation Water Service)
R E C I T A L S
A. Each year the City of Palo Alto (“City”) assesses the financial position of its
utilities with the goal of ensuring adequate revenue to fund operations. This includes making
long-term projections of market conditions, the physical condition of the system, and other
factors that could affect utility costs, and setting rates adequate to recover these costs. The
City does this with the goal of providing safe, reliable, and sustainable utility services at
competitive rates. The City adopts Financial Plans or Forecasts to summarize these
projections.
B. The City uses reserves to protect against contingencies and to manage other
aspects of its operations, and regularly assesses the adequacy of these reserves and the
management practices governing their operation. The status of utility reserves and their
management practices are included in Reserves Management Practices attached to and
made part of the Financial Forecasts or Plans.
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 15, 2026, the City Council held a full and fair public hearing
regarding the proposed rate increase and considered all protests against the
proposals.
E. As required by Article XIII D, Section 6 of the California Constitution and
applicable law, notice of the June 15, 2026 public hearing was mailed to all City of Palo
Alto Utilities water customers by May 1, 2026.
F. The City Clerk has tabulated the total number of written protests
presented by the close of the public hearing, and determined that it was less than fifty
percent (50%) of the total number of customers and property owners subject to the
proposed water rate amendments, therefore a majority protest does not exist against
the proposal.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE, as follows:
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SECTION 1. The Council hereby approves the Water Utility Reserves Management
Practices and the FY 2027 Financial Forecast presented to the
Finance Committee on March 17, 2026 and updated by the June 15, 2026 Council report,
which is attached to this resolution and made a part of the staff report presented to the City
Council.
SECTION 2. The Council hereby approves a transfer from the Operations Reserve to
the CIP Reserve of up to $5,500,000 in FY 2026 as described in the FY 2027 Water Utility
Financial Forecast.
SECTION 3. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule W-1 (General Residential Water Service) is hereby amended to read as
attached and incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule W-1, as amended, shall become effective
July 1, 2026.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Utility Rate Schedule W-2 (Water Service from Fire Hydrants) is hereby amended to read
as attached and incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule W-2, as amended, shall become
effective July 1, 2026.
SECTION 5. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate
Schedule W-3 (Fire Service Connections) is hereby amended to read as attached and
incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule W-3, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2026.
SECTION 6. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule W-4 (Residential Master-Metered and General Non-Residential Water
Service) is hereby amended to read as attached and incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule W-
4, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2026.
SECTION 7. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule W-7 (Non-Residential Irrigation Water Service) is hereby amended to read
as attached and incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule W-7, as amended, shall become
effective July 1, 2026.
SECTION 8. The City Council finds as follows:
a. Revenues derived from the water rates approved by this resolution do not exceed
the funds required to provide water service.
b. Revenues derived from the water rates approved by this resolution shall not be used
for any purpose other than providing water service, and the purposes set forth in
Article VII, Section 2, of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto.
c. The amount of the water rates imposed upon any parcel or person as an incident of
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*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
027021726
3
property ownership shall not exceed the proportional cost of the water service
attributable to the parcel.
SECTION 9. 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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Item 2
Attachment A - Water
Resolution FY27
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 68 of 112
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
027021726
4
SECTION 10. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution approving the FY
2027 Water Financial Forecast and Reserve transfers 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 it is an administrative
governmental activity which will not cause a direct or indirect physical change in the
environment, and therefore, no environmental review is required. The Council finds that
the adoption of this resolution changing water rates to meet operating expenses, purchase
supplies and materials, meet financial reserve needs and obtain funds for capital
improvements 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
Item 2
Attachment A - Water
Resolution FY27
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 69 of 112
GENERAL RESIDENTIAL WATER SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No W-1-1 Effective 7-1-20252026
dated 7-1-20242025 Sheet No W-1-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to separately metered single-family residential dwellings receiving Water
Service from the City of Palo Alto Utilities.
B. TERRITORY:
This schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Water Service.
C. RATES:
Per Meter
Monthly Service Charge: Per Month
For meters 5/8-inch to 1 inch .................................................................................... $ 27.6330.94
For 1 1/2 inch meter .................................................................................................. 89.2899.99
For 2-inch meter ........................................................................................................ 138.11154.68
For 3-inch meter ........................................................................................................ 292.75327.88
For 4-inch meter ........................................................................................................ 520.66583.13
For 6-inch meter ........................................................................................................1,065.971,193.88
For 8-inch meter ........................................................................................................1,961.282,196.63
For 10-inch meter ......................................................................................................3,100.743,472.82
For 12-inch meter .......................................................................................................4,077.454,566.74
Per Hundred
Cubic Feet
Volumetric Rates: (To be added to Service Charge, applicable to all pressure zones.) Per Month
Commodity Rate:
Water Delivery Charge from SFPUC ......................................................................... $ 5.806.24
Distribution Rate:
Tier 1 usage ........................................................................................................................$ 3.493.90
Tier 2 usage (All usage over 100% of Tier 1) .......................................................................8.149.11
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 -
Water Rate Schedules
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 70 of 112
GENERAL RESIDENTIAL WATER SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No W-1-2 Effective 7-1-20252026
dated 7-1-20242025 Sheet No W-1-2
Drought Surcharges (deactivated):
A drought surcharge will be added to the Customer’s applicable commodity rate for Tier 1 and Tier
2 Water usage when the City Council has determined that a Water reduction level is in effect for the
City as described in Section D.4. The drought surcharges in the table below are measured in dollars
per hundred cubic feet (ccf).
Water Usage
Reduction level Level 1 (10/15%) Level 2 (20%) Level 3 (25%)
Tier 1 0.20 0.43 0.64
Tier 2 0.58 1.21 1.85
Temporary Service – Developers
Temporary unmetered service to residential
subdivision developers, per connection ........................................................................ $ 6.00
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.
2. Commodity Rate
The Commodity Charge is based on the water delivery rate per the San Francisco Public
Utility Commission (SFPUC) Water Rate Schedule W-25: Wholesale Use with Long-Term
Contract. The Commodity Charge will be passed through automatically via periodic rate
adjustments to account for increases in wholesale water charges, as well as inflation. The
pass-through period will be effective for fiscal years 2025 through 2029, inclusive.
Customers will be provided notice of any adjustments via their billing statements or by any
other mailing by CPAU to the customer’s regular billing address.
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 -
Water Rate Schedules
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 71 of 112
GENERAL RESIDENTIAL WATER SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No W-1-3 Effective 7-1-20252026
dated 7-1-20242025 Sheet No W-1-3
3. Calculation of Usage Tiers
Tier 1 Water usage shall be calculated and billed based upon a level of 0.2 ccf per day
rounded to the nearest whole ccf, based on Meter reading days of Service. As an
example, for a 30-day bill, the Tier 1 level would be 0 through 6 ccf. For further
discussion of bill calculation and proration, refer to Rule and Regulation 11.
4. Drought Surcharge
During period of Water shortage or restrictions on local Water use, the City Council may,
by resolution, declare the need for citywide Water conservation at the 10/15%, 20% or
25% level. While such a resolution is in effect, a drought surcharge will apply. The
purpose of the drought surcharge is to recover revenues lost as a result of reduced
consumption.
{End}
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 -
Water Rate Schedules
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 72 of 112
WATER SERVICE FROM FIRE HYDRANTS
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-2
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No W-2-1 Effective 7-1-20252026
dated 7-1-20242025 Sheet No W-2-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to all Water taken from fire hydrants for construction, maintenance, and
other uses in conformance with provisions of a Hydrant Meter Permit.
B. TERRITORY:
This schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Water Service.
C. RATES:
1. Monthly Service Charge.
METER SIZE
5/8 inch ........................................................................................................................... $ 50.00
3 inch ........................................................................................................................... 125.00
2. Volumetric Rate: (per hundred cubic feet)
Commodity Rate:
Water Delivery Charge from SFPUC ................................................................ $ 5.806.24
Distribution Rate: .................................................................................................................$ 4.925.51
4. Drought Surcharges (deactivated):
A drought surcharge will be added to the Customer’s applicable Commodity rate when the City
Council has determined that a Water reduction level is in effect for the City as described in
Section D.6. The drought surcharges in the table below are measured in dollars per hundred
cubic feet (ccf).
Water Usage
Reduction level Level 1 (10/15%) Level 2 (20%) Level 3 (25%)
Surchar e 0.26 0.53 0.77
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 -
Water Rate Schedules
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 73 of 112
WATER SERVICE FROM FIRE HYDRANTS
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-2
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No W-2-2 Effective 7-1-20252026
dated 7-1-20242025 Sheet No W-2-2
D. SPECIAL NOTES:
1. Monthly charges shall include the applicable monthly Service Charge in addition to usage billed at
the commodity rate.
2. The Commodity Charge is based on the water delivery rate per the San Francisco Public Utility
Commission (SFPUC) Water Rate Schedule W-25: Wholesale Use with Long-Term Contract. The
Commodity Charge will be passed through automatically via periodic rate adjustments to account
for increases in wholesale water charges, as well as inflation. The pass-through period will be
effective for fiscal years 2025 through 2029, inclusive. Customers will be provided notice of any
adjustments via their billing statements or by any other mailing by CPAU to the customer’s regular
billing address.
3. Any person or company using a hydrant without first obtaining a valid Hydrant Meter Permit shall
pay a fee of $50.00 for each day of such use in addition to all other costs and fees provided in this
schedule. A hydrant permit may be denied or revoked for failure to pay such fee.
4. A Meter deposit of $750.00 may be charged any applicant for a Hydrant Meter Permit as a
prerequisite to the issuance of a permit and Meter(s). A charge of $50.00 per day will be added for
delinquent return of hydrant Meters. A fee will be charged for any Meter returned with missing or
damaged parts.
5. Any person or company using a fire hydrant improperly or without a permit, or who draws Water
from a hydrant without a Meter installed and properly recording usage shall, in addition to all other
applicable charges be subject to criminal prosecution pursuant to the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
6. During period of Water shortage or restrictions on local Water use, the City Council may, by
resolution, declare the need for citywide Water conservation at the 10/15%, 20% or 25% level.
While such a resolution is in effect, a drought surcharge will apply. The purpose of the drought
surcharge is to recover revenues lost as a result of reduced consumption.
{End}
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 -
Water Rate Schedules
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 37 Packet Pg. 74 of 112
FIRE SERVICE CONNECTIONS
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No W-3-1 Effective 7-1-20252026
dated 7-1-2024 2025 Sheet No W-3-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to all public fire hydrants and private fire Service connections.
B. TERRITORY:
This schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Water Service.
C. RATES:
1. Monthly Service Charges
Public Fire Hydrant .................................................................................................... $ 5.00
Private Fire Service:
2-inch connection .......................................................................................................$ 5.686.36
4-inch connection .......................................................................................................35.2239.44
6-inch connection ....................................................................................................... 102.32114.59
8-inch connection .......................................................................................................218.07244.23
10-inch connection .....................................................................................................392.19439.25
12-inch connection .....................................................................................................633.50709.52
2. Commodity (To be added to Service Charge unless Water is used for fire extinguishing or
testing purposes.)
Per Hundred Cubic Feet
All water usage ..........................................................................................................$ 10.00
D. SPECIAL NOTES:
1. Service under this schedule may be discontinued if Water is used for any purpose other
than fire extinguishing or testing and repairing the fire extinguishing facilities. Using
hydrants and fire Services for other purposes is illegal and will be subject to the
commodity charge as noted above, fines, and criminal prosecution pursuant to the Palo
Alto Municipal Code.
2. For a combination Water and fire Service, the Water Service schedule shall apply.
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 -
Water Rate Schedules
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 38 Packet Pg. 75 of 112
FIRE SERVICE CONNECTIONS
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No W-3-2 Effective 7-1-20252026
dated 7-1-2024 2025 Sheet No W-3-2
3. Utilities Rule and Regulation No. 21 provides additional information on Automatic Fire
Services.
4. Repairs and testing of fire extinguishing facilities are not considered unauthorized use of
Water if records and documentation are supplied by the Customer.
{End}
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 -
Water Rate Schedules
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 39 Packet Pg. 76 of 112
RESIDENTIAL MASTER-METERED AND
GENERAL NON-RESIDENTIAL WATER SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-4
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No W-4-1 Effective 7-1-20265
dated 7-1-20254 Sheet No W-4-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to Water Services to non-residential buildings, and multi-family residential
dwellings served through a Master-Meter.
B. TERRITORY:
This schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Water Service.
C. RATES:
Per Meter
Monthly Service Charge Per Month
For 5/8-inch meter .................................................................................... $ 24.1627.05
For 3/4-inch meter .................................................................................... 32.3136.18
For 1-inch meter .................................................................................... 48.5954.42
For 1 ½-inch meter .................................................................................... 89.2899.99
For 2-inch meter .................................................................................... 138.11154.68
For 3-inch meter .................................................................................... 292.75327.88
For 4-inch meter .................................................................................... 520.66583.13
For 6-inch meter ....................................................................................1,065.971,193.88
For 8-inch meter ....................................................................................1,961.282,196.63
For 10-inch meter ....................................................................................3,100.743,472.82
For 12-inch meter ....................................................................................4,077.454,566.74
Per Hundred
Cubic Feet
Volumetric Rates: (to be added to Service Charge, applicable to all pressure zones) Per Month
Commodity Rate:
Water Delivery Charge from SFPUC ...................................................... $ 5.806.24
Distribution Rate: ........................................................................................... 4.925.51
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 -
Water Rate Schedules
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 40 Packet Pg. 77 of 112
RESIDENTIAL MASTER-METERED AND
GENERAL NON-RESIDENTIAL WATER SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-4
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No W-4-2 Effective 7-1-20265
dated 7-1-20254 Sheet No W-4-2
Drought Surcharges (deactivated):
A drought surcharge will be added to the Customer’s applicable commodity rate when the City
Council has determined that a Water reduction level is in effect for the City as described in Section
D.3. The drought surcharges in the table below are measured in dollars per hundred cubic feet
(ccf).
Water Usage
Reduction level Level 1 (10/15%) Level 2 (20%) Level 3 (25%)
Surchar e 0.26 0.53 0.77
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.
2. Commodity Rate
The Commodity Charge is based on the water delivery rate per the San Francisco Public
Utility Commission (SFPUC) Water Rate Schedule W-25: Wholesale Use with Long-Term
Contract. The Commodity Charge will be passed through automatically via periodic rate
adjustments to account for increases in wholesale water charges, as well as inflation. The
pass-through period will be effective for fiscal years 2025 through 2029, inclusive.
Customers will be provided notice of any adjustments via their billing statements or by any
other mailing by CPAU to the customer’s regular billing address.
3. Drought Surcharge
During period of Water shortage or restrictions on local Water use, the City Council may,
by resolution, declare the need for citywide Water conservation at the 10/15%, 20% or
25% level. While such a resolution is in effect, a drought surcharge will apply. The
purpose of the drought surcharge is to recover revenues lost as a result of reduced
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 -
Water Rate Schedules
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 41 Packet Pg. 78 of 112
RESIDENTIAL MASTER-METERED AND
GENERAL NON-RESIDENTIAL WATER SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-4
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No W-4-3 Effective 7-1-20265
dated 7-1-20254 Sheet No W-4-3
consumption.
{End}
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 -
Water Rate Schedules
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 42 Packet Pg. 79 of 112
NON-RESIDENTIAL IRRIGATION WATER SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-7
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No W-7-1 Effective 7-1-20252026
dated 7-1-20254 Sheet No W-7-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to non-residential Water Service supplying dedicated irrigation Meters.
B. TERRITORY:
This schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Water Services.
C. RATES:
Per Meter
Monthly Service Charge Per Month
For 5/8-inch meter .................................................................................... $ 24.1627.05
For 3/4-inch meter .................................................................................... 32.3136.18
For 1-inch meter .................................................................................... 48.5954.42
For 1 1/2 inch meter .................................................................................... 89.2899.99
For 2-inch meter .................................................................................... 138.11154.68
For 3-inch meter .................................................................................... 292.75327.88
For 4-inch meter .................................................................................... 520.66583.13
For 6-inch meter ....................................................................................1,065.971,193.88
For 8-inch meter ....................................................................................1,961.282,196.63
For 10-inch meter ....................................................................................3,100.743,472.82
For 12-inch meter ....................................................................................4,077.454.566.74
Per Hundred
Cubic Feet
Volumetric Rates: (to be added to Service Charge, applicable to all pressure zones) Per Month
Commodity Rate:
Water Delivery Charge from SFPUC ........................................................... $ 5.806.24
Distribution Rate: ..................................................................................................... 7.498.38
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 -
Water Rate Schedules
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 43 Packet Pg. 80 of 112
NON-RESIDENTIAL IRRIGATION WATER SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-7
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No W-7-2 Effective 7-1-20252026
dated 7-1-20254 Sheet No W-7-2
Drought Surcharges (deactivated):
A drought surcharge will be added to the Customer’s applicable commodity rate when the City
Council has determined that a Water reduction level is in effect for the City as described in Section
D.3. The drought surcharges in the table below are measured in dollars per hundred cubic feet (ccf).
Water Usage
Reduction level Level 1 (10/15%) Level 2 (20%) Level 3 (25%)
Surchar e 0.53 1.25 2.02
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.
2. Commodity Rate
The Commodity Charge is based on the water delivery rate per the San Francisco Public
Utility Commission (SFPUC) Water Rate Schedule W-25: Wholesale Use with Long-Term
Contract. The Commodity Charge will be passed through automatically via periodic rate
adjustments to account for increases in wholesale water charges, as well as inflation. The
pass-through period will be effective for fiscal years 2025 through 2029, inclusive.
Customers will be provided notice of any adjustments via their billing statements or by any
other mailing by CPAU to the customer’s regular billing address.
3. Drought Surcharge
During period of Water shortage or restrictions on local Water use, the City Council may,
by resolution, declare the need for citywide Water conservation at the 10/15%, 20% or
25% level. While such a resolution is in effect, a drought surcharge will apply. The
purpose of the drought surcharge is to recover revenues lost as a result of reduced
consumption.
{End}
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 1 -
Water Rate Schedules
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 44 Packet Pg. 81 of 112
1 FISCAL YEAR FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031
2 Projected
3 WATER SUPPLY
4 Purchases (CCF)4,757,199 4,785,384 4,709,184 4,210,399 4,419,628 4,543,561 4,427,313 4,510,198 4,433,345 4,343,393 4,266,317 4,235,350
5 Sales (CCF)4,670,827 4,770,922 4,458,594 3,866,832 4,146,876 4,275,199 4,171,209 4,203,938 4,132,304 4,048,459 3,976,617 3,947,753
6
7 BILL AND RATE CHANGES
8 Variable Charge (Supply)0%0%0%16%10%9%2%8%7%3%2%4%
9 Residential Variable Charge (Distribution)1%0%0%4%2%10%17%12%12%14%9%7%
10 System Average Rate 1%0%0%5%5%10%10%10%10%10%7%6%
11 Average Customer Bill (projected)10%10%10%10%7%6%
12
13 STARTING RESERVES
14 Reappropriations (Non-CIP)258,000 70,000 41,000 - - - - - - - - -
15 Commitments (Non-CIP)442,000 796,000 444,000 1,766,000 2,737,000 2,663,000 776,447 - - - - -
16 Restricted for Debt Service 3,260,000 3,260,000 2,906,000 2,906,000 2,813,000 2,678,000 2,552,181 2,552,181 2,552,181 2,552,181 2,552,181 2,552,181
17 Emergency Plant Replacement - - - - - - - - - - - -
18 Reappropriations & Commitments 15,090,505 11,036,000 10,147,000 12,168,000 16,066,000 12,245,000 6,026,222 4,452,820 - - - -
19 Capital Reserve 2,726,096 5,726,096 10,082,345 9,546,942 6,961,000 3,500,000 3,500,000 9,000,000 11,000,000 11,000,000 11,000,000 13,000,000
20 Rate Stabilization Reserve 4,069,437 9,069,437 9,069,437 9,069,437 6,069,000 4,000,000 4,000,437 4,000,437 3,000,437 2,000,437 1,000,437 437
21 Operations Reserve 12,839,358 13,664,023 14,081,995 13,829,986 7,957,000 7,076,000 16,351,229 12,175,184 13,545,617 12,170,757 13,962,545 15,419,123
22 Unassigned 7,384,714 5,171,932 6,263,962 162,355 - - - - - - - -
23 TOTAL STARTING RESERVES 46,070,109 48,793,488 53,035,739 49,448,720 42,603,000 32,162,000 33,206,517 32,180,623 30,098,236 27,723,375 28,515,164 30,971,742
24
25 REVENUES
26 Net Sales 47,136,524 47,434,047 44,058,867 42,570,047 48,085,282 54,456,483 57,398,178 63,650,463 69,063,693 74,409,802 77,937,940 81,923,898
27 Other Revenues and Transfers In 3,927,307 3,294,442 2,950,590 2,620,375 3,876,773 4,118,608 3,499,035 3,438,431 4,749,265 4,797,881 4,834,401 4,870,596
28 TOTAL REVENUES 51,063,831 50,728,489 47,009,457 45,190,422 51,962,056 58,575,091 60,897,213 67,088,894 73,812,958 79,207,682 82,772,341 86,794,493
29
30 EXPENSES
31 Water Purchases 21,773,295 21,935,250 21,248,651 21,744,025 24,651,258 27,856,127 27,610,334 29,983,842 31,506,321 31,869,610 32,092,636 33,202,220
32 Operating Expenses
33 Administration
34 Allocated Charges 3,751,618 3,848,781 4,181,415 4,176,701 5,236,342 4,456,214 4,991,285 5,165,275 5,320,233 5,479,840 5,644,236 5,813,563
35 Rent 1,904,070 2,225,372 2,270,000 2,365,000 2,483,250 2,243,500 2,310,800 2,410,164 2,482,469 2,556,943 2,633,652 2,712,661
36 Debt Service 3,220,638 3,222,843 3,219,993 3,222,938 3,220,173 3,219,316 3,219,331 2,563,683 2,565,598 2,563,503 2,566,323 2,563,493
37 Transfers and Other Adjustments 474,953 267,645 137,903 945,092 1,822,487 67,340 1,333,007 1,484,566 1,147,680 1,036,122 1,171,775 1,123,320
38 Subtotal, Administration 9,351,279 9,564,641 9,809,311 10,709,731 12,762,252 9,986,370 11,854,422 11,623,689 11,515,981 11,636,409 12,015,986 12,213,037
39 Resource Management 1,159,106 1,215,567 1,261,514 1,590,945 1,427,567 1,105,116 1,383,954 1,432,654 1,475,633 1,519,902 1,565,499 1,612,464
40 Operations and Mtc 7,010,251 7,400,625 7,195,632 7,531,468 9,121,406 8,616,998 10,077,228 10,279,613 10,838,002 11,163,142 11,498,036 11,842,977
41 Engineering (Operating)401,902 662,832 492,438 508,307 637,696 652,361 1,051,982 1,333,790 1,373,803 1,415,017 1,457,468 1,501,192
42 Customer Service 1,865,571 2,053,820 2,058,662 2,272,586 2,541,599 2,663,930 2,997,389 2,995,953 3,085,832 3,178,406 3,273,759 3,371,971
43 Allowance for Unspent Budget - -- -- - - - - - - -
43 Subtotal, Operatin Expenses (Excludin Purchases)19,788,109 20,897,485 20,817,557 22,613,037 26,490,520 23,024,776 27,364,976 27,665,698 28,289,251 28,912,877 29,810,747 30,541,641
44 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 41,561,404 42,832,735 42,066,208 44,357,062 51,141,778 50,880,904 54,975,310 57,649,540 59,795,571 60,782,487 61,903,384 63,743,861
45
46 Capital Contributions^6,737,917 4,356,249 10,015,866 12,432,100 4,766,278 6,245,118 10,097,948 9,068,921 16,392,247 17,633,407 20,412,380 22,368,203
47 TOTAL EXPENSES 48,299,320 47,188,984 52,082,074 56,789,162 55,908,056 57,126,022 65,073,258 66,718,461 76,187,818 78,415,894 82,315,763 86,112,065
48
49 ENDING RESERVES
50 Reappropriations (Non-CIP)70,000 41,000 - - - - - - - - - -
Actual
Attachment A, Exhibit 2
Item 2Attachment A, Exhibit 2 - Water UtilityFinancial and CIP Details
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 45 Packet Pg. 82 of 112
51 Commitments (Non-CIP)796,000 444,000 1,766,000 2,737,000 2,663,000 776,447 - - - - - -
52 Restricted for Debt Service 3,260,000 2,906,000 2,906,000 2,813,000 2,678,000 2,552,181 2,552,181 2,552,181 2,552,181 2,552,181 2,552,181 2,552,181
53 Emergency Plant Replacement - - - - - - - - - - - -
54 Reappropriations & Commitments 11,036,000 10,147,000 12,168,000 16,066,000 12,245,000 6,026,222 4,452,820 4,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000
55 Capital Reserve 5,726,096 10,082,345 9,546,942 6,961,000 3,500,000 3,500,000 9,000,000 11,000,000 11,000,000 11,000,000 13,000,000 19,300,000
56 Rate Stabilization Reserve 9,069,437 9,069,437 9,069,437 6,069,000 4,000,000 4,000,437 4,000,437 3,000,437 2,000,437 1,000,437 437 437
57 Operations Reserve 13,664,023 14,081,995 13,829,986 7,957,000 7,076,000 16,351,229 12,175,184 13,545,617 12,170,757 13,962,545 15,419,123 16,101,552
58 Unassigned 5,171,932 6,263,962 162,355 - - - - - - - - -
59 TOTAL ENDING RESERVES 48,793,488 53,035,739 49,448,720 42,603,000 32,162,000 33,206,517 32,180,623 34,098,236 30,723,375 31,515,164 33,971,742 40,954,171
60 ^ Capital Program Contribution represents CIP funding transferred from the Operations Reserve to the CIP Reserve beginning in FY 2021
61 OPERATIONS RESERVE
62 Min (60 days of non-capital expenses)6,832,012 7,040,997 6,914,993 7,291,572 8,406,868 8,363,984 9,037,037 9,476,637 9,829,409 9,991,642 10,175,899 10,478,443
63 Target (90 days of non-capital expenses)10,248,017 10,561,496 10,372,490 10,937,358 12,610,301 12,545,976 13,555,556 14,214,955 14,744,113 14,987,462 15,263,848 15,717,664
64 Max (120 days of non-capital expenses)13,664,023 14,081,995 13,829,986 14,583,144 16,813,735 16,727,968 18,074,075 18,953,273 19,658,818 19,983,283 20,351,797 20,956,886
65
66 Bond Covenants
67 Available Reserves (5x Maximum Annual Debt Service)*15.9 14.5 8.1 5.8 6.7 7.4
*Available Reserves consist of the Rate Stabilization Reserves of the Water, Gas, and Electric Funds and the Electric S ecial Pro ects Reserve Calaveras . Maximum Annual Debt Service is on outstandin debt of the Water,
Gas and Electric s stems.
Attachment A, Exhibit 2
Item 2Attachment A, Exhibit 2 - Water UtilityFinancial and CIP Details
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 46 Packet Pg. 83 of 112
1 Project # Project Name
Reappropriated & Carried
Forward from Previous Years
& Accruals (A)
Current Year
Budget (B)
Current Year
Estimate (C)
Current Year
Funding
Reappropriation at
FY26 YE
Transfer to CIP
Reserve FY26 YE
FY 2027 (Budget)
Estimate FY27 Funding FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031
2 ONE TIME PROJECTS 7 20 21 27 40 41 42 43 44
3 WS-09000 Seismic Water System 1,560,518 2,691,092 300,000 - 100,000 2,391,092 100,000 - 550,000 8,776,512 - 7,776,412
4 WS-27001 Arastradero Creek Relocation - - - - - - 683,186 683,186 800,000 1,400,000 - -
5 WS-27000 Water System Master Plan - - - - - - 150,000 150,000 600,000 - - -
6 Subtotal, One-time Projects 1,560,518 2,691,092 300,000 - 100,000 2,391,092 933,186 833,186 1,950,000 10,176,512 - 7,776,412
7 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
8 WS-14001 WMR - Project 28 - - - - - - - - - - - -
9 WS-15002 WMR - Project 29 5,700 5,700 5,700 - - - - - - - - -
10 WS-16001 WMR - Project 30 746,279 4,366,839 4,632 - 3,500,000 862,207 3,500,000 - - - - -
11 WS-19001 WMR - Project 31 - 411,030 - - - 411,030 - - 5,450,000 - - -
12 WS-20000 WMR - Project 32 - - - - - - - - - 524,507 11,056,610 -
13 WS-20001 WMR - Project 33 - - - - - - - - - - - 582,683
14 Subtotal, Water Main Replacement Prog. 751,979 4,783,569 10,332 - 3,500,000 1,273,237 3,500,000 - 5,450,000 524,507 11,056,610 582,683
15 Project # Project Name
Reappropriated / Carried
Forward from Previous Years
Current Year
(Budget) Estimate
Current Year
Estimate (C)
Current Year
Funding
Reappropriation
FY26
Transfer to CIP
Reserve FY26
FY 2027 (Budget)
Estimate FY27 Funding FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031
16 ONGOING PROJECTS
17 WS-02014 W-G-W Utility GIS Da 18,180 517,340 340,000 321,820 177,340 - 701,860 524,520 517,280 398,620 632,400 666,550
18 WS-11003 Water Distribution S 150,002 438,122 151,939 1,937 96,300 189,883 370,000 273,700 520,000 250,000 250,000 263,500
19 WS-11004 Water Supply Sys Imp 3,417,984 3,753,814 335,181 - 374,550 2,444,083 694,000 319,450 2,489,000 1,000,000 800,000 843,200
20 WS-13002 Water Fusion and Gen 50,000 96,300 96,300 46,300 - - 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000
21 WS-80014 Water Hydrant and Va - 389,050 200,000 200,000 50,000 139,050 420,290 370,290 399,270 308,270 489,056 515,465
22 WS-80015 Water Meters 62,643 376,734 45,000 - 154,630 177,104 500,000 345,370 500,000 284,550 450,722 475,061
23 WS-26000 Water Fund S&B - 1,581,140 1,581,140 1,581,140 - - 1,597,122 1,597,122 1,634,390 1,681,088 1,710,551 1,802,921
24 Subtotal, Ongoing Projects 3,698,809 7,152,500 2,749,560 2,151,197 852,820 2,950,120 4,333,272 3,480,452 6,109,940 3,972,528 4,382,729 4,616,696
25 CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS (FEE FUNDED)
26 WS-80013 Water System Extensions 14,917 956,908 956,908 941,991 - - 1,185,308 1,185,308 1,265,232 1,294,274 1,257,487 1,325,391
27 Subtotal, Customer Connections 14,917 956,908 956,908 941,991 1,185,308 1,185,308 1,265,232 1,294,274 1,257,487 1,325,391
28 GRAND TOTAL 6,026,223 15,584,069 4,016,801 3,093,189 4,452,820 6,614,449 9,951,766 5,498,946 14,775,173 15,967,821 16,696,825 14,301,182
29 Total w/o S&B 14,002,929 2,435,660 1,512,048 8,354,644 3,901,824 13,140,782 14,286,733 14,986,275 12,498,262
30 Funding Sources
31 Connection/Capacity Fees 923,612 1,185,308 1,185,308 1,265,232 1,294,274 1,257,487 1,325,391
32 Other Utility Funds (Asset Mgmt, GIS Systems)226,667 467,907 - 344,853 265,747 421,600 444,366
33 Utility Rates 1,942,910 8,298,551 4,313,638 13,165,087 14,407,800 15,017,739 12,531,425
35 Enterprise Transfers In/Out for CIP Projects
36 WS-02014 W-G-W Utility GIS Data Gas utility transfer in (1/3 cost) 113,333 233,953 172,427 132,873 210,800 222,183
37 Wastewater Utility transfer in (1/3 cost) 113,333 233,953 172,427 132,873 210,800 222,183
38 Total transfers in 226,667 467,907 344,853 265,747 421,600 444,366
39 GS-25001 Design and Repair at Arastradero Cree Water Transfer out 333,186 350,000
40 EL-11014 Smart Grid Technology (AMI)Water Transfer out 610,000 610,000 610,000 610,000 610,000 610,000
41 Total transfers out 943,186 960,000 610,000 610,000 610,000 610,000
Item 2Attachment A, Exhibit 2 - Water UtilityFinancial and CIP Details
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 47 Packet Pg. 84 of 112
Attachment A, Exhibit 3
WATER UTILITY RESERVES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
The following reserves management practices shall be used when developing the Water 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, for the Water Utility Financial Plan delivered in conjunction with the FY 2015 budget,
FY 2015 to FY 2021 is 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. Reserves
The Water Utility’s Fund Balance is reserved for the following purposes:
a) For existing contracts, as described in Section 3 (Reserve for Commitments)
b) For operating and capital budgets re-appropriated from previous years, as described in Section 4 (Reserve for Re-
appropriations)
c) For cash flow management and contingencies related to the Water Utility’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP),
as described in Section 5 (CIP Reserve)
d) For rate stabilization, as described in Section 6 (Rate Stabilization Reserve)
e) For operating contingencies, as described in Section 7 (Operations Reserve)
f) 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 8 (Unassigned Reserves).
Section 3. Reserve for Commitments
At the end of each fiscal year the Reserve for Commitments will be set to an amount equal to the total remaining
spending authority for all contracts in force for the Water Utility at that time.
Section 4. Reserve for Re-appropriations
At the end of each fiscal year the Reserve for Re-appropriations will be set to an amount equal to the amount of all
remaining capital and non-capital budgets, if any, that will be re-appropriated to the following fiscal year in accordance
with Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.28.090.
Section 5. CIP Reserve
The CIP Reserve is used to manage cash flow for capital projects and acts as a reserve for capital contingencies. Staff
will manage the CIP Reserve according to the following practices:
a) The following guideline levels are set forth for the CIP Reserve. These guideline levels are calculated for each fiscal
year of the Financial Planning Period and approved by Council resolution.
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Attachment A, Exhibit 3 -
Water Reserve
Management Practices FY27
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 48 Packet Pg. 85 of 112
Attachment A, Exhibit 3
Minimum Level 20% of the maximum CIP Reserve guideline level
Maximum Level Average annual (12 month)1 CIP budget, for 48
months of budgeted CIP expenses2
b) Changes in Reserves: Staff is authorized to transfer funds between the CIP Reserve and the Reserve for
Commitments when funds are added or removed from to that reserve as a result of a change in contractual
commitments related to CIP projects. Any other additions to or withdrawals from the CIP reserve require Council
action.
c) Minimum Level: If, at the end of any fiscal year, the minimum guideline is not met, staff shall present a plan to the
City Council to replenish the reserve. The plan shall be delivered by the end of the following fiscal year, and shall,
at a minimum, result in the reserve reaching its minimum level by the end of the next fiscal year. For example, if
the CIP Reserve is below its minimum level at the end of FY 2017, staff must present a plan by June 30, 2018 to
return the reserve to its minimum level by June 30, 2019. In addition, staff may present, and the Council may
adopt, an alternative plan that takes longer than one year to replenish the reserve, or that does so in a shorter
period of time.
d) Maximum Level: If there are funds in this reserve in excess of the maximum level staff must propose in the next
Financial Plan to transfer these funds to another reserve, return the funds to ratepayers, or designate a specific
use of the funds for CIP investments that will be made by the end of the next Financial Planning Period. Staff may
also seek City Council to approve holding funds in this reserve in excess of the maximum level if they are held for
a specific future purpose related to the CIP.
Section 6. 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. 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 Water
Utility Financial Plan must result in the withdrawal of all funds from this Reserve by the end of the next Financial
Planning Period. The Council may approve exceptions to this requirement, when proposed by staff to provide
greater rate stabilization to customers.
Section 7. Operations Reserve
The Operations Reserve is used to manage normal variations in costs and as a reserve for contingencies. Any portion
of the Water Utility’s Fund Balance not included in the reserves described in Section 3-Section 6 above will be included
in the Operations Reserve unless this reserve has reached its maximum level as set forth in Section 7(d) below. Staff
will manage the Operations Reserve according to the following practices:
a) The following guideline levels are set forth for the Operations Reserve. These guideline levels are calculated for
each fiscal year of the Financial Planning Period based on the levels of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and
commodity expense forecasted for that year in the Financial Plan.
Minimum Level 60 days of O&M and commodity expense
Target Level 90 days of O&M and commodity expense
Maximum Level 120 days of O&M and commodity expense
b) Minimum Level: If, at the end of any fiscal year, the funds remaining in the Operations Reserve are lower than the
minimum level set forth above, staff shall present a plan to the City Council to replenish the reserve. The plan shall
1 Each month is calculated based upon 1/12 of the annual budget.
2 For example, in the Financial Plan for FY 2021, the 48 month period to use to derive the annual average is FY
2021 through FY 2024. In the FY 2022 Financial Plan, the 48 month period to use to derive the annual average
would be FY 2022 through FY 2025 etc.
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Attachment A, Exhibit 3 -
Water Reserve
Management Practices FY27
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 49 Packet Pg. 86 of 112
Attachment A, Exhibit 3
be delivered within six months of the end of the fiscal year, and shall, at a minimum, result in the reserve reaching
its minimum level by the end of the following fiscal year. For example, if the Operations Reserve is below its
minimum level at the end of FY 2014, staff must present a plan by December 31, 2014 to return the reserve to its
minimum level by June 30, 2015. In addition, staff may present, and the Council may adopt, an alternative plan
that takes longer than one year to replenish the reserve.
c) Target Level: If, at the end of any fiscal year, the Operations Reserve is higher or lower than the target level, any
Financial Plan created for the Water Utility shall be designed to return the Operations Reserve to its target level
within four years.
d) Maximum Level: If, at any time, the Operations Reserve reaches its maximum level, no funds may be added to this
reserve. Any further increase in the Water Utility’s Fund Balance shall be automatically included in the Unassigned
Reserve described in Section 8, below.
Section 8. Unassigned Reserve
If the Operations Reserve reaches its maximum level, any further additions to the Water 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 Water 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 2021, 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.
Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 3 -
Water Reserve
Management Practices FY27
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 50 Packet Pg. 87 of 112
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN/SAMPLES
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 water utility communications strategy covers these primary areas:
recently implemented cost containment measures, cost drivers for rate increases, including
operations and capital improvement, commodity costs, reserve balances, utility bill comparisons,
and efficiency programs and services to help keep utility bill costs low. The City of Palo Alto
Utilities (CPAU) communication methods include use of the utilities website, utility bill inserts,
messaging on utility bills, MyCPAU online account management platform, email newsletters,
print and digital ads in local publications, social media, community messaging platforms, and
through direct mailings of the Home Water Reports and online WaterSmart portal.
As a not for profit public utility, CPAU must recover its costs primarily through revenue
generated by rates. Any increased supply costs are passed through rates to CPAU customers,
including for capital improvement. The cost to deliver water supply to Palo Alto and for CPAU to
distribute water to customers is high, as it includes maintaining and replacing water
infrastructure, customer service, billing, and administration.
CPAU’s communication about water utility rates will focus on the forecasted increase in costs
passed down from Palo Alto’s water supplier, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
(SFPUC), ongoing capital improvement and infrastructure upgrades, and what CPAU is doing to
keep costs down. Maintaining water pipes, mains, and service connections is necessary to
prevent leaks, which cost the utility and rate payers money, and prevents damage to
infrastructure which could exacerbate safety and reliability concerns in the long term.
CPAU promotes water use efficiency programs and easy water-saving behaviors to aid in our
water saving efforts and help customers keep utility costs low. Messaging reinforces that
although rates may increase, efficient usage can help customers avoid seeing a significant water
cost increase on the utility bill.
Staff maintain a dedicated webpage at cityofpaloalto.org/ratesoverview to provide an overview
on all utility rates, costs to the utility, updates to financial forecasts and proposed rate changes.
While print materials such as bill inserts and ads feature prominently, CPAU is exploring
additional ways to communicate directly to customers utilizing unique programs like the
relatively new WaterSmart portal and Home Water Reports, in addition to the near real-time
water usage data provided by new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and the ability to
send customers alerts about high water usage. Staff continue to maintain an active presence in
social media and information sharing through citywide email newsletters. Staff attend
community outreach events and host educational workshops on these related topics.
Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 4 -
Water Utility
Communications Plan and
Samples
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 51 Packet Pg. 88 of 112
Item 2
Attachment A, Exhibit 4 -
Water Utility
Communications Plan and
Samples
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 52 Packet Pg. 89 of 112
Finance Committee
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Public Works
Meeting Date: March 17, 2026
Report #:2601-5866
TITLE
Recommendation to the City Council to Adopt a Resolution Amending the Utility Rate Schedule
R-1 for Residential Refuse Collection and Utility Rate Schedule R-C for Commercial Refuse
Collection Reflecting a 3.0 Percent Rate Increase for Fiscal Year 2027; CEQA status – Exempt
under Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(8) and CEQA Guidelines 15378(b)(4)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Finance Committee recommend that the City Council:
1. Approve and authorize a 3.0 percent rate increase to Refuse rates; and
2. Adopt the resolution amending current Utility Rate Schedule R-1 for Residential Refuse
Collection and Utility Rate Schedule R-C for Commercial Refuse Collection.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed 3% Refuse rate adjustment for Fiscal Year 2027 will align the solid waste
revenues with the projected costs of providing refuse services and reduce reliance on the Rate
Stabilization Reserve.
BACKGROUND
Refuse rates are designed to recover the City’s costs of collecting, transporting, processing,
recycling, composting, and disposing of materials collected curbside, as well as providing
extensive waste diversion services, and compliance with State and local regulatory
requirements. The rates are based on the customer level of container size subscription, which
provides a comprehensive suite of essential services including the following:
Garbage Service: weekly curbside collection of the black garbage container, processing
the garbage at the GreenWaste Recovery Material Recovery Facility in San Jose, and
landfilling the residual at the Monterey Regional Waste Management District Landfill.
Recycling Service: weekly curbside collection of the blue recycling container and sorting
the recyclables into saleable commodities at the GreenWaste Recovery Charles Street
Recycling Material Recovery Facility in San Jose.
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Compost Service: weekly curbside collection of the green compost container and
processing and anaerobic digestion of yard trimmings and food scraps at the Zero Waste
Energy Development facility in north San Jose to produce compost and energy.
Street Sweeping Service: weekly street sweeping services during the leaf season and bi-
weekly sweeping the rest of the year.
Clean Up Day: pre-scheduled twice a year collection of large bulky items, extra
contained garbage, recyclables and yard trimmings, and collection of reusable items,
clothing and books.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) service: weekly collection program at the HHW
Station located at the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant.
Palo Alto Landfill post closure maintenance and monitoring: ongoing maintenance and
monitoring at the closed Palo Alto Landfill.
Miscellaneous other programs such as home composting, permanent compost giveaway
station, zero waste events, outreach, utility billing, Zero Waste compliance programs,
and compliance with State and local regulatory requirements such as SB 1383.
The Refuse Fund has not adjusted commercial rates since Fiscal Year 20171 and residential rates
since Fiscal Year 20182 while continuing to provide these essential services and programs. To
maintain service levels during this period without raising rates, the City has relied on the Refuse
Fund’s Rate Stabilization Reserve (RSR).
ANALYSIS
The proposed 3% Refuse rate adjustment is needed for Fiscal Year 2027 to better reconcile the
solid waste revenues with the projected costs of providing refuse services and to minimize
reliance on the RSR. Staff reviewed the City’s costs of providing refuse collection services and
determined that the 3% increase will not exceed those costs. However, staff is conducting a
more detailed cost of service analysis and comprehensive review of future financial needs and
reserve requirements, and will use the results to confirm cost allocation to inform next year’s
rate-setting actions.
The attached resolution (Attachment A) amending current Utility Rate Schedule R-1 for
Residential Refuse Rates (Attachment B) and Utility Rate Schedule R-C for Commercial Refuse
1 City Council, June 13, 2016; Agenda Item #9; SR #6932
2 City Council, June 19, 2017; Agenda Item 14; SR #8171
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Rates (Attachment C) implements a 3% percent rate increase across all sectors in Fiscal Year
2027 to provide sufficient funds to meet increasing operating expenses, increased expenses
related to the cost-of-living adjustments based on multiple indices required in the City’s solid
waste contracts, including GreenWaste of Palo Alto and GreenWaste Recovery contracts which
account for 76% of fund expenses, increased cost for street sweeping and the post-closure
monitoring of the City’s closed landfill, and to reduce the reliance on the Refuse Fund RSR.
Table 1: Current Residential and Proposed Rate Change in Fiscal Year 2027
Container Size Current Monthly Rates Proposed FY2027
Monthly Rates
Change
($)
20-gallon $27.81 $28.64 $0.83
32-gallon $50.07 $51.57 $1.50
64-gallon $100.15 $103.15 $3.00
96-gallon $150.22 $154.72 $4.50
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Table 2: Regional Residential Monthly Rate Comparison, Fiscal Year 2026 Rates
City X-Small
(20-24 gal
cart)
Diff vs Palo
Alto
($)
% Diff vs
Palo Alto
Small
(32-35 gal
cart)
Diff vs Palo
Alto
($)
% Diff vs
Palo Alto
Palo Alto $27.81 $50.07
Campbell $42.55 $14.74 53%$52.68 $2.61 5%
Cupertino $43.48 $15.67 56%$46.24 -$3.83 -8%
Hayward $31.20 $3.39 12%$45.59 -$4.48 -9%
Los Altos $49.89 $22.08 79%$53.75 $3.68 7%
Los Altos Hills $44.67 $16.86 61%$62.27 $12.20 24%
Los Gatos $45.94 $18.13 65%$57.22 $7.15 14%
Menlo Park $50.31 $22.50 81%$58.64 $8.57 17%
Monte Sereno $53.33 $25.52 92%$66.33 $16.26 32%
Mountain View $37.55 $9.74 35%$50.05 -$0.02 0%
Redwood City $44.87 $17.06 61%$58.86 $8.79 18%
San Jose N/A ——$54.51 $4.44 9%
Santa Clara $43.89 $16.08 58%$53.68 $3.61 7%
Saratoga $46.98 $19.17 69%$58.33 $8.26 16%
Sunnyvale*N/A ——$41.98 -$8.09 -16%
Average $43.27 $15.46 $54.01 $3.94
Palo Alto’s
rates compared
to average rate
-36%-7%
*Split cart
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The proposed 3% increase in rates is expected to increase annual rate revenue to the Refuse
Fund by $1,005,186 compared to current Fiscal Year 2026 year-end estimated revenues and, if
recommended, the proposed revenue adjustment will be reflected in the Public Works
Department Refuse Fund Fiscal Year 2027 proposed Operating Budget.
Table 3 shows the Refuse Fund RSR balance for fiscal years 2025 through 2027. This projection
models the recommended 3% rate increase in Fiscal Year 2027. The RSR balance, as shown in
Table 3, is projected to decline in Fiscal Year 2026 as a result of increased routine operating
contract expenses, extra street sweeping in areas with parked oversized vehicles, as well as one-
time increased expenses related to the GreenWaste of Palo Alto contract amendment approved
by City Council in December 2025. Operating revenues, expenses, and the RSR are being
evaluated through a comprehensive cost of service analysis. Upon completion, the results will be
presented to the Finance Committee for review and recommendations to City Council.
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Table 3: Refuse Fund Summary and Budget Forecast
Budget Category in Millions FY 2025
Actuals
FY 2026
Estimate
FY 2027
Estimate
Rate Stabilization Reserves
(beginning)
16.5 15.5 10.8
Revenues 34.2 33.5 34.5
Expenses 35.2 35.5 36.1
Operating Income (1.0)(2.0)(1.6)
Other Changes to Reserves (2.7)(0.6)
Rate Stabilization Reserves
(ending)
15.5 10.8 8.6
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Community stakeholders will receive a mailed notification, as required by Proposition 218, 45
days before the City Council date in June.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of changes to the refuse rate schedule is exempt from CEQA under Public Resources
Code section 21080(b)(8) because it consists entirely of the establishment, modification,
structuring, restructuring, or approval of rates, tolls, fares, or other charges necessary to (1)
meet operating expenses, (2) purchase or lease supplies, equipment or materials, (3) meet
financial reserve needs and requirements, or (4) obtain funds for capital projects necessary to
maintain service within the City’s existing service area. This action is also not subject to CEQA
under CEQA Guidelines 15378(b)(4), because it is a government fiscal activity that does not
involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant
physical impact on the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution Amending Current Residential Rate Schedule R-1 and Current
Commercial Rate Schedule R-C
Attachment B: Residential Rate Schedule R-1 to be effective July 1, 2026
Attachment C: Commercial Rate Schedule R-C to be effective July 1, 2026
APPROVED BY:
Brad Eggleston, Director Public Works/City Engineer
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1
0290192_20260302_ms29
Resolution No. ______
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending the
Utility Rate Schedules R-1 and R-C to Increase Refuse Rate for
Fiscal Year 2027
R E C I T A L S
A. Pursuant to Chapter 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the City Council
may by resolution adopt rules and regulations governing utility services and the fees and
charges therefor; and
B. The City has considered the need for an adjustment in refuse collection rates to
reconcile the solid waste revenues with the projected costs of providing refuse services and to
minimize reliance on the Refuse Fund Rate Stabilization Reserve levels and has determined that
the proposed refuse collection rates do not exceed the costs of providing refuse collection
services; and
C. Pursuant to Article XIIID Sec. 6 of the California Constitution and Government
Code Section 53755, on June 15, 2026 the Council of the City of Palo Alto held a full and fair public
hearing to consider all protests against the proposed refuse rate fee increases; and
D. As required by Article XIII D, Section 6 of the California Constitution and applicable
law, notice of the June 15, 2026 public hearing was mailed to all City of Palo Alto Utilities refuse
customers and property owners by May 1, 2026; and
E. The total number of written protests submitted by parcels receiving refuse
collection services, prior to the close of the public hearing, was less than fifty percent (50%) of
the total number of parcels subject to the proposed refuse rate fee increases.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate
Schedule R-1 (Domestic Refuse Collection) is hereby amended to read in accordance with Sheets
R-1-1, R-1-2 attached hereto and incorporated herein. The foregoing Utility Rate Schedule R-1,
as amended, shall become effective on July 1, 2026.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate
Schedule R-C (Commercial Refuse Collection) is hereby amended to read in accordance with
Sheets R-C-1, R-C-2, R-C-3, R-C-4, R-C-5, R-C-6, and R-C-7, attached hereto and incorporated
herein. The foregoing Utility Rate Schedule R-C, as amended, shall become effective on July 1,
2026.
Item 3
Attachment A - Resolution
Amending Current
Residential Rate Schedule R-
1 and Current Commercial
Rate Schedule R-C
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 95 of 112
2
0290192_20260302_ms29
SECTION 3. The Council finds that the revenue derived from the authorized
adjustments of the refuse collection rates shall be used only for the purposes set forth in Article
VII, Section 2, of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto.
SECTION 4. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution changing the Utility
Rate Schedules R-1 and R-C 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. 15378(b)(4). 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:
__________________________ _____________________________
City Attorney or Designee City Manager
_____________________________
Director of Public Works / City Engineer
_____________________________
Director of Administrative Services
Item 3
Attachment A - Resolution
Amending Current
Residential Rate Schedule R-
1 and Current Commercial
Rate Schedule R-C
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 96 of 112
DOMESTIC REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1726
Supersedes Rate Schedule R-1 dated
7-01-1617 Sheet No. R-1-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to each occupied domestic dwelling as required by City ordinance, including
separate single-family domestic dwelling and multi-unit dwellings (4 units or less). An occupied
dwelling unit is defined as any home, apartment unit, cottage, flat or duplex unit, having kitchen,
bath, and sleeping facilities, and to which gas or electric service is being rendered.
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City.
The refuse rates below provide weekly collection, processing and disposal of materials properly
deposited in the number of garbage containers indicated below, as well as weekly collection and
processing of recyclables from blue carts (standard service includes one 64-gallon blue cart),
weekly collection and processing of compostables (yard trimmings, food scraps, and food soiled
paper) from green carts (standard service includes one 96-gallon green cart), ongoing maintenance
of the closed Palo Alto Landfill, zero waste programs, street sweeping service, the household
hazardous waste program, and the annual Clean Up Dayclean up day program.
Refuse Services Cost
Mini-can/20-gallon cart *28.6427.81
1 32-gallon cart**51.5750.07
1 64-gallon cart 103.15100.15
1 96-gallon cart 154.72150.22
*Mini-can service cannot be combined with any other cart service
**Standard cart service is one 32-gallon cart.
D. SPECIAL ITEM CHARGES:
1. Stove/washer/dryer/water heater pick up *......................................................................
25.7525.00
2. Freezer/refrigerator/air conditioner/garbage compactor pick up *..................................
Item 3
Attachment B - Residential
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 97 of 112
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1726
Supersedes Rate Schedule R-1 dated
07-01-1617 Sheet No. R-1-23
41.2040.00
3. Upholstered furniture pick up (per unit) *.......................................................................
15.4515.00
4. Mattress pick up *............................................................................................................
15.4515.00
5. Tire pick up (per tire, limit of 4 tires) *...........................................................................
20.6020.00
6. Pallet pick up *.................................................................................................................
5.155.00
* “Surcharge special” fee (see E5. below) applies when special item is not collected under the
annual Clean Up Day Program guidelines.
E. SPECIAL LABOR CHARGES:
1. Return trip (next day service)……………………………………………………..........
24.7224.00
2. Return trip (same day service) ……………………………………………………........
37.0836.00
3. Urgent special (for service outside standard weekly collection; charged per cubic yard)
..........................................................................................................................................61.806
0.00
4. Miscellaneous 1 person service rate (pull out service) .............................................
2.572.50/min
5. Surcharge special (one time pick up of large or non-standard items; or delivery of containers
for special events) ………….....................................................................................82.4080.00
6. Repair rate................................................................................................2.572.50/min +
material
7. Back/side yard collection of garbage (monthly charge per residence – available to current
back/side yard service customer only) ………………............................ 3.763.66
F. SPECIAL CART CHARGES:
1. 32-gallon cart rental*** ……………………………
3.243.15
2. 64-gallon cart rental*** ……………………………
3.243.15
3. 96-gallon cart rental*** ……………………………
3.243.15
4. 20-gallon cart purchase
61.8060.00
5. 32-gallon cart purchase……………………………………………………………........
52.5351.00
6. 64-gallon cart purchase……………………………………………………………. ......
Item 3
Attachment B - Residential
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 98 of 112
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1726
Supersedes Rate Schedule R-1 dated
07-01-1617 Sheet No. R-1-33
58.7157.00
7. 96-gallon cart purchase……………………………………………………………........
63.8662.00
8. Cart wash …………………………………………………………………………........
30.9030.00
9. Compost cart contamination (entire cart dumped)………………………………...........
30.9030.00
10. Recycling cart contamination (entire cart dumped)……………………………….........
30.9030.00
11. Damaged cart exchange (one allowed per customer each calendar year at no cost).......
20.6020.00
12. Monthly key service (customer provided lock) ………………………………………..
15.4515.00
13. Lock (Collector provided) ………………………………………………………….......
............................................................................................................................................................25.752
5.00
14. Cart lock installation………………………………………………………………........
............................................................................................................................................................41.204
0.00
*** Monthly charge for each additional cart of service above three carts for the compostable
materials or three carts for the recyclable materials. recycling cart.
Item 3
Attachment B - Residential
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 99 of 112
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to all occupied establishments other than residential premises as required
by City ordinance.
B. TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City.
C. RATES:
The refuse rates below provide collection, processing and disposal of materials properly
deposited in the number of refuse containers indicated below, as well as collection and
processing of recyclables from special blue cartscontainers. The refuse rates below also provide
hazardous waste programs, zero waste programs, ongoing maintenance of the closed Palo Alto
Landfill, and street sweeping services, and clean up day programs.
(1) MONTHLY GARBAGE CAN/CARTS
Collection Frequency
Cart Sizes 1x/week 2x/week 3x/week 4x/week 5x/week 6x/week Cart Rental
32-gal. can or cart
$36.543
5.48 $3.243.15
64-gal. cart*
75.4473.
25
168.5616
3.66
261.7025
4.08
354.823
44.49
447.9543
4.91
541.08525
.33 3.243.15
96-gal. cart
113.161
09.87
244.0123
6.91
374.8636
3.95
505.714
90.99
636.5761
8.03
767.42745
.07 3.243.15
* Standard service is one 64-gallon cart.
Item 3
Attachment C - Commercial
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 100 of 112
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-2
(2) MONTHLY GARBAGE BINS
Collection FrequencySize (cubic
yards)1x/week 2x/week 3x/week 4x/week 5x/week 6x/week
Bin
Rental
1
$183.8917
8.54
$363.9537
4.86
$549.3656
5.84
$733.62755
.62
$919.0394
6.60
$1,103.301,
136.39
$40.954
2.17
1.5
251.09243
.78
516.32501
.29
782.74759
.95
1,047.981,0
17.46
1,313.211,
274.97
1,578.461,5
32.49
42.1740.
95
2
318.29309
.02
657.78638
.63
999.65970
.54
1,340.331,3
01.30
1,679.831,
630.91
2,020.521,9
61.67
54.0752.
50
3
450.31437
.20
940.70913
.31
1,429.921,
388.28
1,920.321,8
64.39
2,411.892,
341.65
2,902.292,8
17.76
69.2167.
20
4
598.85581
.41
1,209.481,
174.26
1,880.241,
825.48
2,521.532,4
48.09
3,160.453,
068.40
3,800.563,6
89.87
69.2167.
20
5
730.87709
.59
1,521.871,
477.55
2,310.512,
243.22
3,101.5153,
011.18
3,892.513,
779.14
4,682.324,5
45.95
84.3581.
90
6
879.41853
.80
1,821.291,
768.25
2,759.642,
679.27
3,700.363,5
92.59
4,641.074,
505.90
5,580.605,4
18.06
84.3581.
90
8
1,147.001,
113.60
2,384.772,
315.32
3,624.923,
519.34
4,866.234,7
24.50
6,106.365,
928.51
7,346.497,1
32.52
110.311
07.10
(3) MONTHLY COMPOST CARTS*
Collection Frequency
Cart Sizes 1x/week 2x/week 3x/week 4x/week 5x/week 6x/week Bin Rental
32-gal. cart
$29.232
8.38 $3.243.15
64-gal. cart
60.3558.
60
134.8513
0.93
209.3520
3.26
283.862
75.60
358.3634
7.93
432.86420
.26 3.243.15
Item 3
Attachment C - Commercial
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 101 of 112
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-3
96-gal. cart
90.5387.
90
195.2118
9.53
299.8929
1.16
404.573
92.79
509.2549
4.42
613.94596
.06 3.243.15
*Multi-unit dwellings with five (5) to ten (10) units may receive up to one 96-gallon
compostables cart collected once per week at no charge. Service over 96 gallons will be charged
as described in G-7 below.
Note: “Cart wash” (see G-1) is available and the additional cost of $30.90 will be assessed to account
holders if odors become a public nuisance.
Item 3
Attachment C - Commercial
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 102 of 112
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-3
Item 3
Attachment C - Commercial
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 103 of 112
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-4
(4) MONTHLY COMPOST BINS
Collection FrequencySize (cubic
yards)1x/week 2x/week 3x/week 4x/week 5x/week 6x/week
Monthl
y Bin
Rental
1
$147.111
42.83
$299.8929
1.16
$452.6743
9.49
$604.5058
6.90
$757.3073
5.25
$909.1188
2.64
$42.174
0.95
1.5
200.8719
5.02
413.06401.
03
626.19607.
96
838.38813.
97
1,050.571,
019.98
1,262.761,
225.99
42.1740
.95
2
254.6224
7.21
526.22510.
90
799.72776.
43
1,072.271,
041.04
1,343.871,
304.73
1,616.421,
569.34
54.0752
.50
3
360.2534
9.76
752.56730.
65
1,143.931,
110.62
1,536.251,
491.51
1,929.511,
873.32
2,321.832,
254.21
69.2167
.20
4
479.0746
5.12
967.59939.
41
1,504.191,
460.38
2,017.221,
958.47
2,528.362,
454.72
3,040.442,
951.89
69.2167
.20
5
584.7056
7.67
1,217.501,
182.04
1,848.411,
794.58
2,481.202,
408.94
3,114.003,
023.31
3,745.863,
636.76
84.3581
.90
6
703.5368
3.04
1,457.031,
414.60
2,207.722,
143.42
2,960.292,
874.07
3,712.863,
604.72
4,464.484,
334.45
84.3581
.90
Note: “Bin wash” (see G-2) is available and the additional cost of $41.2040 will be assessed to account
holders if odors become a public nuisance.
(5) DEBRIS BOXES
NOTE: GreenWaste of Palo Alto has the exclusive rights to haul any and all mixed material
(garbage, generic C&D, or mixed recycling) generated in Palo Alto.
Category A: Includes garbage, mixed construction and demolition (C&D).
Category B: Includes single-source separated materials and can be and directly marketed as a
single commodity.
Debris Box On-Call Service*
7 CY 15 CY 20 CY 30 CY 40 CY
Item 3
Attachment C - Commercial
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 104 of 112
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-5
Service (Cat A)
696.69676
.40
696.69676.
40
808.68785.
13
1,035.01
1,004.87
1,128.141,
095.29
Service (Cat B)
354.73344
.40
354.73344.
40
411.83399.
84
527.7751
2.40
575.35
558.60
Non-use **
$78.2876.
00
$78.2876.0
0
$78.2876.0
0
$78.2876
.00
$78.2876.
00
* Additional “Contaminated charge” of $190.85185.30 (see I-5) may apply on debris boxes used for
construction and demolition materials.
**Within a fourteen (14) day period.
Debris Box Category A
Permanent Service
15 CY 20 CY 30 CY 40 CY
1x/week $2,717.212,
638.07
$3,305.453,
209.18
$4,244.984,1
21.34
$4,625.394,
490.67
2x/week 5,434.435,2
76.15
6,610.916,4
18.36
8,488.788,24
1.54
9,250.798,9
81.35
3x/week
8,152.827,9
15.36
9,915.189,6
26.39
12,733.7712,
362.89
13,876.181
3,472.02
4x/week
10,868.8510
,552.29
13221.8112,
836.71
16,979.9416,
485.38
18,501.581
7,962.70
5x/week
13,586.0713
,190.36
16,527.2616
,045.89
21,224.9220,
606.72
23,126.972
2,453.37
Rental
151.41147.0
0
201.15195.3
0
301.73292.9
5
402.31390.
60
Debris Box Category B
Permanent Service
15 CY 20 CY 30 CY 40 CY
1x/week $1,462.071,4
19.49
$1,705.751,6
56.07
$1,829.461,7
76.18
$1,953.171,8
96.29
2x/week 2,924.082,83
8.92
3,411.513,31
2.15
3,658.943,55
2.37
3,906.363,79
2.59
3x/week 4,386.224,25
8.47
5,117.264,96
8.22
5,492.155,33
2.19
5,859.545,68
8.88
Item 3
Attachment C - Commercial
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 105 of 112
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-6
4x/week 5,848.295,67
7.96
6,823.016,62
4.29
7,317.877,10
4.73
7,812.737,58
5.18
5x/week 7,310.377,09
7.45
8,528.778,28
0.36
9,147.348,88
0.92
9,765.919,48
1.47
Rental 151.41147.0
0
201.15195.3
0 301.73292.95 402.31390.6
0
Item 3
Attachment C - Commercial
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 106 of 112
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-6
Item 3
Attachment C - Commercial
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 107 of 112
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-7
D. SPECIAL ITEM CHARGES*:
1. Stove/washer/dryer/heater pick up...................................................................................25.7525.00
2. Freezer/refrigerator/air conditioner (residential only).....................................................41.2040.00
3. Upholstered furniture pick up .........................................................................................15.4515.00
4. Mattress pick up ..............................................................................................................15.4515.00
5. Tire pick up (per tire, limit of 4 tires) .............................................................................20.6020.00
6. Pallet pick up ...................................................................................................................5.155.00
* Requests for pick up of special items must be made and scheduled in advance of regular pick
up days. If no request is made, am an “Extra collection” fee (see E-1) will be applied.
E. SPECIAL LABOR CHARGES:
1. Extra collection (for service of additional material; charged per cubic yard) ................61.8060.00
2. Miscellaneous 1 person service rate ……………………………………….............2.572.50/min
3. Repair rate …………………………………………...................................2.572.50/min +
material
4. Return trip/Special trip…….……………………………………………………............
82.4080.00
5. Special Events
Delivery.......................................................................................................................30.9030.00
Materials and Service (per waste station)....................................................................20.6020.00
(6) Pullout Service (per bin)
Carts Bins
1x/week $50.0051.50 $206.00200.00
2x/week 100.00103.00 412.00400.00
3x/week 150.00154.50 618.00600.00
4x/week 200.00206.00 824.00800.00
5x/week 250.00257.50 1,030.001,000.00
6x/week 300.00309.00 1,236.001,200.00
7. Whole cardboard box (boxes that have not been broken down)
Cart..............................................................................................................................25.7525.00
Bin...............................................................................................................................51.5050.00
8. Overflowing container
Cart..............................................................................................................................30.9030.00
Item 3
Attachment C - Commercial
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 108 of 112
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-2616
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-8
Bin...............................................................................................................................51.5050.00
F. RECYCLING AND COMPOST ORDINANCE CHARGES:
If contamination is identified in a recycling or compost cart or bin, the customer will have an
opportunity to remove the contamination and will only be charged a “Return trip” fee. If the
customer chooses to not remove the contamination, the customer will be charged an “Extra solid
waste pick-up” fee in addition to a “Return trip” fee.
1. Return trip…….………………………………………………………………………….82.4080.00
(2) EXTRA SOLID WASTE PICK UP (for contaminated recycling or compost containers
only. Additional charges will apply to any materials left outside of the containers)
Cart/Bin
Size Contaminated Recycling Contaminated Compost
32-gal.$8.438.19 $1.681.64
64-gal.17.4216.92 3.483.38
96-gal 26.1325.37 5.225.07
1 CY 42.4641.23 8.498.25
1.5 CY 57.9856.30 11.5911.26
2 CY 73.5171.37 14.6914.27
3 CY 103.99100.97 20.7920.19
4 CY 138.29134.27 27.6526.85
5 CY 168.79163.88 33.7632.78
6 CY 203.09197.18 40.6239.44
8 CY 264.89257.18 N/A51.44
3. De minimus (no garbage service but subscribes to both compost and recycling)
25.7525.00
Item 3
Attachment C - Commercial
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 109 of 112
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-2616
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-8
Item 3
Attachment C - Commercial
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 110 of 112
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-2616
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-9
G. SPECIAL CART AND BIN CHARGES:
1. Cart wash …………………………………………………………………………........30.9030.00
2. Bin wash...........................................................................................................................
41.2040.00
3. Cart exchange …..............................................................................................................20.6020.00
4. Monthly key service (customer provided lock) per lock…………………………………15.4515.00
5. Lock (Contractor provided)………………………………………………………….....25.7525.00
6. Cart lock installation………………………………………………………………........41.2040.00
7. Each additional 32-gallon increment of weekly compostables cart service (in excess of
96 gallons per week) for multi-unit dwellings with five (5) to ten (10) units (monthly
charge)..............................................................................................................................20.6020.00
8. Temporary bin-delivery (per bin)…………………………………………………........ 82.40
80.00
9. Temporary bin non-use fee (within a fourteen (14) day period) ………………………
25.7525.00
10. Auto-bar lock installation ………………………………………………………...........206.00200.00
H. SPECIAL DEBRIS BOX CHARGES:
1. Debris box delivery …………………………………….................................................136.26132.30
2. Debris box non-use (within a fourteen (14) day period)……………………………..
78.2876.00
3. Special debris box service between 12 PM to 6 PM ……………………………….......103.00100.00
4. Special debris box service between 6 PM to 12 AM ……………………………. ........206.00200.00
5. Special debris box service on Saturday before 12 PM …………………………….......103.00100.00
6. Special debris box service on Sunday before 6 PM ……………………………............309.00300.00
7. Special debris box service on Sunday, 6 PM to 12 AM ……………………….............412.00400.00
8. Contaminated loads of construction and demolition recycling materials………............190.85185.30
9. Overweight: 8 ton weight limit..........................................................................61.8060.00 per
ton (or fraction thereof) over 8 tons, up to 10 tons.
Note: GreenWaste cannot transport a debris box that is greater than 10 tons.
I. SPECIAL COMPACTOR CHARGES:
1. Compacted garbage (per compacted cubic yard) ……………………………………....75.4473.25
2. Compacted compostables (per compacted cubic yard) ………………………………...60.3558.60
3. Compacted recyclables (transportation) ………………………………......................... 206.00200.00
4. Overweight (per ton)........................................................................................................
61.8060.00
Item 3
Attachment C - Commercial
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 111 of 112
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-2616
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-10
5. Contaminated loads of construction and demolition recycling materials........................
190.85185.30
{End}
Item 3
Attachment C - Commercial
Rate Schedule R-1 to be
effective July 1, 2026
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 112 of 112