In 2015 the City Council approved a contract with Atkins to prepare an update to the City’s 2004 Sanitary Sewer Model.  The model incorporated existing and future land uses for estimation of current and future sanitary sewer flows in the existing collection system as well as current and future Sanitary Sewer flows to the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (TMWRF).  The results of the model identified current service levels within the collection system, future capital improvement projects for the collection system to accommodate future growth and estimates of future sewer flows to TMWRF.  The results of the model were presented to the City Council at a workshop in January of 2017.  Upon receiving the presentation, the City Council provided direction to the City Manager to initiate a utility rate study to provide for the future needs of the sanitary sewer collection system and for future treatment capacity at TMWRF.

In 2017 the City Council approved a contract with Farr West Engineering to prepare an analysis of the City of Sparks utility rates.  The local economic climate as well as operating and capital needs have changed significantly through the recession and subsequent current growth pattern, prompting a review of the City of Sparks utility rates to ensure adequate, appropriate levels of service and cost recovery.  Farr West Engineering and staff have completed the study; staff has reviewed the model assumptions and have prepared several fiscal scenarios to be presented for the City Council’s consideration.

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The City Council may direct the City Manager to provide additional information or to prepare amendments to the Sparks Municipal Code to modify current utility user rates and connection fees for Sanitary Sewer and Storm Drain Utilities.

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