HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-23-26 F&A Committee Meeting Packet1
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING
and
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2554 SWEETWATER SPRINGS BOULEVARD
SPRING VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
BOARDROOM
THURSDAY
APRIL 23, 2026
12:00 P.M.
This is a District Committee meeting. This meeting is being posted as a special meeting
in order to comply with the Brown Act (Government Code Section §54954.2) in the event that
a quorum of the Board is present. Items will be deliberated, however, no formal board actions
will be taken at this meeting. The committee makes recommendations
to the full board for its consideration and formal action.
AGENDA
1. ROLL CALL
2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO
SPEAK TO THE BOARD ON ANY SUBJECT MATTER WITHIN THE BOARD’S
JURISDICTION INCLUDING AN ITEM ON TODAY’S AGENDA
DISCUSSION ITEMS
3. AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A FIVE-YEAR SEWER
BILLING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AND TO
EXECUTE, AT HIS DISCRETION, ONE (1) ADDITIONAL FIVE-YEAR EXTENSION
(JON RAVAGLIOLI) [5 MINUTES]
4. RECEIVE THE DISTRICT’S INVESTMENT POLICY OF THE DISTRICT’S CODE
OF ORDINANCES FOR REVIEW AND RE-DELEGATE AUTHORITY FOR ALL IN-
VESTMENT-RELATED ACTIVITIES TO THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, IN
ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 53607 (JON RAVAGLIO-
LI) [5 MINUTES]
5. UPDATE ON THE DISTRICT-WIDE METER CHANGEOUT PROJECT (ANDREA
CAREY) [5 MINUTES]
6. FISCAL YEAR 2026 MID-YEAR UPDATE FOR THE DISTRICT’S FISCAL YEAR
2023-2026 STRATEGIC PLAN (MICHAEL KERR) [10 MINUTES]
7. ADJOURNMENT
2
BOARD MEMBERS ATTENDING:
Jose Lopez, Chair
Delfina Gonzalez
All items appearing on this agenda, whether or not expressly listed for action, may be de-
liberated and may be subject to action by the Board.
The agenda, and any attachments containing written information, are available at the Dis-
trict’s website at www.otaywater.gov. Written changes to any items to be considered at the
open meeting, or to any attachments, will be posted on the District’s website. Copies of the
agenda and attachments are also available by contacting the District Secretary at (619)
670-2253.
If you have any disability which would require accommodations to enable you to participate
in this meeting, please call the District Secretary at 670-2253 at least 24 hours prior to the
meeting.
Certification of Posting
I certify that I posted a copy of the foregoing agenda near the regular meeting place of
the Board of Directors of Otay Water District, Spring Valley, California, said time being at
least 24 hours in advance of the special meeting of the Board of Directors (Government
Code Section §54954.2).
/s/ Jenny Diaz, District Secretary
STAFF REPORT
TYPE MEETING: Regular Board MEETING DATE: May 13, 2026
SUBMITTED BY: Jon Ravaglioli
Finance Manager
PROJECT: DIV. NO.All
APPROVED BY: Joseph R. Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
Jose Martinez, General Manager
SUBJECT: Authorize the General Manager to Enter into a Five-Year Sewer
Billing Services Agreement with the City of Chula Vista and to
Execute, At His Discretion, One Additional Five-Year Extension
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
That the Board authorize the General Manager to enter into a five-
year Sewer Billing Services Agreement with the City of Chula Vista
and to execute, at his discretion, one additional five-year
extension.
COMMITTEE ACTION:
See Attachment A.
PURPOSE:
To authorize the General Manager to enter into a new five-year Sewer
Billing Services Agreement with the City of Chula Vista, effective
July 1, 2027, and to execute, at his discretion, one additional five-
year extension.
ANALYSIS:
Since May of 1981, the District has agreed to collect sewer service
charges from all of its water customers who receive sewer service
from the City of Chula Vista (City). Over time, several agreements
between the City and the District have been in place for sewer
billing services.
AGENDA ITEM 3
Beginning with the December of 1995 agreement, the City and the
District added numerous obligations that emphasized cooperation and
planning between the two agencies. The agreement had a 20-year term
and expired on June 30, 2016. The City elected to allow the agreement
to expire, as many of the previously outstanding issues, such as
growth and development, had been resolved. Upon the 2016 expiration,
a new agreement was put in place for five years, with five additional
one-year extension options, through June 30, 2026.
Under the 1995 agreement, the billing rate was $0.50 per bill. In
November of 2004, the City and the District agreed that due to cost
increases in providing this service, the billing rate would increase
to $1.03. The billing rate was further increased from $1.03 to $1.05
in November of 2015, reflecting the increase in the December 2014 San
Diego Consumer Price Index (CPI). As part of the 2016 agreement, the
billing rate has been adjusted annually on July 1 based on the
preceding December’s San Diego CPI. The most recent rate billed for
FY 2026 was $1.45 per bill.
The proposed agreement defines the sewer billing services to be
provided and establishes a term of five years, with one optional
five-year extension. This agreement also proposes that the billing
rate of $1.45 be automatically adjusted each July 1 based on changes
in the prior December’s San Diego CPI. The most recent CPI change,
from December 2024 to December 2025, was 3.788%, resulting in an
adjusted billing rate of $1.50 per account effective July 1, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT: Joe Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
The annual revenue for sewer billing services will be approximately
$585,000, increasing annually according to the terms of the
agreement.
STRATEGIC GOAL:
The District ensures its continued financial health through long-term
financial planning.
LEGAL IMPACT:
None.
Attachments:
Attachment A - Committee Action
Attachment B – Presentation Slide
ATTACHMENT A
SUBJECT/PROJECT: Authorize the General Manager to Enter into a Five-Year
Sewer Billing Services Agreement with the City of Chula
Vista and to Execute, At His Discretion, One Additional
Five-Year Extension
COMMITTEE ACTION:
City of Chula Vista Sewer Billing Agreement
▪Agreement for Otay to bill City of Chula Vista sewer customers on Otay water bills
▪Billings remitted to City of Chula Vista every two months
▪Otay charges a fixed rate per customer
▪Most recent agreement ran from July 1, 2016 –June 30, 2021; five optional one-year
renewals were then exercised
▪Rate increased annually based on San Diego CPI
▪Last renewal expires June 30, 2026
▪New agreement
▪Term: five years with one five-year extension option
▪Beginning rate on July 1, 2026: $1.50 (previous rate $1.45 + CPI 3.788% = $1.50)
1
Attachment B
STAFF REPORT
TYPE MEETING: Regular Board MEETING DATE: May 13, 2026
SUBMITTED BY: Jon Ravaglioli,
Finance Manager
PROJECT: DIV. NO.All
APPROVED BY: Joseph R. Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
Jose Martinez, General Manager
SUBJECT: Annual Review of the Investment Policy (Policy No. 27) of the
District’s Code of Ordinances and the Re-delegation of
Authority for All Investment Related Activities to the Chief
Financial Officer
General Manager’s Recommendation
That the Board receives the District’s Investment Policy (Policy No.
27) of the District’s Code of Ordinances for review and re-delegate
authority for all investment related activities to the Chief
Financial Officer, in accordance with Government Code Section 53607.
Committee Action
See Attachment A.
Purpose
Government Code Section 53646 recommends that the District’s
Investment Policy be tendered to the Board on an annual basis for
review. In addition, Government Code Section 53607 requires that for
the Board’s delegation of investment responsibilities to the Chief
Financial Officer to remain effective, the governing board must re-
delegate authority over investment activities on an annual basis.
Analysis
The primary goals of the Investment Policy are to assure compliance
with the California Government Code, Sections 53600 et seq. The
primary objectives, in priority order, of investment activities are:
AGENDA ITEM 4
1.Protect the principal of the funds.
2.Remain sufficiently liquid to enable the District to meet
all operating requirements which might be reasonably
anticipated.
3.The District’s return is a market rate of return that is
commensurate with the conservative investments approach to
meet the first two objectives of safety and liquidity.
The government code restricts local agency investment options to a
conservative list of investments, including Federal Treasuries,
Federal Agencies, Callable Federal Agencies, the State Pool, the
County Pool, and high-grade corporate debt.
Each year, staff reviews legislative updates to ensure our Investment
Policy reflects the most recent and relevant updates approved by the
California State Legislature. During this year’s policy review, there
were no relevant legislative changes that affect our Investment
Policy.
On an annual basis, staff submits the Investment Policy to our list
of Broker/Dealers for their professional review and to ensure they
acknowledge and understand the District’s Investment Policy. This
year, District Brokers/Dealers did not recommend any changes be made
to our Investment Policy.
As part of the annual financial audit, each year the District’s
external auditors apply agreed-upon procedures to investment
transactions for the year. These procedures include sampling
investments to determine that they are compliant with the Investment
Policy and are properly recorded in the financial statements.
Roughly every three years, staff submit the District’s Investment
Policy to the California Municipal Treasurers Association (CMTA) as
part of their Investment Policy Certification Program. Through this
program, a committee reviews submitted policies for adherence to the
State of California Government Code and evaluates whether the
policies meet program requirements across 18 different topic areas
identified as best practices for investment policies. The District’s
policy was submitted in March 2026 and earned the ‘Certified’
distinction.
Because of the District’s adherence to a conservative range of
authorized investments, we have been able to maintain a healthy and
diversified portfolio that meets our overall investment objectives
and supports our long-term financial plans. The current policy is
consistent with the current law and the overall objectives of the
policy are being met; therefore, there are no recommended changes to
the District’s Investment Policy at this time.
Fiscal Impact Joe Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
None.
Strategic Goal
Demonstrate financial health through formalized policies, prudent
investing, and efficient operations.
Legal Impact
None.
Attachments:
A)Committee Action
B)Policy No. 27
C)Presentation Slide
ATTACHMENT A
SUBJECT/PROJECT: Annual Review of the Investment Policy (Policy No. 27) of
the District’s Code of Ordinances and the Re-delegation of
Authority for All Investment Related Activities to the
Chief Financial Officer
Committee Action
The Finance and Administration Committee recommend that the
Board review the Investment Policy (Policy No. 27) of the
District’s Code of Ordinances and re-delegate authority for all
investment related activities to the Chief Financial Officer.
Note
The “Committee Action” is written in anticipation of the Finance
and Administration Committee moving the item forward for Board
approval. This report will be sent to the Board as a committee
approved item, or modified to reflect any discussion or changes
as directed from the committee prior to presentation to the full
board.
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 1 of 17
1.0 POLICY
It is the policy of the Otay Water District to invest public funds in
a manner which will provide maximum security with the best interest
return, while meeting the daily cash flow demands of the entity and
conforming to all state statues governing the investment of public
funds.
2.0 SCOPE
This investment policy applies to all financial assets of the Otay
Water District. The District pools all cash for investment purposes.
These funds are accounted for in the District’s audited Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and include:
2.1) General Fund
2.2) Capital Project Funds
2.2.1) Designated Expansion Fund
2.2.2) Restricted Expansion Fund
2.2.3) Designated Betterment Fund
2.2.4) Restricted Betterment Fund
2.2.5) Designated Replacement Fund
2.2.6) Restricted New Water Supply Fund
2.3) Other Post Employment Fund (OPEB)
2.4) Debt Reserve Fund
Exceptions to the pooling of funds do exist for tax-exempt debt
proceeds, debt reserves and deferred compensation funds. Funds
received from the sale of general obligation bonds, certificates of
participation or other tax-exempt financing vehicles are segregated
from pooled investments and the investment of such funds are guided by
the legal documents that govern the terms of such debt issuances.
3.0 PRUDENCE
Investments should be made with judgment and care, under current
prevailing circumstances, which persons of prudence, discretion and
intelligence, exercise in the management of their own affairs, not for
speculation, but for investment, considering the probable safety of
their capital as well as the probable income to be derived.
Attachment B
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 2 of 17
The standard of prudence to be used by investment officials shall be
the “Prudent Person” and/or "Prudent Investor" standard (California
Government Code 53600.3) and shall be applied in the context of
managing an overall portfolio. Investment officers acting in
accordance with written procedures and the investment policy and
exercising due diligence shall be relieved of personal responsibility
for an individual security's credit risk or market price changes,
provided deviations from expectations are reported in a timely fashion
and appropriate action is taken to control adverse developments.
4.0 OBJECTIVE
As specified in the California Government Code 53600.5, when
investing, reinvesting, purchasing, acquiring, exchanging, selling and
managing public funds, the primary objectives, in priority order, of
the investment activities shall be:
4.1) Safety: Safety of principal is the foremost objective of
the investment program. Investments of the Otay Water
District shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to
ensure the preservation of capital in the overall portfolio.
To attain this objective, the District will diversify its
investments by investing funds among a variety of securities
offering independent returns and financial institutions.
4.2) Liquidity: The Otay Water District’s investment portfolio
will remain sufficiently liquid to enable the District to
meet all operating requirements which might be reasonably
anticipated.
4.3) Return on Investment: The Otay Water District’s investment
portfolio shall be designed with the objective of attaining
a benchmark rate of return throughout budgetary and economic
cycles, commensurate with the District’s investment risk
constraints and the cash flow characteristics of the
portfolio.
5.0 DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
Authority to manage the Otay Water District’s investment program is
derived from the California Government Code, Sections 53600 through
53692. Management responsibility for the investment program is hereby
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 3 of 17
delegated to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who shall be
responsible for all transactions undertaken and shall establish a
system of controls to regulate the activities of subordinate officials
and their procedures in the absence of the CFO.
The CFO shall establish written investment policy procedures for the
operation of the investment program consistent with this policy. Such
procedures shall include explicit delegation of authority to persons
responsible for investment transactions. No person may engage in an
investment transaction except as provided under the terms of this
policy and the procedures established by the CFO.
6.0 ETHICS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Officers and employees involved in the investment process shall
refrain from personal business activity that could conflict with the
proper execution and management of the investment program, or that
could impair their ability to make impartial investment decisions.
Employees and investment officials shall disclose to the General
Manager any material financial interests in financial institutions
with which they conduct business. They shall further disclose any
personal financial/investment positions that could be related to the
performance of the investment portfolio. Employees and officers shall
refrain from undertaking personal investment transactions with the
same individual with whom business is conducted on behalf of the
District.
7.0 AUTHORIZED FINANCIAL DEALERS AND INSTITUTIONS
The Chief Financial Officer shall maintain a list of District selected
financial institutions and security broker/dealers authorized and
approved to provide investment services in the State of California.
Investment services include the buying or selling of permissible
investments such as treasuries, government agencies, etc. for delivery
to the custodian bank. These may include “primary” dealers or regional
dealers that qualify under Securities & Exchange Commission Rule 15C3-
1 (Uniform Net Capital Rule). No public deposit shall be made except
in a qualified public depository as established by state laws. All
financial institutions and broker/dealers who desire to become
qualified bidders for investment transactions must supply the District
with the following, as appropriate:
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 4 of 17
•Audited Financial Statements.
•Proof of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
certification.
•Proof of state registration.
•Completed broker/dealer questionnaire.
•Certification of having read the District’s Investment
Policy.
•Evidence of adequate insurance coverage.
An annual review of the financial condition and registrations of
qualified bidders will be conducted by the CFO. A current audited
financial statement is required to be on file for each financial
institution and broker/dealer through which the District invests.
8.0 AUTHORIZED AND SUITABLE INVESTMENTS
From the governing body perspective, special care must be taken to
ensure that the list of instruments includes only those allowed by law
and those that local investment managers are trained and competent to
handle. The District is governed by the California Government Code,
Sections 53600 through 53692, to invest in the following types of
securities, as further limited herein:
8.01) United States Treasury Bills, Bonds, Notes or those
instruments for which the full faith and credit of the United
States are pledged for payment of principal and interest. There
is no percentage limitation of the portfolio which can be
invested in this category, although a five-year maturity
limitation is applicable.
8.02) Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF), which is a State
of California managed investment pool, may be used up to the
maximum permitted by State Law (currently $75 million). The
District may also invest bond proceeds in LAIF with the same but
independent maximum limitation.
8.03) Bonds, debentures, notes and other evidence of
indebtedness issued by any of the following government agency
issuers:
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 5 of 17
•Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)
•Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC or "Freddie
Mac")
•Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA or "Fannie Mae")
•Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA or “Ginnie
Mae”)
•Federal Farm Credit Bank (FFCB)
•Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (FAMCA or “Farmer
Mac”)
There is no percentage limitation of the portfolio which can be
invested in this category, although a five-year maturity from the
settlement date limitation is applicable. Government agencies
whose implied guarantee has been reduced or eliminated shall
require an “A” rating or higher by a nationally recognized
statistical rating organization.
8.04) Interest-bearing demand deposit accounts must be made
only in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured
accounts. For deposits in excess of the insured maximum of
$250,000, approved collateral shall be required in accordance
with California Government Code, Section 53652. Certificates of
Deposit (CD) will be made only to the FDIC-insured limit of
$250,000. Investments in CD’s are limited to 15 percent of the
District’s portfolio.
8.05) Commercial paper, which is short-term, unsecured
promissory notes of corporate and public entities. Purchases of
eligible commercial paper may not exceed 2 percent of the
outstanding paper of an issuing corporation, and maximum
investment maturity will be restricted to 270 days. Investment is
further limited as described in California Government Code,
Section 53601(h). Purchases of commercial paper may not exceed 10
percent of the District’s portfolio.
8.06) Medium-term notes defined as all corporate debt
securities with a maximum remaining maturity of five years from
the settlement date or less, and that meet the further
requirements of California Government Code, Section 53601(k).
Investments in medium-term notes are limited to 10 percent of the
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 6 of 17
District’s portfolio and no more than 2 percent of the
outstanding medium-term notes of any single issuer.
8.07) Money market mutual funds that invest only in Treasury
securities and repurchase agreements collateralized with Treasury
securities, and that meet the further requirements of California
Government Code, Section 53601(l). Investments in money market
mutual funds are limited to 10 percent of the District's
portfolio.
8.08) The San Diego County Treasurer’s Pooled Money Fund,
which is a County managed investment pool, may be used by the
Otay Water District to invest excess funds. There is no
percentage limitation of the portfolio which can be invested in
this category.
8.09) Under the provisions of California Government Code
53601.6, the Otay Water District shall not invest any funds
covered by this Investment Policy in inverse floaters, range
notes, interest-only strips derived from mortgage pools, or any
investment that may result in a zero-interest accrual if held to
maturity. Also, the borrowing of funds for investment purposes,
known as leveraging, is prohibited.
9.0 INVESTMENT POOLS/MUTUAL FUNDS
A thorough investigation of the pool/fund is required prior to
investing, and on a continual basis. There shall be a questionnaire
developed which will answer the following general questions:
•A description of eligible investment securities, and a
written statement of investment policy and objectives.
•A description of interest calculations and how it is
distributed, and how gains and losses are treated.
•A description of how the securities are safeguarded
(including the settlement processes), and how often the
securities are priced and the program audited.
•A description of who may invest in the program, how often,
and what size deposits and withdrawals are allowed.
•A schedule for receiving statements and portfolio listings.
•Are reserves, retained earnings, etc., utilized by the
pool/fund?
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 7 of 17
•A fee schedule, and when and how is it assessed.
•Is the pool/fund eligible for bond proceeds and/or will it
accept such proceeds?
10.0 COLLATERALIZATION
Collateralization will be required on certificates of deposit
exceeding the $250,000 FDIC insured maximum. In order to anticipate
market changes and provide a level of security for all funds, the
collateralization level will be 102% of market value of principal and
accrued interest. Collateral will always be held by an independent
third party with whom the entity has a current custodial agreement. A
clearly marked evidence of ownership (safekeeping receipt) must be
supplied to the entity and retained. The right of collateral
substitution is granted.
11.0 SAFEKEEPING AND CUSTODY
All security transactions entered into by the Otay Water District
shall be conducted on a delivery-versus-payment (DVP) basis.
Securities will be held by a third-party custodian designated by the
District and evidenced by safekeeping receipts.
12.0 DIVERSIFICATION
The Otay Water District will diversify its investments by security
type and institution, with limitations on the total amounts invested
in each security type as detailed in Paragraph 8.0, above, so as to
reduce overall portfolio risks while attaining benchmark average rate
of return. With the exception of U.S. Treasury securities, government
agencies, and authorized pools, no more than 50% of the District’s
total investment portfolio will be invested with a single financial
institution.
13.0 MAXIMUM MATURITIES
To the extent possible, the Otay Water District will attempt to match
its investments with anticipated cash flow requirements. Unless
matched to a specific cash flow, the District will not directly invest
in securities maturing more than five years from the settlement date
of the purchase. However, for time deposits with banks or savings and
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 8 of 17
loan associations, investment maturities will not exceed two years.
Investments in commercial paper will be restricted to 270 days.
14.0 INTERNAL CONTROL
The Chief Financial Officer shall establish an annual process of
independent review by an external auditor. This review will provide
internal control by assuring compliance with policies and procedures.
15.0 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The investment portfolio shall be designed with the objective of
obtaining a rate of return throughout budgetary and economic cycles,
commensurate with the investment risk constraints and the cash flow
needs.
The Otay Water District’s investment strategy is passive. Given this
strategy, the basis used by the CFO to determine whether market yields
are being achieved shall be the State of California Local Agency
Investment Fund (LAIF) as a comparable benchmark.
16.0 REPORTING
The Chief Financial Officer shall provide the Board of Directors
monthly investment reports which provide a clear picture of the status
of the current investment portfolio. The management report should
include comments on the fixed income markets and economic conditions,
discussions regarding restrictions on percentage of investment by
categories, possible changes in the portfolio structure going forward
and thoughts on investment strategies. Schedules in the quarterly
report should include the following:
•A listing of individual securities held at the end of the
reporting period by authorized investment category.
•Average life and final maturity of all investments listed.
•Coupon, discount or earnings rate.
•Par value, amortized book value, and market value.
•Percentage of the portfolio represented by each investment
category.
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 9 of 17
17.0 INVESTMENT POLICY ADOPTION
The Otay Water District’s investment policy shall be adopted by
resolution of the District’s Board of Directors. The policy shall be
reviewed annually by the Board and any modifications made thereto must
be approved by the Board.
18.0 GLOSSARY
See Appendix A.
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 10 of 17
APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY
ACTIVE INVESTING: Active investors will purchase investments and
continuously monitor their activity, often looking at the price
movements of their stocks many times a day, in order to exploit
profitable conditions. Typically, active investors are seeking short
term profits.
AGENCIES: Federal agency securities and/or Government-sponsored
enterprises.
BANKERS’ ACCEPTANCE (BA): A draft or bill or exchange accepted by a
bank or trust company. The accepting institution guarantees payment
of the bill, as well as the issuer.
BENCHMARK: A comparative base for measuring the performance or risk
tolerance of the investment portfolio. A benchmark should represent a
close correlation to the level of risk and the average duration of the
portfolio’s investments.
BROKER/DEALER: Any individual or firm in the business of buying and
selling securities for itself and others. Broker/dealers must register
with the SEC. When acting as a broker, a broker/dealer executes
orders on behalf of his/her client. When acting as a dealer, a
broker/dealer executes trades for his/her firm's own account.
Securities bought for the firm's own account may be sold to clients or
other firms, or become a part of the firm's holdings.
CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT (CD): A short or medium term, interest bearing,
FDIC insured debt instrument offered by banks and savings and loans.
Money removed before maturity is subject to a penalty. CDs are a low
risk, low return investment, and are also known as “time deposits”,
because the account holder has agreed to keep the money in the account
for a specified amount of time, anywhere from a few months to several
years.
COLLATERAL: Securities, evidence of deposit or other property, which a
borrower pledges to secure repayment of a loan. Also refers to
securities pledged by a bank to secure deposits of public monies.
COMMERCIAL PAPER: An unsecured short-term promissory note, issued by
corporations, with maturities ranging from 2 to 270 days.
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 11 of 17
COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT (CAFR): The official annual
report for the Otay Water District. It includes detailed financial
information prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP). It also includes supporting schedules necessary to
demonstrate compliance with finance-related legal and contractual
provisions, extensive introductory material, and a detailed
statistical section.
COUPON: (a) The annual rate of interest that a bond’s issuer promises
to pay the bondholder on the bond’s face value. (b) A certificate
attached to a bond evidencing interest due on a set date.
DEALER: A dealer, as opposed to a broker, acts as a principal in all
transactions, buying and selling for his own account.
DEBENTURE: A bond secured only by the general credit of the issuer.
DELIVERY VERSUS PAYMENT: There are two methods of delivery of
securities: delivery versus payment and delivery versus receipt.
Delivery versus payment is delivery of securities with an exchange of
money for the securities. Delivery versus receipt is delivery of
securities with an exchange of a signed receipt for the securities.
DERIVATIVES: (1) Financial instruments whose return profile is linked
to, or derived from, the movement of one or more underlying index or
security, and may include a leveraging factor, or (2) financial
contracts based upon notional amounts whose value is derived from an
underlying index or security (interest rates, foreign exchange rates,
equities or commodities).
DISCOUNT: The difference between the cost price of a security and its
maturity when quoted at lower than face value. A security selling
below original offering price shortly after sale also is considered to
be at a discount.
DISCOUNT SECURITIES: Non-interest bearing money market instruments
that are issued at a discount and redeemed at maturity for full face
value, e.g., U.S. Treasury Bills.
DIVERSIFICATION: Dividing investment funds among a variety of
securities offering independent returns.
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 12 of 17
FEDERAL CREDIT AGENCIES: Agencies of the Federal government set up to
supply credit to various classes of institutions and individuals,
e.g., S&L’s, small business firms, students, farmers, farm
cooperatives, and exporters.
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (FDIC): A federal agency that
insures deposits in member banks and thrifts.
FEDERAL FARM CREDIT BANK (FFCB): The Federal Farm Credit Bank system
supports agricultural loans and issues securities and bonds in
financial markets backed by these loans. It has consolidated the
financing programs of several related farm credit agencies and
corporations.
FEDERAL FUNDS RATE: The rate of interest at which Fed funds are
traded. This rate is currently pegged by the Federal Reserve through
open-market operations.
FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION (FAMC or Farmer Mac): A
stockholder owned, publicly-traded corporation that was established
under the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987, which added a new Title
VIII to the Farm Credit Act of 1971. Farmer Mac is a government
sponsored enterprise, whose mission is to provide a secondary market
for agricultural real estate mortgage loans, rural housing mortgage
loans, and rural utility cooperative loans. The corporation is
authorized to purchase and guarantee securities. Farmer Mac
guarantees that all security holders will receive timely payments of
principal and interest.
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (FHLB): Government sponsored wholesale banks
(currently 12 regional banks), which lend funds and provide
correspondent banking services to member commercial banks, thrift
institutions, credit unions and insurance companies.
FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION (FHLMC or Freddie Mac): A
stockholder owned, publicly traded company chartered by the United
States federal government in 1970 to purchase mortgages and related
securities, and then issue securities and bonds in financial markets
backed by those mortgages in secondary markets. Freddie Mac, like its
competitor Fannie Mae, is regulated by the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 13 of 17
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FNMA or Fannie Mae): FNMA, like
GNMA was chartered under the Federal National Mortgage Association Act
in 1938. FNMA is a federal corporation working under the auspices of
the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is the
largest single provider of residential mortgage funds in the United
States. Fannie Mae is a private stockholder-owned corporation. The
corporation’s purchases include a variety of adjustable mortgages and
second loans, in addition to fixed-rate mortgages. FNMA’s securities
are also highly liquid and are widely accepted. FNMA assumes and
guarantees that all security holders will receive timely payment of
principal and interest.
FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM: The central bank of the United States created
by Congress and consisting of a seven-member Board of Governors in
Washington, D.C., 12 regional banks and about 5,700 commercial banks
that are members of the system.
FINANCIAL INDUSTRY REGULATORY AUTHORITY, INC. (FINRA): An independent,
not-for-profit organization authorized by Congress to protect
America’s investors by making sure the securities industry operates
fairly and honestly. It is dedicated to investor protection and
market integrity through effective and efficient regulation of the
securities industry. FINRA is the successor to the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD).
GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (GNMA or Ginnie Mae): A
government owned agency which buys mortgages from lending
institutions, securitizes them, and then sells them to investors.
Because the payments to investors are guaranteed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Government, they return slightly less interest than
other mortgage-backed securities.
INTEREST-ONLY STRIPS: A mortgage-backed instrument where the investor
receives only the interest, no principal, from a pool of mortgages.
Issues are highly interest rate sensitive, and cash flows vary between
interest periods. Also, the maturity date may occur earlier than that
stated if all loans within the pool are pre-paid. High prepayments on
underlying mortgages can return less to the holder than the dollar
amount invested.
INVERSE FLOATER: A bond or note that does not earn a fixed rate of
interest. Rather, the interest rate is tied to a specific interest
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 14 of 17
rate index identified in the bond/note structure. The interest rate
earned by the bond/note will move in the opposite direction of the
index. An inverse floater increases the market rate risk and modified
duration of the investment.
LEVERAGE: Investing with borrowed money with the expectation that the
interest earned on the investment will exceed the interest paid on the
borrowed money.
LIQUIDITY: A liquid asset is one that can be converted easily and
rapidly into cash without a substantial loss of value. In the money
market, a security is said to be liquid if the spread between bid and
asked prices is narrow and reasonable size can be done at those
quotes.
LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND (LAIF): The aggregate of all funds from
political subdivisions that are placed in the custody of the State
Treasurer for investment and reinvestment.
MARKET VALUE: The price at which a security is trading and could
presumably be purchased or sold.
MASTER REPURCHASE AGREEMENT: A written contract covering all future
transactions between the parties to repurchase/reverse repurchase
agreements that establish each party’s rights in the transactions. A
master agreement will often specify, among other things, the right of
the buyer-lender to liquidate the underlying securities in the event
of default by the seller borrower.
MATURITY: The date upon which the principal or stated value of an
investment becomes due and payable.
MONEY MARKET: The market in which short-term debt instruments (bills,
commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances, etc.) are issued and traded.
MUTUAL FUNDS: An open-ended fund operated by an investment company
which raises money from shareholders and invests in a group of assets,
in accordance with a stated set of objectives. Mutual funds raise
money by selling shares of the fund to the public. Mutual funds then
take the money they receive from the sale of their shares (along with
any money made from previous investments) and use it to purchase
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 15 of 17
various investment vehicles, such as stocks, bonds, and money market
instruments.
MONEY MARKET MUTUAL FUNDS: An open-end mutual fund which invests only
in money markets. These funds invest in short term (one day to one
year) debt obligations such as Treasury bills, certificates of
deposit, and commercial paper.
PASSIVE INVESTING: An investment strategy involving limited ongoing
buying and selling actions. Passive investors will purchase
investments with the intention of long-term appreciation and limited
maintenance, and typically don’t actively attempt to profit from short
term price fluctuations. Also known as a buy-and-hold strategy.
PRIMARY DEALER: A designation given by the Federal Reserve System to
commercial banks or broker/dealers who meet specific criteria,
including capital requirements and participation in Treasury auctions.
These dealers submit daily reports of market activity and positions
and monthly financial statements to the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York and are subject to its informal oversight. Primary dealers
include Securities and Exchange Commission registered securities
broker/dealers, banks, and a few unregulated firms.
PRUDENT PERSON RULE: An investment standard. In some states the law
requires that a fiduciary, such as a trustee, may invest money only in
a list of securities selected by the custody state—the so-called legal
list. In other states the trustee may invest in a security if it is
one which would be bought by a prudent person of discretion and
intelligence who is seeking a reasonable income and preservation of
capital.
PUBLIC SECURITIES ASSOCIATION (PSA): A trade organization of dealers,
brokers, and bankers who underwrite and trade securities offerings.
QUALIFIED PUBLIC DEPOSITORIES: A financial institution which does not
claim exemption from the payment of any sales or compensating use or
ad valorem taxes under the laws of this state, which has segregated
for the benefit of the commission eligible collateral having a value
of not less than its maximum liability and which has been approved by
the Public Deposit Protection Commission to hold public deposits.
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 16 of 17
RANGE NOTE: An investment whose coupon payment varies and is dependent
on whether the current benchmark falls within a pre-determined range.
RATE OF RETURN: The yield obtainable on a security based on its
purchase price or its current market price. This may be the amortized
yield to maturity on a bond the current income return.
REGIONAL DEALER: A securities broker/dealer, registered with the
Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), who meets all of the licensing
requirements for buying and selling securities.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (RP OR REPO): A holder of securities sells these
securities to an investor with an agreement to repurchase them at a
fixed price on a fixed date. The security “buyer” in effect lends the
“seller” money for the period of the agreement, and the terms of the
agreement are structured to compensate him for this. Dealers use RP
extensively to finance their positions. Exception: When the Fed is
said to be doing RP, it is lending money that is increasing bank
reserves.
SAFEKEEPING: A service to customers rendered by banks for a fee
whereby securities and valuables of all types and descriptions are
held in the bank’s vaults for protection.
SECONDARY MARKET: A market made for the purchase and sale of
outstanding securities issues following their initial distribution.
SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION: Agency created by Congress to
protect investors in securities transactions by administering
securities legislation.
SEC RULE 15C3-1: See Uniform Net Capital Rule.
STRUCTURED NOTES: Notes issued by Government Sponsored Enterprises
(FHLB, FNMA, FAMCA, etc.), and Corporations, which have imbedded
options (e.g., call features, step-up coupons, floating rate coupons,
derivative-based returns) into their debt structure. Their market
performance is impacted by the fluctuation of interest rates, the
volatility of the imbedded options and shifts in the shape of the
yield curve.
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
INVESTMENT POLICY 27 09/15/93 05/05/21
Page 17 of 17
TREASURY BILLS: A non-interest bearing discount security issued by the
U.S. Treasury to finance the national debt. Most bills are issued to
mature in three months, six months, or one year.
TREASURY BONDS: Long-term coupon-bearing U.S. Treasury securities
issued as direct obligations of the U.S. Government and having initial
maturities of more than 10 years.
TREASURY NOTES: Medium-term coupon-bearing U.S. Treasury securities
issued as direct obligations of the U.S. Government and having initial
maturities from two to 10 years.
UNIFORM NET CAPITAL RULE: Securities and Exchange Commission
requirement that member firms as well as nonmember broker-dealers in
securities maintain a maximum ratio of indebtedness to liquid capital
of 15 to 1; also called net capital rule and net capital ratio.
Indebtedness covers all money owed to a firm, including margin loans
and commitments to purchase securities, one reason new public issues
are spread among members of underwriting syndicates. Liquid capital
includes cash and assets easily converted into cash.
YIELD: The rate of annual income return on an investment, expressed as
a percentage. (a) INCOME YIELD is obtained by dividing the current
dollar income by the current market price for the security. (b) NET
YIELD or YIELD TO MATURITY is the current income yield minus any
premium above par or plus any discount from par in purchase price,
with the adjustment spread over the period from the date of purchase
to the date of maturity of the bond.
Annual Investment Policy Review
& Delegation of Investing Authority to CFO
▪Annual Investment Policy Review
▪California Government Code Section 53646
▪Recommends the Investment Policy be tendered to the Board annually for review
▪Each year, the District reviews Investment Policy No. 27 against any legislative changes to ensure compliance
▪No legislative changes for the current fiscal year
▪The District annually recertifies its authorized security broker/dealers by reviewing their most current audited financial statements, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) records, registrations and insurance.
▪As part of this process, brokers are asked to certify they have read and understand the District’s Investment Policy and may recommend changes, if applicable.
▪No changes were recommended from the brokers’ review
▪Each year, as part of the annual financial audit, the District’s investments are tested by the External Auditors for compliance with the Investment Policy.
▪Every three years, the District submits its Investment Policy to the California Municipal Treasurers Association (CMTA) for certification
▪Certified March 2026
▪Delegation of Investment Authority to CFO
▪California Government Code Section 53607
▪Management responsibility for the investment program is annually delegated to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
1
Attachment C
STAFF REPORT
TYPE MEETING: Regular Board MEETING DATE: May 13, 2026
SUBMITTED BY: Andrea Carey,
Customer Service Manager
PROJECT:
P2662
DIV. NO.All
APPROVED BY: Joseph R. Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
Jose Martinez, General Manager
SUBJECT: Update on the District-Wide Meter Changeout Project
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
This is an informational item only.
COMMITTEE ACTION:
N/A
PURPOSE:
To provide the Board with an update on the District-wide Meter
Changeout Project.
BACKGROUND:
On January 8, 2025, the Board authorized the General Manager to enter
into an agreement with Badger Meter, Inc. for the purchase and
installation of water meters and cellular transponders as part of a
District-wide meter changeout program scheduled to span the next six
years. This project includes the changeout of ¾-inch to 2-inch water
meters and the installation of cellular Automated Metering
Infrastructure (AMI).
ANALYSIS:
The Meter Changeout Project is expected to span six years. District
staff; the District’s project management consultant, ESource; the
meter manufacturer, Badger Meter; and the installation contractor,
Professional Meters, Inc.(PMI); spent the latter part of calendar
year 2025 discussing system design, establishing testing
requirements, and planning customer communication materials and
outreach schedule. From January through April of this year,
AGENDA ITEM 5
approximately 500 meters were installed as part of the Initial
Deployment Area (IDA). The IDA meters were selected to test project
workflow, field quality control, cellular connectivity, and overall
system readiness before proceeding to full deployment. The project is
currently in the IDA phase, and, pending successful system testing,
full deployment is anticipated to begin in August 2026.
Project Workflow
Prior to beginning the project, the project team established
workflows for data transfer, customer communications, and work order
management. The IDA allowed these workflows to be implemented on a
smaller scale to test functionality.
Data Transfer
The project requires data to flow in multiple directions. Data from
the District to PMI’s work order management system is transmitted
daily to ensure PMI has the most current customer and meter
information. In return, all completed meter changeout information is
relayed from PMI to the District so the final read on the old meter
and all new meter information is promptly entered into the utility
billing system. To minimize staff time associated with this process,
the District’s IT staff developed automated processes to facilitate
these data transfers.
Once the meters are installed and added to the District’s billing
system, the information needs to be relayed to Badger Meter’s meter
data management system (Beacon). This allows customer account
information to be connected to the meter/cellular endpoint within
Badger’s system, which is necessary for meter read exports, data
analysis, and account troubleshooting. As new meters were added,
staff successfully imported and exported data from both systems.
After confirming that the process was functioning effectively, an
automated process was implemented to download the files from the
utility billing system, which are then imported into Beacon by the
District’s Meter Services team.
Customer Communication
Prior to the installation of any meters, District staff developed
various communication tools, including a project webpage, a
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document, social media posts, a
postcard, a door hanger, an email, and an automated phone call
recording. Most recently, the District completed a customized project
video addressing common questions about the installation process and
overall project. All outreach materials are available in English and
Spanish.
The communication workflow was explained in depth during the Meter
Changeout informational item presented to the Board in November. In
summary, each residential property within the IDA was mailed a
postcard prior to meter installation. Emails and phone calls were
also sent to affected customers approximately one week prior to the
installers being in their neighborhood. On the day of installation, a
door hanger was left at the property upon completion of the
installation or to notify the customer if the meter could not be
changed out due to an issue.
Work Order Management
PMI utilizes a robust work order management system that allows
District staff to view the addresses within a route scheduled to be
changed out and the status of the changeout. For completed
changeouts, staff can review photographs of the site prior to
installation, the old meter prior to removal, the newly installed
meter, and the final condition of the meter box.
The work order management system also tracks meters that could not be
changed out and have been turned back over to the District. Common
reasons for this return to the District include a non-functioning
District-side shutoff valve, an inaccessible meter, or an improper
customer-side connection. If the issue can be resolved quickly, the
meter can be returned to PMI’s active workload; otherwise, the
District will complete the changeout and it will show removed in
PMI’s system.
District staff have worked closely with PMI throughout the IDA phase
to ensure the installation process proceeds smoothly. Meter Services
staff maintain regular communication with the PMI supervisor, and
when necessary, meet installers onsite to assist with locating and
accessing meters.
Full Deployment
Although the IDA installations were completed successfully, there are
additional steps necessary prior to full deployment. The following
items will be addressed in the coming months to prepare for the first
full year of installations, currently anticipated to begin in August:
•Beacon Training for End Users
o The meter data management system will allow Customer
Service and Meter Services to access detailed meter
information, including 15-minute interval data.
•Data Management
o The transition to AMI will generate a significant
volume of data that must be managed effectively.
•Project Dashboard
o Development of a platform to provide District
stakeholders with a high-level summary of the
project’s progress.
•Meter and Cellular Performance
o Many meters in the IDA were selected due to their
location in areas that may have difficult cellular
performance, staff will be monitoring their
connections. In addition, staff will be doing some
field read verifications to ensure the Beacon readings
match the physical meters.
FISCAL IMPACT: Joe Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
This is an informational item only.
STRATEGIC GOAL:
Invest in technology infrastructure to enhance customer engagement
and satisfaction by implementing advanced metering solutions that
streamline service delivery and provide customers with timely,
accessible information about their water use.
LEGAL IMPACT:
This is an informational item only.
Attachments:
A)Committee Action
B)PowerPoint Presentation
ATTACHMENT A
SUBJECT/PROJECT: Update on the District-Wide Meter Changeout Project
COMMITTEE ACTION:
NOTE:
The “Committee Action” is written in anticipation of the Committee
moving the item forward for board approval. This report will be sent
to the Board as a committee approved item, or modified to reflect any
discussion or changes as directed from the committee prior to
presentation to the full board.
Water Meter Changeout Project Update
Attachment B
Meter
Changeout
•Meters are reaching the end of
their 20-year lifecycle
•District contracted with
Esource, Inc. to assist with the
procurement process
•Request for Proposal issued
mid-June 2024, to include
meters, installation, AMI, and MDMS. Responses due July
31, 2024
•Six proposals received
•Staff from Finance,
Engineering, Water Operations, and IT involved in evaluation
Meter
Changeout
•The Otay Board of Directors authorized the General
Manager to enter into an
agreement with Badger Meter, Inc. for a District-wide
meter changeout program
Project
Timeline
September 2025 - August 2026 August 2026 - June 2031
Planning & System Design Initial Meter Deployment
(500 meters)
System Integration & Testing Full Scale Deployment
Meter
Changeout
•Meters are reaching the end of
their 20-year lifecycle
•District contracted with
Esource, Inc. to assist with the
procurement process
•Request for Proposal issued
mid-June 2024, to include
meters, installation, AMI, and MDMS. Responses due July
31, 2024
•Six proposals received
•Staff from Finance,
Engineering, Water Operations, and IT involved in evaluation
Initial Meter
Deployment
•In anticipation of the initial meter deployment, staff
established testing
requirements and planned customer communications
and the outreach schedule
from September – December 2025.
•Installation of approximately 500 meters occurred from
January – April 2026.
•The initial meter deployment will allow staff to test
installation workflow, field
quality control, cellular connectivity, and system
readiness.
Data Transfer
Customer Communication
Customer Communication
Customer
Communication
Work Order Management
Work Order Management
Return to Utility
Next Steps
➢Beacon training for all end users.
➢Implement best practices for data management.
➢Develop a project dashboard.
➢Continue to evaluate meter and cellular performance.
Questions?
STAFF REPORT
TYPE MEETING: Regular Board MEETING DATE: May 13, 2026
PROJECT: Various DIV. NO. ALL
SUBMITTED BY: Michael Kerr, Information Technology Manager
APPROVED BY: Kevin Koeppen, Chief, Administrative Services
Jose Martinez, General Manager
SUBJECT: FY26 MID-YEAR REPORT OF THE DISTRICT’S FY23-26 STRATEGIC PLAN
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
No recommendation. This is an informational item only.
COMMITTEE ACTION:
Please see “Attachment A”.
PURPOSE:
To provide a mid-year report on the District’s FY23-26 Strategic Plan
for FY26.
ANALYSIS:
Summary
The current Otay Water District Strategic Plan is a four-year
initiative, spanning from the start of FY23 through the end of FY26.
This report provides a mid-year update on the progress made during the
last year of the plan.
Objectives – Target 90%
Strategic Plan objectives are designed to ensure the District’s
execution of mission-derived strategies and the implementation of
changes necessary to guide the agency, address emerging challenges, and
foster positive adaptation to change. FY26 mid-year results are at 91%,
with 32 of 35 active items completed or on schedule; one (1) behind
AGENDA ITEM 6
schedule, and two (2) on hold.
Objective Behind Schedule (1):
INTERNAL BUSINESS PROCESS
Strategy: Leverage the use of renewable and clean energy resources and
reduce the use of hazardous chemicals.
Objective: Evaluate and implement alternative energy opportunities.
Evaluation of alternative energy options is being conducted through
the Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan (CARP). CARP includes a
detailed analysis of climate impacts, resilience strategies, and
energy opportunities. As the effort has expanded beyond the original
scope, requiring data validation, cross-department coordination, and
consideration of regulatory and funding factors, this objective is
behind schedule, with an estimated completion date at the end of
FY27.
Objectives On Hold (2):
FINANCIAL
Strategy: Maintain a long-range financing plan that sets forth the
long-term funding needs of the District.
Objective: Evaluate banking functions for lower cost and process
efficiencies.
This objective remained on hold as staff prioritized several time-
sensitive projects, including implementation of the new customer
information system (CIS). With the upcoming implementation of a new
CIS, the District will also be updating its customer-facing bill and
payment portal. Staff anticipates soliciting a new payment processor
in the third and fourth quarter of FY26. At that time, staff will
also be looking at cost-savings options that may be implemented with
05
10152025303540
45 32
1 2
On Schedule/Completed Behind On Hold
32 of 35 Objectives are Completed or On Schedule (91%)
the new vendor. These options are expected to be presented for
management review by the end of FY26 but not implemented until the
rollout of the new customer portal anticipated in third quarter of
2027.
Objective: Evaluate the District’s cash reserve policies to consider
optimal uses and levels of reserves, to ensure financial resiliency.
This objective remained on hold while the final steps of the
financial ERP implementation become operational. While the system
is live, staff is completing the operational implementation of the
budgeting module and building supporting reporting models. Progress
is also pending the hiring of a new Finance Manager and the issuance
of debt in FY27.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) – Target 75%
KPI’s are designed to track the District’s day-to-day performance. These
indicators measure the effectiveness and efficiency of essential
operational services. The District’s overall KPI goal of 75% is
considered “on target”. For FY26, the mid-year results surpassed this
goal, achieving 100% with 22 of 22 items meeting or exceeding the desired
level.
KPIs are defined using established AWWA performance benchmarks, water
agency standards, and historical trends. Of the total measures outlined
in the Strategic Plan, eleven (11) are reported annually to include:
Water Rate Ranking
Sewer Rate Ranking
Water Debt Coverage
Sewer Debt Coverage
Reserve Level
Accounts Per Full-Time Employee (FTE)
Hydrant Maintenance Program
Business Recovery Exercises
Vulnerability Assessments
Potable Tank Inspection and Cleaning
Injury Incident Rate
One (1) measure is reported biennially to triennially:
Customer Opinion Survey
Next Steps
Staff will continue to focus on the plan’s objectives, key performance
indicators, and emerging trends as it closes out this Strategic Plan
and transitions to the new FY27-30 Strategic Plan adopted by the Board
at the April 1, 2026 Board meeting.
Committee Reports – Slideshow
The Strategic Plan mid-year results are presented to both the
Engineering, Operations, and Water Resources Committee and the
Finance and Administration Committee (see “Attachment B”). The
Strategic Plan is also available on the District’s website.
FISCAL IMPACT: Joe Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
Informational item only; no fiscal impact.
STRATEGIC GOAL:
Strategic Plan and Performance Measure reporting is a critical element
in providing performance reporting to the Board and staff.
LEGAL IMPACT:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A – Committee Action Report
Attachment B – PowerPoint Presentation
22 of 22 Key Performance Indicators are On Target (100%)
0510152025303540 22
0
On Target Not on Target
ATTACHMENT A
SUBJECT/PROJECT: FY26 MID-YEAR REPORT OF THE DISTRICT’S FY23-26 STRATEGIC
PLAN
COMMITTEE ACTION:
The Engineering, Operations, & Water Resources Committee, and the Finance
& Administration Committee reviewed this item at a meeting held on April
22 and 23, 2026, respectively. The Committee supports presentation to
the full Board.
NOTE:
The “Committee Action” is written in anticipation of the Committee moving
the item forward for Board approval. This report will be sent to the
Board as a committee approved item or modified to reflect any discussion
or changes as directed by the committee prior to presentation to the full
Board.
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
STRATEGIC PLAN
FY2026 Mid-Year Report
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
STRATEGIC PLAN
FY2026 Mid-Year Report 2023
2026
ATTACHMENT B
BALANCED SCORECARDBALANCED SCORECARD
2
Focuses on the financial
performance of the District
FINANCIALFINANCIAL
Focuses on the District’s culture
and development of staff to
ensure there is a productive and
skilled workforce in place
LEARNING AND
GROWTH
LEARNING AND
GROWTH
Focuses on customer service
levels, satisfaction, brand,
and confidence
CUSTOMERCUSTOMER
Focuses on business processes
designed to deliver and improve
customer objectives and
services
INTERNAL
BUSINESS PROCESS
INTERNAL
BUSINESS PROCESS
90%
Total 35
ON SCHEDULE
COMPLETED BEHIND SCHEDULE ON HOLD
OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES MID-YEAR
FY 2026
32 Objectives
32/35 = 91%
Overall Target
Active/Completed 35
Not Started 0
1 Objective
1/35 = 3%
2 Objectives
2/35 = 6%
CUSTOMER
Enhance and build public awareness of the
District’s priorities, initiatives, programs, and
services
Collect and analyze customer feedback on District operations,
projects, programs, service experience, and expectations
Advance the District's web and social media presence
Enhance internal communications, tools, and technology to
disseminate information to District staff effectively
Enhance education, outreach, and communication tools to the
public on the understanding of water supply constraints and
rates and how they affect/support a reliable water supply
4
On ScheduleCompleted
EILEEN SALMERON
Communications Assistant
(With 2025 Landscape Winner, Catherine S.)
FINANCIAL
Maintain a long-range financing plan that sets forth
the long-term funding needs of the District
Evaluate grant funding opportunities
Evaluate banking functions for lower cost and process
efficiencies
Evaluate the District’s cash reserve policies to consider optimal
uses and levels of reserves, to ensure financial resiliency
Conduct an evaluation of a health savings investment account
program for an optional post-employment benefit
Conduct a compensation study to evaluate labor industry
conditions and the District’s competitiveness
Invest in technology infrastructure to enhance
customer engagement and satisfaction
Evaluate Interactive Voice Response (IVR)/Online customer
portal for water use management and assistance
Deploy Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology in
service areas to improve the District Operation
5
Left to right: OLIVIA READY & BETH GENTRY
Engineering Staff
On-HoldOn ScheduleCompleted
INTERNAL BUSINESS PROCESS
Leverage the use of renewable and clean energy
resources and reduce the use of hazardous chemicals
Evaluate and implement energy-efficient systems
Evaluate and implement alternative energy opportunities
Advance Clean Fleet Regulations District Implementation Program of
Zero or near Zero Emissions Vehicles
Reduce the District’s chemical footprint by substituting hazardous
chemicals for similar, less hazardous chemicals
Implement technologies to improve response time,
security, and operational effectiveness
Conversion of the District’s enterprise Geographic Information
System (GIS/Esri) from a Geometric Network to a Utility Network
Model
Conduct needs assessment/replacement of District's financial
management system
Maintain and regularly evaluate internal financial controls
Leverage Cityworks to further develop job task process
standardization and work order cost modeling
6
Behind ScheduleOn ScheduleCompleted
JEFF GOIN
Sr. Disinfection Technician
INTERNAL BUSINESS PROCESS
Develop appropriate water resource mix to meet
the water reliability needs of the community
Use the Water Facilities Water Management Plan/Urban Water
Management Plan to analyze future needs and prescribe
approaches to meeting future requirements
Evaluate City of San Diego’s recycled water purchase
Develop the District’s long-term water supply strategies and
planning efforts with regional partnerships
Respond to anticipated water shortages through
rate structure modification, conservation
assistance, and outreach
Monitor and modify the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, as
needed
Identify, evaluate, and implement new opportunities for
recycled water, including potential for potable reuse
7
On ScheduleCompleted
JULIANA LUENGAS
Environmental Compliance Specialist
INTERNAL BUSINESS PROCESS
Advancement of District's Asset Management Program
Formalization of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Planned
Job Observations (PJO)
Develop long-term strategic operations and maintenance program
(Total Asset Management)
Collect and maintain accurate asset records, including criticality,
maintenance history, asset condition, and performance for
continuous improvement
Cloud migration of the District’s enterprise Geographic Information
System (GIS/Esri) and the associated Asset Management and Field
Applications
Cyber and Physical Security
Advance the use of the District's Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition (SCADA) system to further enhance the security and
reliability of the distribution system and optimize administration
Evaluate new disaster recovery solutions and advance the District's
enterprise business continuity program
8
On ScheduleCompleted
KEVIN WINDER
Water Systems Operator III
LEARNING AND GROWTH
Coordinate workforce planning activities to determine
future needs, identify gaps, and implement actions to
close the gaps
Maximize opportunities to develop employees through
training and mentoring
Evaluate the implementation of learning and development
programs in coordination with partner agencies
Analyze and identify workforce trends to address critical
gaps between the current workforce and future needs
Improve Organization Effectiveness
Negotiate successor Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with the employee association and unrepresented
employees to focus on recruitment and retention
Implement a cross-functional innovation committee to
advance the District’s culture of collaboration and process
improvement among departments
9
On ScheduleCompleted ANDREA CAREY
Customer Service Manager
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORSKEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS MID-YEAR
FY 2026
Overall Target 75%
Total 34
Reported Quarterly 22
Reported Annually 11
22 KPIs
22/22 = 100%
ON TARGET NOT ON TARGET
0 KPIs
0/23 = 0%
Reported Biennial to
Triennial 1
10
11
0.97 0.830
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
75th Percentile
Median
25th Percentile
TECHNICAL QUALITY COMPLAINT
(AWWA | Customer Relations)
DEANDRE SAVAGE
Lead Water Systems Operator
TARGET
No more than 1.15 complaints per 1,000 customer accounts per quarter |
No more than 4.6 complaints per 1,000 customer accounts annually
CALCULATION
Number of technical quality complaints per year/Number of active accounts per reporting period
AWWA BENCHMARK
Average of 75th Percentile, 2.6, and Median, 6.6, for population served between 100,001 – 500,000
(Combined Utilities)
TARGET
100% of all health-related drinking water standards per quarter and annually
CALCULATION
Number of days the primary health regulations are met/Number of days in the reporting period
AWWA BENCHMARK
100% - 75
th Percentile for population served between 100,001 – 500,000 (Water)12
100%100%
(FY 23 Q1 & Q2 Result)98.10%97.94%
95%
96%
97%
98%
99%
100%
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
ANSWER RATE
100%100%
95%
96%
97%
98%
99%
100%
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
POTABLE WATER COMPLIANCE RATE
(AWWA | Water Operations)
TARGET
97% average answer rate per quarter and annually
CALCULATION
Number of calls answered/Total number of calls
13
$884.93
$1,183.81
$500
$700
$900
$1,100
$1,300
$1,500
$1,700
$1,900
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
DIRECT COST OF TREATMENT
PER MGD
EDOARDO GONZALEZ
Reclamation Plant Operator III
TARGET
No more than $1255 MGD spent in Q1 & Q4 and $1673 MGD spent in Q2 & Q3 |
No more than $1464 per MGD spent on wastewater treatment annually
CALCULATION
Total O&M costs directly attributable to sewer treatment/Total volume in MG for one quarter
14
15%
45%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
CIP PROJECT EXPENDITURES
VS. BUDGET
TARGET
95% of the budget annually
Q1: 15% + Q2: 21% + Q3: 29% + Q4: 30% = 95%
CALCULATION
Actual Expenditures/Annual Budget
BOARD MEMBERS & STAFF
870-2 Reservoir Tour
15
73%73%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
PLANNED POTABLE WATER
MAINTENANCE RATIO IN $
TARGET
70% of all labor costs spent on preventative maintenance per quarter and
annually
CALCULATION
Total Planned Maintenance Cost/Total Maintenance Cost
-0.1%
-0.8%
-5%
-3%
-1%
1%
3%
5%
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
CONSTRUCTION CHANGE
ORDER INCIDENCE
TARGET
No more than 5% per quarter and annually
CALCULATION
Cost of Change Orders (not including allowances)/Original construction contract
amount (not including allowances)
16
97%
83%
50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
80%
85%
90%
95%
100%
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
PLANNED WASTEWATER
MAINTENANCE RATIO IN $
TARGET
80% of all labor costs spent on preventative maintenance per quarter and
annually
CALCULATION
Total Planned Maintenance Cost/Total Maintenance Cost
90%90%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
PLANNED RECYCLED WATER
MAINTENANCE RATIO IN $
TARGET
70% of all labor costs spent on preventative maintenance per quarter
and annually
CALCULATION
Total Planned Maintenance Cost/Total Maintenance Cost
17
4%4%
0%
1%
2%
3%
4%
5%
6%
7%
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM LOSS
TARGET
Less than 5% of unaccounted water per quarter and annually
CALCULATION
(Total Potable Water Purchased + Total Recycled Water Purchased & Produced) – (Total
Measured Billed & Unbilled Water)/(Total Potable Water Purchased + Total Recycled
Water Purchased & Produced)
99.99%99.99%
95%
96%
97%
98%
99%
100%
101%
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
BILLINGACCURACY
TARGET
99.8% billing accuracy per quarter and annually
CALCULATION
Number of correct bills/Number of bills issued during the reporting period
18
BRANDON PERRY
Utility Crew Leader
0 00
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
75th Percentile
Median
25th Percentile
SEWER OVERFLOW RATE
(AWWA | Wastewater Operations)
TARGET
0 overflows per quarter and annually
CALCULATION
100 (Number of sewer overflows during the reporting period)/Total miles of pipe in the sewage
collection system
AWWA BENCHMARK
0 – 75
th Percentile for population served between 0-50,000
0.13 0.130
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
75th Percentile
Median
25th Percentile
0.13 0.26
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
75th Percentile
Median
25th Percentile
POTABLE WATER DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEM INTEGRITY (LEAKS)
(AWWA | Water Operations)
19
POTABLE WATER DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEM INTEGRITY (BREAKS)
(AWWA | Water Operations)
TARGET
No more than 0.625 leaks per 100 miles of distribution piping per quarter |
No more than 2.5 leaks per 100 miles of distribution piping annually
CALCULATION
100 (Number of leaks)/Total miles of distribution piping
AWWA BENCHMARK
2.5 – 75
th percentile for population served between 100,001-500,000
TARGET
No more than 0.75 breaks per 100 miles of distribution piping per quarter |
No more than 3 breaks per 100 miles of distribution piping annually
CALCULATION
100 (Number of breaks)/Total miles of distribution piping
AWWA BENCHMARK
3 – 75
th percentile for population served between 100,001-500,000
0 00
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
RECYCLED WATER SYSTEM
INTEGRITY (LEAKS)
20
0 00
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
RECYCLED WATER SYSTEM
INTEGRITY (BREAKS)
TARGET
No more than 0.625 leaks per 100 miles of recycled distribution system per quarter |
No more than 2.5 leaks per 100 miles of recycled distribution system annually
CALCULATION
100 (Number of leaks)/Total miles of recycled distribution system
TARGET
No more than 0.75 breaks per 100 miles of recycled distribution system per quarter |
No more than 3 breaks per 100 miles of recycled distribution system annually
CALCULATION
100 (Number of breaks)/Total miles of recycled distribution system
21
100%100%
95%
96%
97%
98%
99%
100%
101%
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
MARK-OUT ACCURACY
TARGET
100% mark-out accuracy per quarter and annually
CALCULATION
Number of mark-outs performed without an at-fault hit, which is damage to a District
facility that results from a missing or erroneous mark-out/Total number of mark-outs
25%
50%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
EASEMENT EVALUATION
AND FIELD INSPECTION
TARGET
100% assigned easements, evaluated via desktop tools, and inspected annually
25 easements per quarter | 100 easements are assigned for FY26
CALCULATION
Number of easements evaluated and inspected/Total easements assigned for the
period
22
1715
2373
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
SYSTEM VALVE
EXERCISING PROGRAM
TARGET
20% of District valves exercised annually to accomplish 100% every five years
1133 valves per quarter | 4526 valves annually
CALCULATION
Total number of valves exercised per year
Left to right: MARIO BALLEJOS & CARLOS AYALA
Utility Maintenance Staff
23
MIRAN JAFF
Facilities Maintenance Technician
0.73%
2.19%
0%
1%
2%
3%
4%
5%
6%
7%
8%
9%
10%
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
EMPLOYEE VOLUNTARY
TURNOVER RATE
TARGET
Less than 1.25% turnover per quarter | Less than 5% turnover annually
CALCULATION
Number of voluntary terminations (not including retirements)/Average number of
employees
5.80
12.29
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
75th Percentile
Median
25th Percentile
TRAINING HOURS PER EMPLOYEE
(AWWA | Organizational Development)
24
TARGET
3.9 hours per employee per quarter | 15.6 hours per employee annually
CALCULATION
Total qualified training hours for all employees/Average number of FTEs
AWWA BENCHMARK
15.6 – Median for combined utilities
9.49
18.09
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Result
Target
SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM
TARGET
6 hours per field employee per quarter | 24 hours per field employee annually
CALCULATION
Total qualified safety training hours for field employees/Average number of field
employees
RESOURCE LINKS
Otay Water District Website | Strategic Plan
FY23 - FY26 Strategic Plan Digital Publication
QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?