A. Determine Entity support for the proposed project • Meet with staff to determine the Entity’s needs and evaluate communication between the staff and the Entity’s governing body • Meet with the Entity’s governing body to determine support for proposed improvements to ensure public health and compliance with state and federal standards • Facilitate conversations between the Entity’s governing body and staff to assist staff with informing the governing body and conveying the need for the project B. Development of Water Conservation Plans • Develop a water conservation plan that contains strategies for reducing the consumption of water, reducing the loss or waste of water, improving, or maintaining the efficiency in the use of water or increasing recycling and reuse of water that is compliant with 30 TAC Chapter 288 and 31 TAC Chapter 363 as outlined in form TWDB-1968 C. Completion of Project Information Forms • Assist Entities in completing Project Information Forms, including evaluation of the proposed project to ensure any disadvantaged, green or emergency components are accounted for in completion of the respective forms • Review proposed Project Information Forms to ensure regionalization/consolidation had been considered D. Completion of Financial Assistance Applications • Should an Entity be invited for funding, assist applicant in completing the Financial Assistance Application in the Online Application format, including assistance with any procurement processes needed for consultants E. Assistance with State Revolving Fund Procurement Requirements • Deliver training on SRF procurement processes • Assist with the preparation of solicitation of consultants F. Preparation of a Rate Study • Analyze and obtain a thorough understanding of the system’s financial condition. o Analysis of existing rate-setting processes o Analysis of historical operating expenses including cost of water production/purchased and/or sewer treated o Analysis of growth projections in relation to the capital improvement plan/capital outlay plan/state and regional water plan/ water conservation plan and the funds necessary to implement o Review of historic demand and consumption and how it relates to the current fee structure • Development of proposed rate structures that consider the preceding analyses, including base and per usage costs, user type, and any proposed water conservation plan implementation changes • Development of a leave-behind tool for the Entity to continue to evaluate rates along with training staff/board on the tool • If necessary, development of an education curriculum to assist the Entity with informing customers of any proposed changes G. Review of financial reporting and internal control procedures • Interview Entity’s current personnel to review financial reporting and controls currently in place, including review of existing policies/procedures over cash and cash management and procedures for accounts receivable/payable. • Identify any material gaps in current processes and/or their execution • For negative responses, recommend corrective actions • Provide TWDB with estimates of Contractor’s cost to address gaps, to develop relevant policies and procedures, and to facilitate their implementation by the Entity • Review recommendations with TWDB staff and mutually agree on which items to address H. Development of Organizational Operations Procedures • Conduct review of Entity operations that identifies deficiencies in operation and maintenance procedures • Create operation procedures that include best management practices • Train Entity staff on new procedures and develop procedures for review and updating of processes. I. Development of Financial Statement/Budgeting Procedures • Advise Entities on or assist with the development of procedures to address existing or potential internal control issues • Assist Entities in developing processes for preparation of financial statements that will be required by TWDB commitments o Processes should include measures to ensure compliance with GAAP and GAGAS o Processes for best management practices related to financial disclosures.
