Budget Information

Information About Our Biennial Budget

We want you to know more about your Water District and how we spend money from your water bill payments to ensure water is always available at your tap. We do this because we believe that informed customers are essential to build and sustain support of our goal to efficiently deliver you the highest quality water possible. In the following documents you'll see how TVWD is organized, how much we will spend to buy water from our suppliers and the amount of money we will spend on water facility construction.

As you read about us, keep in mind that we are a nationally recognized water utility that has won awards for achievements in competitiveness, sustainability, and for having the highest standards for communication and financial reporting.

Board of Commissioners Adopts  2011-2013 Budget

At the June 23, 2011 Board of Commissioners meeting (PDF), the Board adopted the 2011-13 Budget.  At the July 28, 2011 meeting the Board adopted the 2011 Rate Resolution, which included a 1.5% rate increase that will take effect on October 1, 2011.  For specific information, take a look at the 2011 Rate Resolution (PDF) or the 2011-2013 Adopted Budget (16 MB).

How does this affect residential customers?

For a typical household that uses seven ccf (100 cubic feet or 748 gallons) per month, this increase is approximately 1.5% or $0.72 per bi-monthly bill. About 95% of our residential customers fall within the 7ccf/mo average used by the "Typical Household." The new charges will go into effect October 1, 2011 after peak summer water use.

How does this affect commercial customers?

The Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) is proposing rate increases this year that average 1.5% to 1.6% for its usage and fixed charges. Because each multi-family, commercial, and irrigation customer is unique, your bill will vary by meter size and usage (see 2011 Rate Resolution (PDF). If approved, charges will take effect October 1, 2011.

Why does TVWD need to raise rates?

Recognizing the difficult current economic conditions, TVWD has limited this small rate increase to below the rate of inflation.  However, the District still must make sure our fixed costs are covered and continue efforts to secure an expanded long term water source for our customers.  TVWD is planning ahead and has taken a gradual rate increase approach to be financially ready to meet the needs of this large project. 

TVWD is a self-sustaining utility and does not receive any tax dollars. As a special service district, our focus is only water and our customers can be confident their rate dollars will not be diverted to unrelated purposes. All revenue we collect is spent on water operations, projects and system maintenance. Specifically:

• TVWD's Capital Improvement Plan, which includes the development of a long-term water supply,  and upgrading or replacing water mains and reservoirs
• Our cost of water purchased from the Portland Water Bureau and water obtained from our owned Joint Water Commission source
• Repairing leaks and flushing water mains to enhance and protect water quality
• Testing to ensure that your water meets or is better than safe drinking water standards

Current Budget Information (All PDF files)

• 2011-2013 Adopted Budget (PDF - 16 MB): Adopted at the June 23, 2011 Board of Commissioners Board Meeting.
• 2011-2013 Adopted Budget Message: A summary version of the adopted budget that provides information and highlights for the 2011-13 biennium.
• 2009-2011 Adopted Budget (14 MB): TVWD's current complete operating budget and capital improvement plan
• 2009-2011 Budget Message: Background information geared towards the Budget Committee that provides information and highlights portions of the budget to aid reviewing of the adopted budget

Comprehensive Annual Finanical Reports (CAFR):

• 2011-2010 (7 MB)
• 2010-2009 (5 MB)
• 2009-2008 (6 MB)
• 2008-2007 (6 MB)
• 2007-2006 (1MB)
• 2006-2005 (12 MB)
• 2005-2004 (5MB)

How TVWD Prepares Its Budget

The District budgets on a biennial period basis (every-other year), as allowed by Oregon law. It begins with the preparation of individual budgets by department heads. A consolidated budget request is created and reviewed by the Chief Financial Officer and CEO. This consolidated "Proposed Budget" is presented to the Budget Committee for consideration and approval. The Proposed Budget, as approved by the Budget Committee, is then presented to the Board of Commissioners who conducts a public hearing, makes revisions if necessary, and adopts the budget.

The District's budget is prepared on an accrual basis, the same basis of accounting used for financial statements. Revenues are recorded at the time they are earned and expenses are recorded at the time the liability is incurred. Debt service is budgeted on a cash basis to provide the reader complete information on our financial obligations pertaining to the District's outstanding revenue bonds. Organized as a water utility enterprise, the budget is composed of six funds: a general fund, two construction funds, a debt fund, and two intergovernmental agreement funds. A resolution authorizing budget appropriation is adopted by fund for the budget period in the categories of personal services, materials and services, capital outlay, debt service, contingency, and transfers. Depreciation is not budgeted.