DeSoto County Solid Waste Revenue Sufficiency Analysis and Rate Evaluation

DeSoto County is seeking a consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of its solid waste fee and rate structure. The goal is to establish a consistent and objectively based fee and rate structure that meets the needs of the county and its citizens. The scope of services includes working with county staff to define goals for expansion, closure activities, and capital projects. The consultant will develop an Overhead Cost Allocation Model to calculate the full costs of providing each county service, with the ability to update and add hypothetical service areas. The project also involves reviewing and validating current methodologies for payments to the General Fund, capital needs, debt service, operating revenues/expenses, fee structure, and reserve fund levels. Additionally, the consultant will compare DeSoto County's landfill operations with similar municipal/county operations, particularly in Florida, to identify potential efficiency improvements. They will also review prevailing rates and charges of neighboring landfills and analyze operating costs versus revenue for unusual trends. The consultant will prepare an itemized list of revenue and cost-saving enhancements and utilize the developed Overhead Cost Allocation Model to calculate service costs. A draft Revenue Sufficiency Analysis and Rate Evaluation will be presented to county staff and the Board of County Commissioners, followed by a final study with six bound copies, one unbound copy, and an electronic PDF file. The consultant will also present the report findings to the County Commission and potentially a workshop, providing a PowerPoint presentation.