Consultant urges keeping 2027 step; says delaying risks larger spike in 2028

Dave Deaver of D and D Consulting summarized his firm's review of the commission's rate model, saying revenues for 2026 came in "within about 3% of what we were anticipating" and that the model is holding. He told commissioners that the plan to phase in increases helps smooth future adjustments and that holding off now could force a larger single increase if borrowing needs peak in 2028.

Deaver said the commission had modeled roughly a $20,000,000 bond in fiscal 2028 to pay for capital projects; part of the rationale for the current step is to build coverage so debt service can be managed. He recommended not changing the 2027 step but suggested the commission consider modest adjustments in 2028 once bonding and project timing are clearer.