Strategy Development
Before any project can become a reality, there should be a plan to fund it.
At Jones & Henry, we have specialists in project financing. Our staff works closely with clients to determine the most appropriate financing options for a specific project.
We act as a catalyst in bringing all the financing components together. We understand the need to structure a project to be technically sound and financially attainable.
Working in collaboration with each client, their financial advisors, and funding agency representatives, we develop economical and affordable financing packages as a team. We help our clients minimize the local share of project costs while assembling the total funding package needed to construct and operate the project.
Jones & Henry will help your community develop a successful funding strategy by:
- Identifying the critical attributes of a project (such as public health, safety, environmental, financial, economic, educational, and recreational benefits, etc.)
- Galvanizing public support for the project through the participation of local stakeholders
- Taking advantage of the full range of available funding options and leveraging multiple funding sources and types of assistance
- Provide a list of financial programs that apply to a specific project.
- Prepare grant and loan applications and provide program management, including compliance with federal, state, and local requirements
- Suggesting phasing of project tasks or components so that financial resources can be maximized and budgeted
Asset Management & Capital Improvement Plans
Jones & Henry has experience developing community asset management programs and capital improvement plans.
Our assessment management programs consist of various elements, including:
- Inventory
- Condition assessment
- Valuation
- Criticality determination
- Operations & maintenance
- Best management practices
- Evaluation of repair/replacement/capital improvement alternatives
- Utility rates
- Funding strategies
We aim to develop asset management programs that allow your community to plan for future capital improvements and avoid the “rate shock” often accompanying significant projects.
Your community can achieve financial stability and sustainability through our asset management programs and capital improvement plans.
State & Federal Grant & Loan Options
Jones & Henry works closely with agency representatives to help you understand a project’s available state and federal financing options.
We prepare funding applications and provide grant/loan administration throughout the project. Many funding programs require a community to complete tasks before applying for their funds, including:
- Facilities plans
- Environmental reports
- Cost estimates
Funding administration may require progress reports and performance certificates; we can help. Since we are well-respected by various funding agencies, we can identify the programs that are best suited for your project. We will help you take advantage of low-interest loans and other assistance that may provide more significant savings than traditional grants.
Rates, Fees, Affordability, & Cost of Services Studies
Although they must adhere to basic regulatory and industry standards, rate-setting practices are as varied as communities.
Jones & Henry can help your community develop equitable utility rates and fee structures through a building block approach involving planning, prioritizing, and budget analysis.
Jones & Henry will develop rate models to monitor rates and assist with future adjustments. Rate-setting methodologies also may be geared to the unique needs of your community.
Our utility rate and financing specialists are ready to help you address utility rates, fees, and affordability issues, which have become essential today.
Service rates must be equitable, acceptable to customers, and generate sufficient revenue. Jones & Henry has the technical and financial experience necessary to properly understand and evaluate existing rate structures and make recommendations for improvements.
Periodic rate or cost of service studies are essential in maintaining adequate financial resources for a community’s utilities. We review existing conditions objectively and analyze current rate structures in detail to determine if there is a need for a change. We analyze rate structures for equity and revenue sufficiency.
