RES 2016-0580 - MUD financial statements and auditor's report Ell
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2016 R i y.`'. v ,.
April 12, 2016 „ R5M US LLP
4851 Maier Street. Suite 400
Karsas City MO 64 112 254 .
0 +1 816 -53 3003
r. + 8, . 751 1800
Private and Confidential
City of Omaha rob s-mur c:o:
Attn: City Clerk
1819 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE 68183
Dear City Clerk:
In accordance with Section 14-2147 of the Revised Statutes of the State of Nebraska, we are enclosing
one copy of our report on the financial statements and additional information of the Water Department
and Gas Department of the Metropolitan Utilities District as of December 31, 2015.
If you have any questions, we will be happy to supply additional information.
Sincerely,
Kevin Smith
Partner
Enclosures
cc: Joseph Schaffart
THE POWER OF BEING UNDERSTOOD
AUDIT TAX CONSULTING
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Financial Statements and Supplemental Schedules
December 31, 2015
(With Independent Auditors' Report Thereon)
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Table of Contents
Page
Independent Auditors' Report 1
Management's Discussion and Analysis 3
Basic Financial Statements:
Statements of Net Position 13
Statements of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Net Position 15
Statements of Cash Flows 16
Notes to Basic Financial Statements 17
Required Supplementary Information:
Schedules of Funding Progress—Other Postemployment Benefits 44
Schedule of Changes in Net Pension Liability and Related Ratios 45
Schedule of Employer Contributions 46
Supplemental Schedules(Unaudited)
Water Department:
Schedule of Insurance Coverage 47
Statutory Information Required by Chapter 14, Section 2145 of the Revised Statutes of
Nebraska of 1943 48
Schedule A—Cost per Thousand Gallons of Water Sold 49
Schedule B—Operating Expenses 50
Gas Department:
Schedule of Insurance Coverage 51
Statutory Information Required by Chapter 14, Section 2145 of the Revised Statutes of
Nebraska of 1943 52
Schedule A—Cost per Thousand Cubic Feet of Gas Sold 53
Schedule B—Operating Expenses 54
Statistical Information(Unaudited)
Statistical Highlights—Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 55
RSM
RSM US LLP
Independent Auditor's Report
Board of Directors
Metropolitan Utilities District
Omaha, Nebraska
Report on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the business-type activities and each major fund of
the Metropolitan Utilities District(the District), as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the related
notes to the financial statements,which collectively comprise the District's basic financial statements as listed
in the table of contents.
Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the
design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of
financial statements that are free from material misstatement,whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor's Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements based on our audit.We conducted our
audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the
standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller
General of the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the assessment of
the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those
risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation
of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. Accordingly, we
express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and
the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our
audit opinions.
Opinions
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective
financial position of the business-type activities and each major fund of the District, as of December 31, 2015,
and the respective changes in financial position and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
IHE POWER OF BEING UNDERSTOOD
AUDIT I TAX I CONSULTING
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Emphasis of Matter
As described in Note 2, the District adopted GASB Statement No. 68, Accounting and Financial Reporting for
Pensions, which restated beginning net position of the business-type activities and each major fund, to record
the net pension liability. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.
Other Matters
Required Supplementary Information
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that the management's
discussion and analysis on pages 3 through 12, other postemployment benefit plan and pension schedules on
pages 44 through 46 be presented to supplement the basic financial statements. Such information, although
not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board who
considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an
appropriate operational, economic or historical context. We have applied certain limited procedures to the
required supplementary information in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United
States of America, which consisted of inquiries of management about the methods of preparing the information
and comparing the information for consistency with management's responses to our inquiries, the basic
financial statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the basic financial statements.We
do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not
provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance.
Supplementary and Other Information
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming opinions on the financial statements that collectively
comprise the District's basic financial statements. The accompanying supplementary and statistical sections as
listed in the table of contents are presented for purposes of additional analysis and are not a required part of
the basic financial statements. This information has not been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in
the audit of the basic financial statements, and accordingly, we do not express an opinion or provide any
assurance on them.
Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated March 28, 2016, on
our consideration of the District's internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with
certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of this
report is to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the
results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on internal control over financial reporting or on
compliance. This report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing
Standards in considering the District's internal control over financial reporting and compliance.
sA1 PS L4 P
Omaha, Nebraska
March 28, 2016
2
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Management's Discussion and Analysis
December 31, 2015
This section presents management's analysis and overview of the Metropolitan Utilities District's (the District)
financial condition and activities as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015. This information should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes to the financial statements.
Overview of Financial Statements
Management's discussion and analysis serves as an introduction to the financial statements and supplementary
information. The financial statements report information about the District using accrual accounting.
The statement of net position presents information on the District's assets, deferred outflows of resources,
liabilities and deferred inflows of resources, with the difference between them reported as net position. Over
time, increases or decreases in net position may serve as a useful indicator of the District's financial position.
The statement of revenues, expenses, and changes in net position presents information on how the District's net
position changed during the year. All changes in net position are reported as soon as the underlying event giving
rise to the change occurs, regardless of the timing of related cash flows. Thus, revenues and expenses are
reported in this statement for some items that will result in cash flows in future periods.
The notes to the financial statements provide required disclosures and other information that is necessary to
understand material data provided in the financial statements. The notes begin on page 17.
Financial Highlights
The District's overall financial position and results of operations for the current and prior year are summarized in
the paragraphs and exhibits to follow. The District implemented GASB No. 68, Accounting and Financial
Reporting for Pensions for the year ending December 31, 2015. This Statement requires governmental entities
providing defined benefit pension benefits to recognize their long-term obligation for pension benefits as a
liability for the first time, and to more comprehensively and comparably measure the annual costs of pension
benefits. The financial impact of this new accounting guidance will be addressed in the paragraphs to follow as
well as in the notes to our financial statements.
Gas Department
2015 2014
Sales,volume sold—DTH:
Firm gas sales 25,229,966 85% 29,545,878 87%
Interruptible gas sales 4,555,247 15 4,547,038 13
Total gas sales 29,785,213 100% 34,092,916 100%
Degree days 5,555 6,390
Customers(at December 31):
Firm customers 224,925 223,055
Interruptible customers 25 25
224,950 223,080
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METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Managements Discussion and Analysis
December 31, 2015
Gas volumes sold in 2015 decreased 4.307,703 DTH, or 12.6%, from 2014 due to warmer winter weather, as
evidenced by the 13.1% decrease in the number of degree days. There was an increase in firm gas customers in
2015 of 1,870. or .8%; there was no change in the number of interruptible customers.
Gas Department Summary of Results of Operations
2015 2014(*I)
Operating revenues:
Firm and interruptible gas sales $ 178,917,603 91% $ 257.1 10.991 93%
Infrastructure charge 12,640,132 6 12,562,440 5
Other 5,319,888 3 6,287,630 2
Less bad debt expense (897,783) (1,053,070)
Total operating revenues, net 195,979.840 100% 274,907,991 100%
Operating expenses:
Cost of natural gas 102,977,002 58% 175.462,030 71%
Other operating expenses 73,128,107 42 70,571,414 29
Total operating expenses 176,105,109 100% 246,033,444 100%
Nonoperating revenues(expenses).net (1,331,137) (218,857)
Change in net position 18,543,594 28,655,690
Net position, beginning of year(as restated for 2015) 305,527,178 298,736,665
Net position,end of year $ 324,070,772 $ 327,392,355
(*1)2014 amounts do not reflect the adoption of GASB No. 68
Revenues from gas sales, net, were down 28.7% in 2015 due to a 12.6% reduction in volumes, coupled with
decreased gas costs. The annual revenues for the average residential gas customer were $573.06 in 2015, as
compared to $828.72 in 2014.
The District initiated an Infrastructure Replacement Charge effective January 2, 2008. This charge is included in
the annual revenue for the average residential customer stated above for both years.
Total operating expenses were down by 28.4% from 2014. In 2015, the cost of natural gas was $72.5 million, or
41.3% less than in 2014, due to decreased gas cost ($48.4 million), lower volumes ($22.3 million) and
recognition of additional gas purchase discounts earned associated with the CPEP 142 settlement ($1.8 million).
In 2015, other operating expenses were $2.6 million, or 3.6%, higher than 2014 due primarily to increased
pension expense associated with the implementation of GASB Statement No. 68, Accounting and Financial
Reporting for Pensions, increased Other Post-Employment Benefits expense associated with higher retiree health
claims, partially offset by lower statutory payments attributed to lower revenues and decreased Distribution
maintenance expense.
Non-operating expenses increased by $1.1 million due primarily to the write-off of mobile radio-related assets
associated with the early termination of the contract with a third party provider; the early termination enabled the
District to avoid substantial equipment replacement costs as well as the annual maintenance fee of$.3 million.
4
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Management's Discussion and Analysis
December 31, 2015
The District contracts with Central Plains Energy Project (CPEP) for a significant portion of its gas purchases.
CPEP is a public body created under Nebraska Interlocal Law for the purpose of securing long-term, economical,
and reliable gas supplies. CPEP currently has three members: the District, Cedar Falls Utilities, and Hastings
Utilities. CPEP has acquired gas through long-term prepaid gas purchase agreements and delivers gas to its
members or customers through long-term gas supply contracts for specified volumes of gas at market-based
pricing less a contractual discount. Under the current agreements, the District anticipates taking approximately
90% of the gas acquired in these transactions under a 20-year gas purchase agreement entered into with CPEP in
2007 and two 30-year gas purchase agreements, one entered into in 2009 and the other in 2012. Terms of this
2007 gas supply agreement were renegotiated in 2009 and again in 2012; the gas flows under this agreement will
now expire on October 31, 2020. Pursuant to the renegotiation in terms that occurred in 2012, the District
received $4.4 million, included in other non-operating revenue in 2012, to compensate the District for the
reduction in gas deliveries. As discussed below, the 2009 long-term prepaid gas purchase contract has also been
renegotiated subsequent to litigation.
In January 2014, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Omaha to terminate its
30-year obligation to deliver gas pursuant to CPEP #2, which originated in August 2009. The CPEP #2 supply
agreement accounts for approximately 15% of the District's annual gas requirements. RBC asserted that a
change in international bank regulations relative to a requirement to maintain increased reserves against
prospective losses related to the CPEP deal, serves as a "triggering event" to terminate the supply agreement.
CPEP disputed RBC's position, and a countersuit was subsequently filed. On December 1, 2014,this matter was
resolved;the renegotiation provides for the following: 1) ) $12.5 million up-front proceeds at closing,which have
been recorded as unearned gas purchase discounts by the District, and will be recognized as a reduction of the
cost of natural gas based on the pattern of gas purchases through October 2019; 2) locked-in discounts of$.16
per DTH for the period November 1, 2014 through October 31, 2019, and 3) the ability to renegotiate discounts
for the November 1, 2019 through June 30, 2039, the remaining duration of the contract. It should be noted that
the aforementioned $12.5 million up-front proceeds are restricted, in that they must be spent on capital projects
within three years from the closing date of December 1, 2014. During 2015, $5.4 million of the $12.5 million up-
front proceeds were spent on qualifying capital projects.
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METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Management's Discussion and Analysis
December 31. 2015
Gas Department Summary Financial Position
2015 2014 (*1)
Plant in service, net $ 376,642,587 $ 360,914,829
Noncurrent assets 8376,751 13,737,935
Current assets 142,173,607 135,359,340
Total assets 527,192,945 510,012,104
Deferred outflows of resources
Pension amounts 10,775,819 -
Total assets and deferred
outflows of resources $ 537,968,764 $ 510,012,104
Deferred inflows of resources
Contributions in aid of construction $ 42,122,389 $ 42,892,372
Current liabilities 63.874,135 69,469,353
Noncurrent liabilities 107,901,468 70,258,024
Total liabilities 171,775,603 139,727,377
Net position
Net investment in capital assets 333,351,210 316,636,764
CPEP#2 Settlement Fund - 662,500
Unrestricted (9,280,438) 10,093,091
Total net position 324,070,772 327,392,355
Total liabilities. deferred
inflows of resources,
and net position $ 537,968,764 $ 510,012,104
(*1)2014 amounts do not reflect the adoption of GASB No. 68.
Gas Department Long-Term Debt Activity
Debt totaled $1,168,988 and $1,385,693 in the Gas Department at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively,
which relates to a low-interest loan obtained from the Nebraska Energy Office and its lending partner; the loan
matures December 15, 2020 and the interest rate is fixed at 2.5% per annum.
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METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Management's Discussion and Analysis
December 31, 2015
Gas Department Capital Asset Activity
The District remains committed to expending the funds necessary to allow for continued safe and reliable
delivery of natural gas to the District's customers. A key component of this commitment is addressing the
District's aging infrastructure, as evidenced by the District's ongoing efforts to replace all remaining cast iron
gas mains, approximately 397 miles, over the next ten years; the District expended $14.4 million to improve
infrastructure and replace cast iron gas mains in 2015 and $11.2 million in 2014.
In 2015, capital and construction-related costs totaled $34.7 million, consisting of:
1) infrastructure replacement$14.4 million(discussed above);
2) other gas mains and distribution $11.2 million;
3) buildings, land and equipment$1.8 million;
4) information technology-related $5.1 million;
5) vehicles, equipment and all other general plant$2.2 million.
In 2014, capital and construction-related costs totaled $35.7 million, consisting of:
1) infrastructure replacement $11.2 million(discussed above);
2) other gas mains and distribution $11.0 million;
3) buildings, land and equipment$4.5 million;
4) information technology-related $4.2 million;
5) vehicles, equipment and all other general plant $4.8 million.
Water Department
2015 2014
Water sales(million gallons) 25,134.2 29,493.6
In 2015, the volume of water sales decreased 4,359.4 million gallons, or 14.8%, due in part to full year
precipitation levels that were nearly 14 inches above normal, resulting in less commercial and residential
sprinkling.
2015 2014
Customers(December 31) 208,256 207,026
The number of customers at the end of 2015 increased 1,230, or .6%over 2014.
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METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Management's Discussion and Analysis
December 31. 2015
Water Department Summary of Results of Operations
2015 2014(*1)
Operating revenues:
Water sales $ 85,844,760 83°io $ 87,406,646 82%
Infrastructure charge 14,098,446 14 13,988,367 13
Other 3,492,962 3 5,119,617 5
Less bad debt expense (472,268) (581,866)
Total operating revenues, net 102,963.900 100% 105,932,764 100%
Operating expenses 88,877,125 83,577,753
Nonoperating expenses, net 7,908,533 6,988,1 19
Change in net position 6.178,242 15,366,892
Net position,beginning of year(as restated for 2015) 268,962,148 271,702.964
Net position, end of year $ 275,140,390 S 287,069,856
(*I) 2014 amounts do not reflect the adoption of GASB No. 68
Operating revenues, net, decreased 2.9% in 2015 due to precipitation levels that were nearly 14 inches above
normal, as discussed previously. Operating revenues, net, were virtually the same in 2014 as prior year. The
annual revenues for the average residential water customer were $320.34 in 2015 compared to $ 317.16 in 2014.
Total operating expenses in 2015 were up $5.3 million, or 6.3%, due primarily to increased pension expense
associated with the implementation of GASB Statement No. 68, Accounting and Financial Reporting for
Pensions, increased Other Post-Employment Benefits expense associated with higher retiree health claims,
increased distribution operating expense due primarily to an effort to replace water meters to support additional
automated meter reading and increased maintenance expense at each of the three water treatment plants.
Non-operating expenses increased by $.9 million in 2015, due primarily to bond expenses associated with the
issuance of the Series 2015 water revenue bonds,which will be discussed in greater detail later in this document.
8
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Management's Discussion and Analysis
December 31, 2015
Water Summary Financial Position
2015 2014 (*1)
Plant in service, net $ 814,934,043 $ 796,770,127
Current assets 63,284,817 64,338,701
Noncurrent assets 35,917,271 3,464,524
Total assets 914,136,131 864,573,352
Deferred outflows of resources
Pension amounts 9,056,154 —
Debt refunding 5,419,285 —
Total deferred outflows of resources 14,475,439 —
Total assets and deferred outflows
of resources $ 928,611,570 $ 864,573,352
Deferred inflows of resources
Contributions in aid of construction $ 288,214,682 $ 287,781,637
Current liabilities 43,340,468 41,716,144
Long-term obligations 321,916,030 248,005,715
Total liabilities 365,256,498 289,721,859
Net position:
Net investment in capital assets 321,062,547 304,761,896
Restricted 3,275,181 6,134,347
Unrestricted (49,197,338) (23,826,387)
Total net position 275,140,390 287,069,856
Total liabilities, deferred inflows
of resources, and net position $ 928,61 1,570 $ 864,573,352
(*1) 2014 amounts do not reflect the adoption of GASB No. 68
9
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Management's Discussion and Analysis
December 31, 2015
Water Department Long-Term Debt Activity
On November 18, 2015 the District announced the successful completion of an $188,895,000 Series 2015 water
revenue bond issuance; the all-in cost of funds associated with the offering is 2.96 percent. The bond issuance
allowed for the refund and refinancing of the Series 2006A and Series 2006B bonds at a more favorable interest
rate; the refinancing will save the District$16.4 million over the life of the financing. In addition, $41 million of
the bond issuance is new debt that will be used to fund capital improvement projects at our Florence Water
Treatment plant over the next three years. There were no principal payments due on the 2015 bonds during
2015; therefore, the District's long-term debt at December 31, 2015 includes $188,895,000 in Series 2015 bonds
outstanding. At December 31, 2014, the District's long-term debt included $79,705,000 and $80,075,000 of
Series 2006A and Series B bonds. respectively.
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the District's long-term debt included $36,695,000 and $38,285,000,
respectively, of Series 2012 bonds outstanding. During 2015 and 2014, respectively, the District made principal
payments of$1,590,000 and $1.275,000 towards its outstanding Series 2012 water revenue bonds.
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, long-term obligations included a note payable of $33,655 and $97,695,
respectively, at 3% interest per annum, to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ). During
2015 and 2014, the District paid $64,040 and $62,161 respectively, on the note payable to NDEQ. In 2009, the
District entered into an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act loan agreement with the NDEQ for the
construction of a contact basin located near its Platte South Water Treatment Plant; the loan is at a 2% interest
rate per annum. This loan provided for $1,089,775 in loan forgiveness in the form of a grant, at project
completion. At December31, 2015 and 2014, long term obligations for this note were $4,685,082 and
$4,940,603 respectively. During 2015 and 2014, the District made principal payments of$255,521 and$250.485
respectively pursuant to this note payable.
10
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Management's Discussion and Analysis
December 31, 2015
Water Department Long-Term Debt Covenant Compliance
Water Revenue Bonds Series 2012 and Water Revenue Bond Series 2015
The District was in compliance with the provisions of the Water Revenue Series 2012 and Water Revenue Series
2015 bond covenants at December 31, 2015. Relative to these bond offerings, the District covenants that it will
fix, establish, and maintain rates or charges for water, services, or facilities supplied or furnished by the District
that will provide an amount sufficient to pay current expenses and to generate net revenue at least equal to the
sum of: (a) 120% of the amount equal to the average principal and interest requirements on the bonds, including
any parity revenue bonds, then outstanding; and (b) 100% of the amount required to pay any other unpaid long
term obligations (excluding current expenses) and any other unpaid indebtedness of the District (including any
amounts required to be accumulated and maintained as reserves therefore) that are payable from system
revenues,as the same shall become due.
Charges and assessments exceeded amounts required by covenants by approximately $16.5 million and
$21.9 million for 2015 and 2014, respectively. Please see the chart below for debt service coverage ratio
information:
2015 2014
Debt service coverage ratios 2.26x 2.57x
Debt service coverage requirements 1.20x 1.20x
Water Department Capital Asset Activity
Significant projects in 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
• Significant 2015 construction expenditures for projects completed or in process included:
1) Florence water treatment plant—Construction costs related to the renovation of the filter plant including
structural repairs, architectural rehabilitation, mechanical improvements (dehumidification, electrical
panels,wiring and fixture replacement)and process improvements(valve replacements, chemical storage
and chemical feed improvements): $11.4 million;
2) Infrastructure replacement(i.e. cast Iron water main abandonment/replacement): $11.4 million;
3) Other water mains and distribution: $8.5 million;
4) Florence water treatment plant — Perform a major upgrade on the Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition system (control system) encompassing several processes in several separate buildings of the
plant: $1.0 million;
5) Florence water treatment plant — Design costs for the upgrade of the primary basin's mechanical and
electrical equipment and refurbishment of C-basin's deteriorating elevated concrete slab. The process
improvements to be addressed by this project include upgrading the mix gear on two primary basins to
allow for higher plant softening flows: $.7 million;
6) Platte South water treatment plant— Replace the roof of the clearwell that stores the finished/drinkable
water: $.7 million.
11
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Management's Discussion and Analysis
December 3 I. 2015
• Significant 2014 construction expenditures for projects completed or in process included:
1) Platte South water treatment plant - Replace two 20 million-gallon-per-day pumps that were original to
the plant; the pumps are an integral part of our standby water production capacity: $2.9 million;
2) Florence water treatment plant - Replace a failed pump motor with a new motor, transformer and
variable frequency drive to match desired water flow rates: $2.7 million;
3) Florence water treatment plant-- Design and construction costs related to the renovation of the filter plant
including structural repairs, architectural rehabilitation, mechanical improvements including
dehumidification, electrical panels, wiring and fixture replacement and process improvements including
valve replacements, chemical storage and chemical feed improvements: $2.7 million;
4) Florence water treatment plant — Perform a major upgrade of the Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition system (control system) involving several processes in several separate buildings of the
plant: $1.8 million:
5) Florence water treatment plant— Phase 2 improvements - Completion of Basin 7 (clearwell) renovation:
$.9 million.
Contact Information
This financial report is designed to provide a general overview of the District's finances. Questions concerning
any of the information provided in this report or requests for additional financial information should be addressed
to the President of the District at 1723 Harney Street. Omaha, Nebraska 68102.
12
METROPOLITAN l'TILITIES DISTRICT
Statement of Net Position
December 31 .2015
Gas Water
Assets and Deferred Outflows of Resources Department Department Eliminations Total
Capital assets:
Utility plant in service S 534.712,204 1.007.463,820 -- 1,542,176,024
Less accumulated depreciation 172.965,023 235.815,569 408.780,592
361.747,181 771.648.251 1,133,395.432
Construction in progress 14.895.406 43,285,792 58,181,198
Net capital assets 376,642.587 814.934,043 1.191.576.630
Noncurrent assets:
Cash and cash equivalents—restricted 7.1122,114 35.406.232 — 42,518,346
Other noncurrent assets 1.264.637 511.039 -- 1,775,676
Total noncurrent assets 8.376.751 35,917,271 -- 44,294,022
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 96.703.719 29.008.795 -- 125.712.514
Cash and cash equivalents—restricted 3.145.645 — 3,145,645
Accounts receivable--customers and others.
less allowance for doubtful accounts 24.673.417 25 454,257 -- 50.127.674
Interdepartmental receivable - 1.439.963 (1.439.963)
Natural gas in storage 10 203 682
10203.682
Propane in storage 4.966,947 -- -- 4.966.947
Materials and supplies 3,233.383 2,692,684 5,926.067
Construction materials 2.136.557 1,401786
3.544.343
Prepayments 255,902 135,687 — 391,589
Dotal current assets 142.173.607 63,284,817 (1,439,963) 204,018,461
Iota]assets S 527.192.945 914.136.131 (1.439,963) 1.439.889,1 13
Deferred Outflows of Resources
Pension Amounts 10.775,819 9.056,154 --- 19,831..973
Deferred Charge on Refunding 5.419,285 — 5,419.285
Total deterred outflows of resources $ 10,775.819 14.475.439 — 25,251,258
Total assets and deferred outflows of resources b 537,968,764 928.611,570 (1,439,963) 1,465,140,371
See accompanying notes to basic financial statements.
13
Gas Water
Liabilities,Deferred Inflows and Net Position Department Department Eliminations Total
Net position:
Net investment in capital assets $ 333,351.210 321,062,547 — 654,413,757
Restricted:
Environmental 171,698 — 171,698
Debt service requirements-sinking fund — 3,103,483 — 3,103,483
Unrestricted (9,280,438) (49,197.338) — (58,477,776)
Total net position 324,070,772 275,140,390 — 599,211,162
Deferred inflows of resources
Contributions in aid of construction 42,122,389 288,214,682 330,337,071
Noncurrent liabilities:
Long-term debt,excluding current installments 946,798 237,143,484 -- 238,090,282
Self-insured risks 71,745 78,748 — 150,493
Net pension liability 36,083,273 30,045,604 — 66,128,877
Postretirement obligation 60,490,272 50,909,861 — 111.400,133
Other accrued expenses 3,484,388 3,738,333 — 7,222,721
Unearned gas purchase discounts 6,825,000 — — 6,825,000
Total noncurrent liabilities 107,901,476 321,916,030 — 429,817,506
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and remediation obligation 27,429,339 4,644,644 — 32,073,983
Customer deposits 27,048,889 1,293,958 — 28,342,847
Customer advances for construction 280,627 6.109,864 6,390,491
Interdepartmental payable 1,439,963 — (1,439,963) —
Sewer fee collection due to municipalities — 19,679,127 — 19,679,127
Statutory payment due to municipalities 837.817 482,927 — 1,320,744
Other accrued expenses 145,183 155,764 — 300,947
Current installments of long-term debt 222,190 9,209,312 — 9,431,502
Accrued interest — 737,403 — 737,403
Self-insured risks 973,020 1,027,469 — 2,000,489
Other liabilities 2,984,599 — — 2,984,599
Unearned gas purchase discounts 2,512,500 — — 2,512,500
Total current liabilities 63,874,127 43,340,468 (1,439,963) 105,774,632
Total liabilities 171,775,603 365,256,498 (1,439,963) 535,592,138
Total liabilities,deferred inflows of
-. resources,and net position $ 537,968,764 928,611,570 (1,439,963) 1,465,140,371
See accompanying notes to basic financial statements.
14
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Statement of Revenues. Expenses.and Changes in Net Position
Year ended December 31.2015
Gas Water
Department Department Eliminations Total
Operating revenues:
Charges for services 5 196,877.623 103,436,168 300,313,791
Less bad debt expense 897.783 472,268 1,370,051
Charges for services. net 195.979,840 102,963,900 -- 298.943,740
Operating expenses:
Cost of natural gas 102,977.002 102.977,0(12
Operating and maintenance 57.278.616 74,869.919 132,148,535
Depreciation and amortization 12.545.373 12,601.316 25.146,689
Payment in lieu of taxes 3.304.1 18 1.405.890 4,710,008
Total operating expenses 176,105,109 88.877,125 264,982 234
Operating income 19.874.731 14,086.775 33,961,506
Nonoperating revenues(expenses):
Investment income 11.215 109.575 120.790
Other expense (1,259.478) (1,186.737) (2,446,215)
Interest expense (82.874) (6,831.371) (6,914,245)
Total nonoperating revenues
(expenses).net (1,331,137) (7,908.533) (9,239,670)
Change in net position 18.543.594 6.178.242 24.721.836
Net position.beginning of-year,as restated 305,527.178 268.962,148 574,489,326
Net position,end of year 5 324.070,772 275.140.390 599,21 1.162
See accompanying notes to basic financial statements.
15
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Statement of Cash Flows
Year ended December 31,2015
Gas Water
Department Department Total
Cash flows from operating activities:
Receipts from customers $ 215,957,815 108,503,400 324,461,215
Payments to suppliers (110,527,930) (37,600,594) (148,128,524)
Payments to employees (34,420,876) (28,927,928) (63,348,804)
Payments in lieu of taxes (3,304,1 18) (1,405,890) (4,710,008)
Net cash provided by operating activities 67,704,891 40,568,988 108,273,879
Cash flows from noncapital financing activities:
Interdepartmental loans and advances (7,424,609) 7,424,609 Net cash provided by(used in)noncapital financing activities (7,424,609) 7,424,609 —
Cash flows from capital and related financing activities:
Plant additions (31,780,744) (36,205,528) (67,986,272)
Plant removal/retirement costs (3,974,636) (822,312) (4,796,948)
Proceeds from sale of assets 94,429 10,153 104,582
Refunding Payments — (160,836,381) (160,836,381)
Debt issuance costs — (983,354) (983,354)
Payments on long-term debt (216,705) (7,909,560) (8,126,265)
Proceeds from issuance of debt — 202,861,897 202,861,897
Customer advances/CIAC 407,153 7,590,653 7,997,806
Interest paid (82,874) (8,465,189) (8,548,063)
Net cash used in capital and related financing activities (35,553,377) (4,759,621) (40,312,998)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Interest received 11,215 109,575 120,790
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 24,738,120 43,343,551 68,081,671
Cash and cash equivalents,beginning of year 79,077,713 24,217,121 103,294,834
Cash and cash equivalents,end of year $ 103,815,833 67,560,672 171,376,505
Reconciliation of operating income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Operating income $ 19,874,731 14,086,775 33,961,506
Adjustments to reconcile operating income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation&amortization
Depreciation charged to other accounts 12,545,373 12,521,107 25,066,480
Depreciation charged to operations 5,270,591 738,888 6,009,479
Amortization charged to other accounts — 80,209 80,209
Amortization charged to operations 675,908 75.066 750,974
Cash flows impacted by changes in:
Amounts due from customers and others 20,552,688 5,067,232 25,619,920
Natural gas,propane,materials,supplies,and prepayments 2,790,651 (424,438) 2,366,213
Other noncurrent assets (26,702) (204,952) (231,654)
Accounts payable and other (11,861,371) 564,248 (11,297,123)
Customer deposits 12,205,353 (664,495) 11,540,858
Self-insurance and other liabilities (1,334,587) 6,104 (1,328,483)
Net pension liability 13,299,396 11,177,072 24,476,468
Deferred outflows pension (10,775,819) (9,056,154) (19,831,973)
Postretirement obligation 6,988,679 6,602,326 13,591,005
Unearned gas purchase discounts (2,500,000) — (2,500,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 67,704,891 40,568,988 108,273,879
Supplemental schedules of noncash items:
Capitalized interest — 1,370,994 1,370,994
Construction in Accounts Payable 1,731,959 2,251,196 3,983,155
See accompanying notes to basic financial statements.
16
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Nature of Operations
Metropolitan Utilities District (the District), a political subdivision of the State of Nebraska, is a
public utility providing water and gas service to a diversified base of residential, commercial, and
industrial customers. State statutes vest authority to establish rates in the board of directors
(the Board) and provide, among other things, that separate books of account be kept for each utility
department and for the equitable allocation of joint expenses. The Board determines the District's
rates. The District is not liable for federal and state income taxes. The District pays ad valorem taxes
on real property not used for public purposes. As required by the Enabling Act,the District pays 2%
of its revenue from retail sales within the corporate limits of the City of Omaha to the City of
Omaha, and 2% of its retail sales within other city and village corporate limits to those cities and
villages. The District is subject to state sales and use tax on certain labor charges and nearly all
material purchases.
(b) Basis of Presentation
The District's financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP) for proprietary funds of governmental entities. Accounting records are
maintained generally in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts as prescribed by the
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and all applicable
pronouncements of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The District accounts
for the operations of the water and gas systems in separate major funds.
Operating revenues and expenses generally result from providing gas and water services to the
District's customers. The principal operating revenues are charges to customers for providing gas
and water services. Operating expenses include the cost of services, administrative expenses, and
depreciation on capital assets. All revenues and expenses not meeting this definition are reported as
nonoperating revenues and expenses.
The District's accounting policies also follow the regulated operations provisions of GASB
Statement No. 62, which permits an entity with cost based rates to defer certain costs as income, that
would otherwise be recognized when incurred, to the extent that the rate-regulated entity is
recovering or expects to recover such amounts in rate changes to its customers.
(c) Deferred Outflows and Inflows of Resources
In addition to assets, the statement of net position will sometimes report a separate section for
deferred outflows of resources. This separate financial statement element, deferred outflows of
resources, represents a consumption of net position that applies to a future period(s) and so will not
be recognized as an outflow of resources (expense) until that time. The District has two items that
meet the criterion for reporting as deferred outflows on the statement of net position, the deferred
charge on refunding and the difference between projected and actual earnings on pension plan
investments. A deferred charge on refunding results from the difference in the carrying value of
refunded debt and its reacquisition price. This amount is deferred and amortized over the shorter of
the life of the refunded or refunding debt. The difference between projected and actual earnings on
pension plan investments is recognized in pension expense over a five-year period, beginning in the
current reporting period.
17
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31. 2015
In addition to liabilities, the statement of net position will sometimes report a separate section for
deferred inflows of resources. This separate financial statement element. deferred inflows of
resources, represents an acquisition of net position that applies to a future period(s) and so will not
be recognized as an inflow of resources (revenue and/or contra expense) until that time. The District
reports contributions in aid of construction (CIAC) as a deferred inflow of resources on the statement
of net position.
(d) Utility Plant
Utility plant is stated at cost. Cost includes direct charges such as labor. material, and related
overhead. Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction represents interest capitalized on
construction projects not paid for by contributions to the extent such projects are financed by debt.
Interest was not capitalized on Gas Department projects in 2015. Interest of $1,370,994 was
capitalized on Water Department projects in 2015. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and
repairs are charged to operations.
Depreciation of utility plant is computed primarily on the straight-line method over its estimated
useful life. The weighted average composite depreciation rates, expressed as a percentage of the
beginning of the year cost of depreciable plant in service, were:
Water Department 2.0%
Gas Department 3.6
Contributions in aid of construction (CIAC) are reported as a deferred inflow of resources. For
ratemaking purposes. the District does not recognize such revenues when received; rather CIAC is
included in depreciation expense as such costs are amortized over the estimated lives of the related
utility plant. The credit is being amortized into rates over the depreciable lives of the related plant in
order to offset the earnings effect of these nonexchange transactions.
(e) Net Position
The net position of the District is broken down into three categories: (1)net investment in capital
assets, (2)restricted for environmental funds and debt service requirements, and(3) unrestricted.
• Net investment in capital assets consist of capital assets, including restricted capital assets, net
of accumulated depreciation, plus unspent bond proceeds and reduced by the outstanding
balance of debt that are attributable to the acquisition, construction, or improvement of those
assets.
• Restricted for environmental funds represent net position whose use is restricted through
external constraints imposed by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and the
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Restricted for debt service requirements represent net
position whose use is restricted per the provisions of the Series 2012 and Series 2015 water
revenue bonds.
• Unrestricted net position consists of net position that does not meet the definition of net
investment in capital assets or restricted for environmental, debt reserve funds, debt service
requirements, or capital.
18
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31,2015
When both restricted and unrestricted resources are available for use, it is the District's policy to use
restricted first,and then unrestricted resources when they are needed.
(/) Bond Premium and Discounts
Bond premium and discounts are deferred and amortized over the life of the bond using the
straight-line method,which approximates the effective interest method.
(g) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, bank demand accounts, overnight repurchase
agreements, and short-term liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less.
The Water Department holds $35.4 million in noncurrent "Cash and cash equivalents — restricted"
which is made up of$.2 million in funds required by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for
environmental mitigation of wetlands, $2.9 million pursuant to various bond resolutions, and $32.3
million of proceeds remaining from the Water Revenue Bond Series 2015 issued in December 2015,
which will be expended to update and improve the Florence water treatment plant. The Water
Department also holds $3.1 million in current "Cash and cash equivalents — restricted" pursuant to
various bond resolutions. The Gas Department holds $7.1 million in noncurrent "Cash and cash
equivalents — restricted" representing the Settlement Fund resulting from the December 1, 2014
renegotiation of the CPEP#2 prepaid gas purchase contract; the funds are to be expended on capital
expenditures within three years of the December 1, 2014 closing date.
(h) Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Revenue
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Amounts collected
on accounts receivable are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the statements of
cash flows. The accounts receivable balance also includes an accrual related to unbilled revenues,
which reflects an estimate of revenues earned after meters are read. The allowance for doubtful
accounts is the District's best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the District's
existing accounts receivable. The District's allowance methodology was developed based on an
analysis of open accounts and historical write-off experience.
(i) Inventories
Inventories include natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, construction materials, and materials
and supplies. All inventories are carried at weighted average cost.
0) Compensated Absences
The District employees earn vacation days at specific rates during their employment. In the event of
termination, an employee is reimbursed for accumulated vacation time up to a maximum allowed
accumulation of no more than what they are eligible to earn in two years. Current and noncurrent
amounts pertaining to accrued compensated absences are recorded within "Other accrued expenses"
in the statement of net position.
19
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31. 2015
(k) Revenues
The District recognizes operating revenues as they are earned. Revenues earned after meters are read
are estimated and accrued as unbilled revenues at the end of each accounting period. Accounts
receivable include unbilled revenues as follows:
Gas $ 13,247863
Water 3,038,559
(I) Interdepartmental Transactions
Most routine disbursement transactions of the District are paid by the Gas Department, due in part to
the fact that the Gas Department collects virtually all billings for the District in combined Gas/Water
invoices; balancing between the departments occurs via maintenance of interdepartmental receivable
and payable accounts. At December 31. 2015, the Gas Department reflected a payable to the Water
Department and the Water Department reflected a receivable from the Gas Department of
$1,439,963. The receivable and payable have been eliminated in the total column.
(m) Billing and Collection Agent Services
The District serves as the billing and collection agent for fees related to sewer services provided by
certain political subdivisions, including the City of Omaha. Separate accounting records are
maintained by the District for these collection services. Fees billed but not yet remitted by the
District to the applicable entities totaled $19,679,127 as of December 31, 2015. These fees have been
reflected in the District's statement of net position and amounts collected were remitted to the cities
subsequent to year-end. Processing fees billed to the cities for billing and collection services
provided by the District totaled approximately $5.0 million in 2015. These processing fees have been
reflected as a reduction to operating and maintenance expenses in the District's statement of revenue,
expenses, and changes in net position. The cities' fees reflect only the expenses incurred by the
District to bill and collect the cities' charges.
(n) Pensions
For purposes of measuring the net pension liability, deferred outflows of resources related to
pensions, and pension expense, information about the fiduciary net position of the Retirement Plan
for Employees of the Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha(the Plan) and additions to/deductions
from the Plan's fiduciary net position have been determined on the same basis as they are reported
by the Plan. For this purpose, benefit payments (including refunds of employee contributions) are
recognized when due and payable in accordance with the benefit terms. Investments are reported at
fair value.
20
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
(o) Other Postemployment Benefits
Postemployment benefits are part of an exchange of salaries and benefits for employee services
rendered. Of the total benefits offered by employers to attract and retain qualified employees, some
benefits, including salaries and active-employee healthcare, are taken while the employees are in
active service, whereas other benefits, including postemployment healthcare, are taken after the
employees' services have ended. Nevertheless, the benefits constitute compensation for employee
services. The District accounts for other postemployment benefit costs on an accrual basis, charging
expenses in the period incurred, with a corresponding liability for benefits to be paid in future
periods.
(p) Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles requires management of the District to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying footnotes. Actual results could
differ from these estimates.
(q) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
GASB Statement No. 74, Financial Reporting for Postemployment Benefit Plans Other Than
Pension Plans, issued in June 2015, will be effective for the District beginning with its year ending
December 31, 2017. The Statement replaces GASB Statement No. 43, Financial Reporting for
Postemployment Benefit Plans Other Than Pension Plans, and addresses the financial reports of
defined benefit OPEB plans that are administered through trusts that meet specified criteria. The
Statement follows the framework for financial reporting of defined benefit OPEB plans in Statement
No. 45 by requiring a statement of fiduciary net position and a statement of changes in fiduciary net
position but requires more extensive note disclosures and Required Supplementary Information
related to the measurement of the OPEB liabilities for which assets have been accumulated,
including information about the annual money-weighted rates of return on plan investments. The
Statement also sets forth note disclosure requirements for defined contribution OPEB plans. The
District is currently assessing the impact of this Statement.
GASB Statement No. 75, Accounting and Financial Reporting by Employers for Postemployment
Benefits Other than Pensions, issued June 2015, will be effective for the District beginning with its
year ending December 31, 2018. This Statement, which replaced the requirements of GASB
Statement No. 45, requires governmental entities to report a liability on the financial statement of
OPEB. GASB Statement No. 75 provides additional requirements for note disclosures and required
supplementary information. Among the new required supplementary information is a schedule
comparing a government's actual OPEB contributions to its contribution requirements. The District
is currently assessing the impact of this Statement.
21
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31. 2015
(2) Impact of Adoption of New Accounting Standard
In June 20l 2, the GASB issued Statement No. 68,Accounting and Financial Reporting for Pensions
(GASB 68). This Statement requires governments providing defined benefit pensions to recognize
their long-term obligation for pension benefits as a liability for the first time, and to more
comprehensively and comparably measure the annual costs of pension benefits. This Statement also
enhances accountability and transparency through revised and new note disclosures and required
supplementary information. The provisions of GASB 68 are effective for the District beginning with
its year ending December 31. 2015.
The effect of adopting GASB 68 was as follows:
Gas Water
Department Department Total
Net position at December 31. 2014,
as previously reported $ 327,392,355 $ 287,069,856 $ 614,462,211
Reverse net pension obligation 918,700 760,824 1,679,524
Record net pension liability (22,783,877) (18,868,532) (41,652,409)
Net position at January 1. 2015, as restated $ 305,527,178 $ 268,962,148 $ 574,489,326
The impact on prior year change in net position has not been determined.
(3) Deposits
State Statute 14-2144 R.R.S. authorizes funds of the District to be invested at the discretion of the board of
directors in the warrants and bonds of the District and the Municipalities constituting the District, including
the warrants and bonds of the sanitary improvement districts thereof. In addition to such securities, the
funds may also be invested in any securities that are legal investments for the school funds of the state of
Nebraska.
For deposits, custodial credit risk is the risk that, in the event of a bank failure,the District's deposits might
not be returned. At December 31, 2015, all bank balances were covered by federal depository insurance or
collateralized with securities held by the Federal Reserve Bank.
22
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31,2015
(4) Utility Plant
Utility plant at December 31, 2015 is summarized as follows:
Gas Water
Department Department Total
Utility plant in service:
Depreciable $ 529,873,274 994,443,911 1,524,317,185
Nondepreciable(land) 4,838,930 13,019,909 17,858,839
Total 534,712,204 1,007,463,820 1,542,176,024
Construction in progress
(nondepreciable) 14,895,406 43,285,792 58,181,198
549,607,610 1,050,749,612 1,600,357,222
Less:
Accumulated depreciation (172,965,023) (235,815,569) (408,780,592)
$ 376,642,587 814,934,043 1,191,576,630
The provision for depreciation expense is as follows:
Gas Water
Department Department Total
Charged to depreciation $ 12,545,373 12,521,107 25,066,480
Charged to operating and
maintenance 5,270,591 738,888 6,009,479
$ 17,815,964 13,259,995 31,075,959
The depreciation expense presented above includes a reduction of expense of $7,195,672 for the year
ended December 31, 2015 due to the amortization of CIAC.
23
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
Capital asset activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows:
Balance, Balance,
beginning end
of year Increases Decreases of year
Gas Department:
Utility plant in service $ 516,175,357 28,709,817 (10,172,970) 534,712,204
Construction in progress 10,866,413 32,138,053 (28,109,060) 14,895,406
Accumulated depreciation (166,126,941) (18,889,739) 12,051,657 (172,965,023)
$ 360,914,829 41,958,131 (26,230,373) 376,642,587
Water Department:
Utility plant in service $ 986,546,489 22,488,650 (1,571,319) 1,007,463,820
Construction in progress 28,850,776 36,923,666 (22,488,650) 43,285,792
Accumulated depreciation (218,627,138) (19,381,892) 2,193,461 (235,815,569)
$ 796,770,127 40,030,424 (21,866,508) 814,934,043
$ 1,157,684,956 81,988,555 (48,096,881) 1,191,576,630
(5) Long-Term Obligations
Activity in long-term obligations for the year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows:
Balance,
beginning Balance,
of year, end Due within
as restated Increases Decreases of year one year
Water Revenue Bonds
Series 2015 S 188,895,000 188,895,000 7,330,000
Plus unamortized premium 13,966.897 120,656 13.846,241
Water Revenue Bonds
Series 2012 38,285.000 1,590,000 36,695,000 1,585,000
Plus unamortized premium 2,327,331 129,513 2.197 818
Series 2006A revenue bond 79,705,000 79.705,000
Less unamortized discount (213,976) (213,9761
Series 2006B revenue bond 80,075,000 80,075,000
Plus unamortized premium (,894,205 1.894.2(15
NDEQ note payable#1 97,695 64,040 33,655 33,655
NDEQ note payable 42 4,94(1,603 255,521 4,685,082 260,657
CNO promissory note 1,385,693 216.705 1,168,988 222,190
Other postemployment
benefits 97.809,128 17,525,59(1 3,934,585 111,400.133
Net pension liability 41.652,409 37,598,332 13,121,864 66,128,877
Self-insured risks 2,006,731 2,053,549 1.9(19,298 2,150,982 2,000,489
Remediation obligation 2,998,018 476.392 26.856 3.447.554 3,447,554
Other accrued expenses 7,346,412 466,629 289,373 7,523,668 300,947
S 360,309,249 260,982,389 183,118,640 438,172,998 15,180,492
24
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
(a) Notes Payable
Included in long-term debt in the Water Department is a 3% note payable (NDEQ note payable#1)
and a 2%note payable (NDEQ note payable #2) to the Nebraska Department of Environmental
Quality (NDEQ). NDEQ note payable #1 has one payment remaining with principal of$33,655 as
noted below.
Administrative
Principal Interest fee Total
2016 $ 33,655 518 173 34,346
NDEQ note payable#2 relates to construction of the Platte South contact basin project. The
District's loan agreement was based on a budgeted project cost of$7,049,000; if actual project costs
equal budget, the agreement results in a loan amount of$5,959,225 with the NDEQ, and principal
forgiveness of$1,089,775, in the form of a grant.
The Platte South contact basin project was completed in late 2012, with total direct project costs of
$6,886,837, resulting in total committed loan funds of $5,797,062. During 2015, the District paid
back $255,521 as principal. The note payable requirements to maturity, June 15, 2031, for NDEQ
note payable#2 are as follows:
Administrative
Principal Interest fee Total
2016 $ 260,657 92,405 46,202 399,264
2017 265,896 87,166 43,583 396,645
2018 271,240 81,821 40,911 393,972
2019 276,692 76,369 38,185 391,246
2020 282,254 70,808 35,404 388,466
2021-2025 1,498,685 266,623 133,312 1,898,620
2026-2030 1,655,480 109,828 54,914 1,820,222
2031 174,178 1,741 871 176,790
$ 4,685,082 786,761 393,382 5,865,225
25
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31. 2015
(b) Water Revenue Bonds
Water Revenue Bonds Series 2012
On December 17, 2012, the District issued Water Revenue Bonds Series 2012 for a par value of
$40,745,000. The balance,annual installments, and interest rates at December 31, 2015 consist of:
Annual Principal
Interest rate installment outstanding
Series 2012 bonds:
Serial 2.000%-4.000% S 1.185.000-2.335.000 23.420.000
l erm 3.0 2.455.000-2.865.000 13.275.000
The Water Revenue Bonds Series 2012 are subject to optional redemption prior to maturity on and
after December 15, 2022. Principal and interest payments are as follows:
Principal Interest Total
2016 $ 1,585,000 1.296,844 2,881,844
2017 1,680,000 1,249,294 2,929,294
2018 1,735.000 1,182,094 2,917,094
2019 1,800,000 1.112,694 2,912,694
2020 1,860,000 1,040,694 2,900,694
2021 —2025 10,180,000 4.177,769 14,357,769
2026—2030 12,235,000 2,117,694 14.352,694
2031 --2032 5,620,000 265,155 5,885,155
$ 36,695,000 12,442,238 49,137,238
The indenture, under which the revenue bonds were issued, provides for the creation and
maintenance of certain funds. These cash and investments are classified as restricted on the statement
of net position. The District has pledged future water revenues to repay the Water Revenue Bonds
Series 2012. Proceeds from the bonds were used to finance a portion of the costs of improvements to
the District's Water System including multiple projects undertaken to upgrade the District's Platte
South Plant and Florence Plant ill part to comply with current regulatory requirements. The Water
Revenue Bonds Series 2012 are payable solely from water revenues and are payable through 2032.
Principal and interest payments of $1,590,000 and $1,328,644, respectively, were paid on these
bonds in 2015: total water revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $103,436.168.
26
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
Water Revenue Bonds Series 2015
On December 8, 2015, the District issued Water System Improvement and Refunding Revenue
Bonds, Series 2015 (the 2015 Bonds) for a par value of$188,895,000. The 2015 Bonds were issued
for the purpose of financing a portion of the costs of improvements to the District's Water System
including multiple projects undertaken to upgrade the District's Florence Water Treatment Plant, and
to refund $153,780,000 aggregate principal amount of the District's outstanding 2006A Bonds and
2006B Bonds. The net proceeds, including net premium, were $202,861,897 of which $983,354
were dispensed for underwriting and issuance costs as of December 31, 2015, with an additional
$160,836,382 deposited into an irrevocable trust with an escrow agent to provide for all future debt
service payments on the 2006A Bonds and 2006B Bonds. As a result, the 2006A Bonds and 2006B
Bonds are considered defeased and the liability for those bonds has been removed from the statement
of net position.
The District advance refunded the 2006A Bonds and 2006B Bonds to reduce its total debt service
payments over the next 17 years by $16.4 million and to obtain an economic gain (difference
between the present value of the old and new debt service payments)of$1 3.7 million.
The difference between the reacquisition price and the net carrying amount of the old debt of
$5,467,365 is being deferred and amortized as a component of interest expense over 192 months
through December 1, 2031 with the unamortized portion reported as a deferred outflow of resources.
As of December 31, 2015,the unamortized portion was$5,419,285.
The indenture, under which the revenue bonds were issued, provides for the creation and
maintenance of certain funds. These cash and investments are classified as restricted on the statement
of net position. The remaining net proceeds from the 2015 Bonds will be used to finance a portion
of the costs of improvements to the District's Florence Water Treatment Plant.
The District has pledged future water revenues to repay the 2015 Bonds. The 2015 Bonds are
payable solely from water revenues and are payable through 2035. Principal and interest payments
on these bonds will begin in 2016. Total water revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 were
$103,436,168.
The balance, annual installments, and interest rates at December 31, 2015 consist of:
Annual Principal
Interest rate installment outstanding
Series 2015 bonds:
Serial 2.850%-5.000% $ 7,330,000- 14,115,000 181,075,000
Term 3.500 2,520,000-2,695,000 7,820,000
27
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31. 2015
The Water Revenue Bonds Series 2015 are subject to optional redemption prior to maturity on and
after December I, 2025. Principal and interest payments are as follows:
Principal Interest Total
2016 $ 7,330,000 7.551,999 14.881,999
2017 7.530,000 7,335.255 14,865,255
2018 7,915.000 6,958,755 14,873.755
2019 8,320,000 6,563,005 14,883,005
2020 8,750,000 6,147,005 14.897,005
2021 —2025 50,920,000 23.708,275 74,628,275
2026 2030 62,510.000 12.122,905 74,632,905
2031 —2035 35,620,000 2,463,162 38,083,162
$ 188,895,000 72,850,361 261,745,361
Series 2012 and Series 2015 Debt Covenant Compliance
At December 31. 2015. the District was in compliance with the provisions of the Series 2012 and
2015 water revenue bond covenants. The District covenants that it will fix, establish, and maintain
rates or charges for water, services, or facilities supplied or furnished by the District that will provide
an amount sufficient to pay current expenses and to generate net revenue at least equal to the sum of:
(a) 120% of the amount equal to the average principal and interest requirements on the bonds.
including any parity revenue bonds, then Outstanding; and (b) 100% of the amount required to pay
any other unpaid long-term obligations (excluding current expenses) and any other unpaid
indebtedness of the District (including any amounts required to be accumulated and maintained as
reserves therefore)that are payable from system revenues, as the same shall become due.
Charges and assessments exceeded amounts required by covenants by approximately $16.5 million
for 2015; funds available for debt service were equal to 2.3 times average debt service costs in 2015.
(c) CNG Promissory Note
The District's Gas Department entered into a Business Loan Agreement on December 16, 2010 for
$2,200,300. This loan is a low-interest loan obtained from the Nebraska Energy Office and its
lending partner. This loan matures December 15, 2020 and the interest rate is fixed at 2.5%.
Principal and interest payments for the CNG promissory note are as follows:
Principal Interest Total
2016 $ 222.190 27.137 249,327
2017 227,968 21,359 249,327
2018 233,814 15,513 249,327
2019 239,810 9,516 249,326
2020 245,206 3,381 248,587
$ 1,168,988 76,906 1,245,894
28
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
(6) Line of Credit
The District's Gas Department entered into an unsecured line of credit on October 31, 2006 for
$30,000,000. The current Loan Agreement matures May 1, 2018. The interest rate on the line of credit is
variable and is calculated based on the "Three Month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)" plus 50
basis points; under no circumstances will the rate on this loan be less than 3%. As of December 31, 2015,
the interest rate was 3% and no amount was outstanding. The District did not draw on the line of credit
during 2015.
(7) Defined-Benefit Pension Plan
General Information about the Pension Plan
(a) Plan Description
The District sponsors the Retirement Plan for Employees of the Metropolitan Utilities District of
Omaha(the Plan) for all regular full-time employees of the Water and Gas Departments. The Plan is
a single-employer defined benefit pension plan administered by the District. The Plan was
established and may be amended only by the Board. The Plan is not subject to either minimum
funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or the maximum
funding limitations. The District does not issue a separate report that includes financial statements
and required supplementary information for the Plan.
(b) Benefits Provided
The Plan provides retirement, disability (in the form of continued credited service), death, and
termination benefits. An employee of the District is eligible for coverage at the time of employment.
Vesting is achieved upon the completion of five years of service. Normal retirement age is 60 with 5
years of service. Retirement benefits are calculated using the average compensation for the highest
paid 24 consecutive months out of the most recent 120 months, multiplied by the total years of
service and the formula factor of 2.15% for the first 25 years of service, 1.00% for the next 10 years
of service and 0.50% for each year of service above 35. The benefit amount is reduced under early
retirement which is available at age 55 and 5 years of service.
Benefit terms provide for cost-of-living adjustments to each employee's retirement allowance
subsequent to the employee's retirement date. Adjustments are made, if warranted, each January 1
and July 1 based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index of Urban Wage Earners and Clerical
Workers. The annual increase in the member's benefit cannot exceed 3.00%, and adjustments
cannot be negative.
29
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
(c) Employees Covered by Benefit Terms
As of January 1, 2015, membership of the Plan
consisted of the following:
Inactive members or their beneficiaries currently receiving benefits 577
Disabled members 20
Inactive members entitled to but not yet receiving benefits 38
Active members 856
Total 1,491
(d) Contributions
Benefit and contribution provisions are established by and may be amended only by the Board. The
contribution rate for certain employees is established by a collective bargaining agreement. The
contribution rate stated in the collective bargaining agreement is used for all regular full-time
employees of the District. An actuarial valuation is performed each year to determine the actuarial
required contribution, based on the funding policy set by the Board, which is then contributed by the
District. The District's policy is to contribute amounts approved in the annual budget, which are
generally greater than or equal to the actuarially determined annual required contribution. At times,
the District has contributed in excess of the full annual required contribution. Each member
contributed 4.88% of pensionable earnings during 2015, and will contribute 6.00% of pensionable
earnings for all years thereafter, unless amended by subsequent negotiations. District contributions
to the Plan totaled $10,301,268 for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.
30
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
Pension Plan Fiduciary Net Position
Financial information about the pension plan's fiduciary net position and the changes in fiduciary net
position for the year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows:
Statement of Plan Fiduciary Net Position at December 31, 2015
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,366,012
Investments at fair value
Fixed income 105,891,512
Domestic Stock 157,586,900
International Stock 64,417,524
Total investments 327,895,936
Total assets 329,261,948
Liabilities
Accrued expenses and benefits payable -
Total liabilities Net position restricted for pensions $ 329,261,948
Statement of Changes in the Fiduciary Net Position
for the Year Ended December 31, 2015
Additions:
Employer contributions $ 10,301,268
Employee contributions 2,820,596
Total contributions 13,121,864
Net investment income (748,921)
Total additions 12,372,943
Deductions:
Service benefits 16,154,435
Administrative expenses 92,250
Total deductions 16,246,685
Net decrease (3,873,742)
Net position restricted for pensions:
Beginning of year 333,135,690
End of year $ 329,261,948
31
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
Net Pension Liability
All of the District's pension assets are available to pay member's benefit. The net pension liability
as of December 31, 2015 was as follows:
Total pension liability $ 395,390,825
Fiduciary net position 329,261,948
Net pension liability 66,128,877
Fiduciary net position as a °A of total pension liability 83.28%
Covered payroll $ 63,384,548
Net pension liability as a% of covered payroll 104.33°%
(a) Actuarial Assumptions
The District's net pension liability was measured as of December 31, 2015, and the total pension
liability used to calculate the net pension liability was determined based on an actuarial valuation
prepared as of January 1, 2015, rolled forward one year to December 31, 2015.
The total pension liability in the January 1, 2015 actuarial valuation was determined using the
following actuarial assumptions:
Inflation 3.10%
Salary increases, including inflation 4% to 1 I%
Long-term investment rate of return, net of pension
plan investment expenses, including inflation 7.25%
Cost-of-living adjustment 3,00°i0
Mortality rates were based on the RP-2000 Mortality tables for employees, healthy annuitants, and
disabled annuitants with generational mortality projections using Scale AA.
The actuarial assumptions used in the January 1, 2015 valuation were based on the results of the
most recent actuarial experience study, which covered the five year period ending December 31,
2012. The experience study report is dated July 8, 2014.
32
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
The long-term expected rate of return on pension plan investments is reviewed as part of the regular
experience study prepared for the Plan. The results of the most recent experience study were
presented in a report dated July 8, 2014. Several factors are considered in evaluating the long-term
rate of return assumption, including long-term historical data, estimates inherent in current market
data, and an analysis in which best-estimate ranges of expected future real rates of return (expected
returns, net of investment expense and inflation), along with estimates of variability and correlations
for each asset class, were developed by the Plan's investment consultant. These ranges were
combined to develop the long-term expected rate of return by weighting the expected future real
rates of return by the target asset allocation percentage and then adding expected inflation. The
assumed long-term rate of return is intended to be a long-term assumption (50 years) and is not
expected to change absent a significant change in the asset allocation, a change in the inflation
assumption, or a fundamental change in the market that alters expected returns in future years.
The target asset allocation and best estimate of geometric real rates of return for each major asset
class are summarized in the following table:
Long-Term Expected
Asset Class Target Allocation Real Rate of Return
Domestic (U.S.)equities 40.0% 6.5%
International(Non-U.S.)equities 20.0 7.1
U.S. aggregate bonds 14.0 1.5
International bonds 3.0 1.3
Intermediate term credit 5.0 2.2
Short term credit 5.0 2.0
Intermediate term TIPS 5.0 0.8
REITS 8.0 5.0
Total 100.0%
(b) Discount Rate
The discount rate used to measure the total pension liability was 7.25%. There was no change in the
discount rate since the prior measurement date. The projection of cash flows used to determine the
discount rate assumed the plan contributions from members and the District will be made at the
current contribution rates as set out in the labor agreements in effect on the measurement date:
a. Employee contribution rate: 4.88% of pensionable earnings during 2015, and 6.00% of
pensionable earnings for all years thereafter.
b. District contribution: The actuarial contribution rate less the employee contribution rate
times expected pensionable payroll for the plan year.
Based on those assumptions, the Plan's fiduciary net position was projected to be available to make
all projected future benefit payments of current Plan members. Therefore, the long-term expected
rate of return on Plan investments of 7.25% was applied to all periods of projected benefit payments
to determine the total pension liability.
33
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 3 l. 2015
(c) Sensitivity of the Net Pension Liability to Changes in the Discount Rate
The following presents the net pension liability of the District, calculated using the discount rate of
7.25%. as well as the District's net pension liability calculated using a discount rate that is 1
percentage point lower(6.25%)or 1 percentage point higher(825%)than the current rate:
Current
1% Decrease Discount Rate 1% Increase
(6.25%) (7.25%) (8.25%)
Net pension liability $ 116.689,135 66.128,877 23,612,203
(d) Changes in Net Pension Liability
Increases (Decreases)
Total Pension Plan Fiduciary Net Pension
Liability Net Position Liability
(a) (b) (a)- (b)
Balances at December 31,2014 $ 374,788,099 333,135,690 41,652.409
Changes for the year:
Service cost 10,160.376 - 10,160,376
Interest on total pension liability 26,596.785 - 26,596,785
Employer contributions - 10,301,268 (10.301,268)
Employee contributions - 2,820,596 (2.820,596)
Net investment income - (748,921) 748,921
Benefit payments, including
member refunds (16,154,435) (16,154,435)
Administrative expenses - (92,250) 92,250
Net changes 20,602,726 (3,873,742) 24,476,468
Balances at December 31,2015 $ 395,390,825 329,261,948 66,128,877
34
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
Pension Expense and Deferred Inflows and Outflows of Resources Related to Pensions
For the year ended December 31, 2015,the District recognized pension expense of$14,945,763.
At December 31, 2015, the District reported deferred outflows of resources related to pensions from
the following sources:
Year of Amortization Balance Balance
Deferral Period December 31,2014 Additions Recognition December 31,2015
Deferred outflows
of resources.
Differences between
projected and actual
earnings on pension
plan investments 2015 5 years S - 24,789,966 4,957,993 19,831,973
Amounts reported as deferred outflows of resources and deferred inflows of resources related to pensions
will be recognized in pension expense in future years as follows:
Deferred Outflow
Year ended December 31: of Resources
2016 $ 4,957,993
2017 4,957,993
2018 4,957,993
2019 4,957,994
$ 19,831,973
35
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
(8) Postemployment Benefits
(a) Plan Description
The District provides certain postemployment healthcare and life insurance benefits to eligible
retirees and their spouses in accordance with provisions established by the Board. The plan is a
single-employer defined benefit healthcare plan administered by the District. The plan does not issue
separate financial statements.
(b) Funding Policy
The contribution requirements of plan members and the District are established and can be amended
by the Board. Contributions are made to the plan based on a pay-as-you-go basis. For the year ended
December 31, 2015, the following payments were made:
Water retirees $ 2,641,722
Gas retirees 3,228,771
Total claims/fees paid $ 5,870,493
Retiree contributions (1,613.625)
Stop loss reimbursements (322,283)
Net District
contribution $ 3,934,585
Retiree health premiums are calculated based on a three-year rolling average, with 2015 projected
costs serving as the final year of the calculation when determining premiums that went into effect
April 1, 2015. Retirees contribute to the cost of retiree health care at varying rates based on their
age, as follows: 1) ages 59 and older: 33% of the full premium, 2) age 58: 50% of the full premium
and 3) ages 55 through 57: 100% of the full premium. The rates in effect as of April 1, 2015 are as
follows: 1) ages 59 and older: $195.08 per month, 2) age 58: $292.63 per month and 3) ages 55
through 57: $585.25 per month. If spousal coverage is purchased, the same age-based monthly rates
apply based on the retiree's age, meaning that the cost for spousal coverage is the same as the cost
for the retiree's coverage (i.e. in the case of a married couple comprised of a retiree who is 59 and a
spouse who is 55: each would pay $195.08 per month).
36
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
(c) Annual OPEB Cost and Net OPEB Obligation
The District's annual OPEB cost(expense) is calculated based on the annual required contribution of
the employer (ARC), an amount actuarially determined in accordance with the parameters of
GASB Statement No. 45, Accounting and Financial Reporting by Employers for Postretirement
Benefits Other than Pensions. The ARC represents a level of funding that, if paid on an ongoing
basis, is projected to cover normal cost each year and amortize any unfunded actuarial liabilities (or
funding excess) over a period not to exceed 30 years. The District's annual OPEB cost, the
percentage of annual OPEB cost contributed to the plan, and the net OPEB obligation for 2015, 2014
and 2013 are as follows:
Annual OPEB Annual OPEB% Net OPEB
cost contributed obligation
Fiscal year ended:
December 31, 2015 $ 17,525,590 22% $ 111,400,133
December 31, 2014 15,864,648 20 97,809,128
December 31, 2013 15,783,995 23 85,169,770
The following table shows the components of the District's annual OPEB cost for 2015, the amount
actually contributed to the plan, and changes in the District's net OPEB obligation:
Annual required contribution $ 16,873,529
Interest on net OPEB obligation 3,912,365
Adjustment to annual required contribution (3,260,304)
Annual OPEB cost 17,525,590
Contributions made 3,934,585
Increase in OPEB obligation 13,591,005
Net OPEB obligation—beginning of year 97,809,128
Net OPEB obligation—end of year $ 111,400,133
37
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
Funded Status and Funding Progress
The funded status of the plan as of January 1. 2015, the date of the last actuarial valuation, is as
follows:
Actuarial accrued liability(AAL) $ 200,827,717
Actuarial value of plan assets
Unfunded actuarial
accrued
liability(UAAL) $ 200,827,717
Funded ratio 0%
UAL as a percentage of
covered payroll 350
(d) Actuarial Methods and Assumptions
Actuarial valuations on an ongoing plan involve estimates of the value reported amounts and
assumptions about the probability of occurrence of events far into the future. Examples include
assumptions about future employment, mortality, and the healthcare cost trend. Amounts determined
regarding the funded status of the plan and the annual required contributions of the employer are
subject to continual revision as actual results are compared with past expectations and new estimates
are made about the future. The schedule of funding progress, presented as required supplementary
information following the notes to the financial statements, presents multiyear trend information
about whether the actuarial value of plan assets is increasing or decreasing over time relative to the
actuarial accrued liabilities for benefits.
Projections of benefits for financial reporting purposes are based on the substantive plan (the plan as
understood by the employer and the plan members) and include benefits provided at the time of each
valuation and the historical pattern of sharing benefit costs between the employer and plan member
to that point. The actuarial methods used include techniques that are designed to reduce the effects of
short-term volatility in actuarial accrued liabilities and the actuarial value of assets, consistent with
the long-term perspective of the calculations. In the January 1. 2015 actuarial valuation, the unit
credit actuarial cost method was used. The actuarial assumptions included a 4.0% projected
investment rate of return and an annual healthcare cost trend of 7.50% initially, reduced by periodic
decrements to an ultimate rate of 5.0% after five years. Both rates include a 3.1% inflation
assumption. The unfunded actuarial accrued liability is being amortized over 30 years as a level
percent of payroll.
38
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
(9) Deferred Compensation
The District offers its employees a deferred compensation plan created in accordance with Internal
Revenue Code Section 457. The plan is available to all District employees and permits them to defer a
portion of their salary until future years. Following one year of service, the District matches 50% of the
first $2,000 deferred by employees hired prior to January 1, 2014; for employees hired after January 1,
2014, the District matches 100% of the first $2,000 deferred by employees. The deferred compensation is
available to employees when one of three events occurs: separation of employment, hardship for
unforeseeable emergency, or a small balance distribution. District matching contributions totaled $538,816
for 2015.
(10) Self-Insured Risks
The District is exposed to various risk of loss related to torts, theft of and destruction of assets, errors and
omissions, and natural disasters. In addition, the District is exposed to risks of loss due to injuries to, and
illnesses of, its employees. The District provides its employees with two health insurance options, both of
which are primarily self-insured: a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and a preferred provider
Organization (PPO). The District utilizes an "Administrative Services Only" contract under which the
District reimburses the HMO/PPO for actual claims paid, a monthly administrative fee, and stop-loss
protection for individual claims. Individual stop-loss coverage is effective when annual individual claims
exceed $500,000, and when aggregate claims exceed 125% of projected levels. A liability for claims is
recorded in accounts payable, and was $1,195,023 at December 31, 2015.
The District carries commercial insurance coverage for auto and property with deductibles ranging from
$500 to $100,000. The District is also self-insured for workers' compensation and general liability and
does not carry additional commercial coverage. There have been no significant reductions in insurance
coverage in 2015. In 2015, 2014, and 2013, the insurance policies in effect have adequately covered all
settlements of claims against the District. No claims have exceeded the limits of property or liability
insurance in any of the past three years. Liabilities are recorded for these self-insured risks. The liabilities
are based on a combination of loss experience and estimates by the District's in-house legal department.
Changes in the District's self-insured risk balances during 2015 are as follows:
Gas Water
Department Department
Beginning balance $ 906,618 1,100,113
Expenses 979,783 1,073,766
Payments (841,636) (1,067,662)
Ending balance $ 1,044,765 1,106,217
39
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31. 2015
(11) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Accounts Receivable Write-offs
The allowance for doubtful accounts provides for the potential write-off of uncollectible account balances.
An estimate is made for the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts based on an analysis of the aging of
Accounts Receivable and historical write-offs. The District's policy is to write off receivable balances that
are over five years old. There were no receivable write-offs during 2015. The allowance consists of the
following at December 31:
Water Department $ 3.150,133
Gas Department 4.805,485
(12) Commitments
(a) Central Plains Energy Project(CPEP)
Central Plains Energy Project(CPEP) is a public body created under Nebraska Interlocal Law for the
purpose of securing long-term, economical, and reliable gas supplies. CPEP currently has three
members: the District. Cedar Falls Utilities, and Hastings Utilities, each of which has equal
representation on the board of CPEP. CPEP has acquired gas through long-term prepaid gas purchase
agreements and delivers gas to its members or customers through long-term gas supply contracts for
specified volumes of gas at market-based pricing less a contractual discount. Members or customers
are only obligated to pay for gas if, and when, delivered by CPEP. CPEP's debt is not an obligation
of the District or any other members or customers of CPEP. CPEP has issued $1.8 billion of gas
supply revenue bonds to fund these natural gas prepayment transactions, which are secured by gas
contracts entered into with each project's members or customers. Under the current agreements. the
District anticipates taking approximately 90% of the gas acquired in these transactions under a
20-year gas purchase agreement entered into with CPEP in 2007 and two 30-year gas purchase
agreements, one entered into in 2009 and the other in 2012. Terms of this 2007 gas supply agreement
were renegotiated in 2009 and again in 2012; the gas flows under this agreement will now expire on
October 31, 2020. The 30-year gas purchase agreement entered into in 2009 was renegotiated in
2014 subsequent to litigation; full details are provided below. Audited financial statements of CPEP
are available from the District.
At December 31, 2015, the District owed CPEP $4,365,579 for gas purchases under these
agreements, which is recorded within "Accounts payable and remediation obligation" in the
statement of net position. During the year ended December 31, 2015, billings from CPEP to the
District for services provided under these agreements were $33.515,775.
40
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
The District has contracted to purchase the following volumes of gas from CPEP, through 2042, at a
discount to market-based pricing on a pay-as-you-go basis:
DTH
2016 12,791,991
2017 12,697,528
2018 11,886,986
2019 8,721,494
2020 5,361,558
2021 —2042 125,107,000
176,566,557
In 2015, the District purchased 12,722,739 DTH of gas under these agreements,representing 42% of the
District's annual gas requirements. As discussed below, the 2009 long-term prepaid gas purchase
contract has also been renegotiated subsequent to litigation.
In January 2014, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Omaha to
terminate its 30-year obligation to deliver gas pursuant to CPEP #2, which originated in August 2009.
The CPEP #2 supply agreement accounts for approximately 15% of the District's annual gas
requirements. RBC asserted that a change in international bank regulations relative to a requirement to
maintain increased reserves against prospective losses related to the CPEP deal, serves as a "triggering
event" to terminate the supply agreement. CPEP disputed RBC's position, and a countersuit was
subsequently filed. On December 1, 2014, this matter was resolved; the renegotiation provides for the
following: 1) $12.5 million up-front proceeds at closing, which have been recorded as unearned gas
purchase discounts by the District, and will be recognized as a reduction of the cost of natural gas based
on the pattern of gas purchases through October 2019; 2) locked-in discounts of$.16 per DTH for the
period November 1, 2014 through October 31, 2019, and 3) the ability to renegotiate discounts for the
November 1, 2019 through June 30, 2039, the remaining duration of the contract. It should be noted that
the aforementioned $12.5 million up-front proceeds are restricted, in that they must be spent on capital
projects within three years from the closing date of December 1, 2014.
(b) Other Gas Supply Agreements
The District has various other gas supply contracts with a variety of suppliers, which consist of
contracts that expire March 31, 2016, March 31, 2017 and October 31, 2017 and are generally
renewed on an annual basis. The District has other gas supply contracts that expire December 31,
2020 and March 31, 2021 that were purchased based off market conditions and are not an annual
purchase.
41
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31. 2015
(c) Gas Transportation Agreements
The District has entered into long-term gas transportation agreements with Northern Natural Gas
Company (NNG). The District's current agreement expires October 31. 2016, and provides
for 198,975 Dth/day of Firm Pipeline Transportation service during the months of
November through March and 139,283 Dth/day of Firm Pipeline Transportation service during the
months of April through October. Per the terms of the agreement, 78% of the transportation volumes
are priced at a discounted rate below NNG's maximum tariff rate with the remaining 22% priced at
NNG's maximum tariff rates. The District's annual Pipeline Demand costs under this agreement,
based on NNG's current tariff rates. is $1 1.5 million.
On November 7, 2012, the District entered into a twenty (20)year firm transportation agreement
with Northern Natural Gas; the term of the new agreement runs from November 1, 2016 to
October 31, 2036. Under this agreement, NNG will provide 198,975 Dth/day of firm transportation
service during the months of November through March and 139,283 Dth/day of firm transportation
service during the months of April through October. Per the terms of the agreement, 61% of the
transportation volumes are priced at a discounted rate below NNG's maximum tariff rate with the
remaining 39% priced at NNG's maximum tariff rates. The District's annual pipeline demand costs
under this agreement, based on NNG's current tariff rates, will be $15 million.
(d) Construction
At December 31, 2015, the District's obligation under the uncompleted portion of contracts for plant
facilities and equipment for the Water Department amounted to approximately $5.4 million which
will be financed through operations and the proceeds from the Water Revenue Bonds Series 2015.
For the Gas Department. approximately $2.5 million obligations existed at December 31, 2015.
(13) Contingencies
The District is subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business.
Management believes, based on the opinion of legal counsel, that the amount of ultimate liability with
respect to these actions is adequately covered by the District's accrued liabilities for self-insured risks.
(14) Pollution Remediation
During 2011, the District was identified as a potentially responsible party (PRP) related to a site of a
former manufactured gas plant (the Site). The Site is currently owned by the City of Omaha. This Site was
subject to a site investigation by a third party to help the District determine potential options and costs
associated with remediating the Site. In 2011.the District recorded a remediation liability of$2,500,000, of
which $146,190 has been spent through December 31, 2015, primarily related to developing a remediation
plan for the Site. During 2014 and 2015, estimated remediation amounts were updated to reflect the delays
in proceeding while awaiting the State's approval of the proposed remediation plan and the impact of
inflation. The total remediation liability at December 31, 2015 was $3,447,554, which is included as a
current liability in the accompanying statements.
42
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Notes to Basic Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
With the assistance of the aforementioned third party, a detailed remediation plan was submitted to the
State of Nebraska in November 2012. In November 2015, the District received approval from the State
and is moving forward with the remediation plan. Remediation will include at a minimum, removal of
contaminants to be shipped to an appropriate landfill,providing fill dirt, monitoring ground water activity,
and providing a "cap" of clean fill dirt. The District expects to complete the project in the first half of
2016.
The remediation accrual balance represents the District's best estimate at December 31,2015 and is subject
to change pending finalization of remediation plans. The District believes there is at least one other
potentially responsible party that may be legally obligated to contribute to the remediation costs at the site
and may pursue recovery from those parties depending on results of the site investigation. The remediation
liability was measured at its expected amount, using the expected cash flow technique.
The District has provided the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)with many documents regarding the
past use of the facility. To date,there have been no orders from the EPA requiring the District to do
anything; however,the District applied with the State of Nebraska's Voluntary Remediation Program,
which the State of Nebraska manages locally on behalf of the EPA. Acceptance into this voluntary
program in 2015 has eliminated the need for the EPA to"order"the District to do anything further.
(15) Subsequent Event
In February 2016,the Board approved an agreement establishing a trust to provide for the payment of other
postemployment benefits to eligible retirees and their spouses. The District's 2016 Budget, approved by
the Board in December 2015, includes $5 million to begin funding this trust.
43
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Required Supplementary Information
Schedules of Funding Progress-Other Postemployment Benefits
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Schedule of Funding Progress—OPEB
UAL as a
Actuarial Actuarial Unfunded percentage
Actuarial value of liability AL Funded Covered of covered
valuation assets (AL) (UAL) ratio payroll payroll
date (a) (b) (b—a) (a/b) (c) ((b—a)/c)
1/1/2015 200,828 200,828 —% 57,351 350
1/1/2013 — 183,202 183,202 — 51,200 358
1/1/2011 177,049 177,049 — 52,893 335
The information presented in the notes to the financial statements and required supplementary information was determined as part of the
actuarial valuation at the date indicated. Valuation information is as follows:
OPEB
Valuation Date January 1,2015
Actuarial cost method Unit credit actuarial cost method
Amortization period 30 years
Remaining amortization period 30 years
Actuarial assumptions
Investment rate of return 4.0%
Projected salary increase 4.0%
Annual postretirement benefit increase N/A
Inflation rate 3.1%
Annual healthcare cost trend 7.5%initially,reduced by periodic
decrements to a rate of 5%after five
years
44
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Required Supplementary Information
Schedule of Changes in Net Pension Liability and Related Ratios
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015
2015
Total Pension Liability
Service cost $ 10,160,376
Interest on total pension liability 26,596,785
Benefit payments, including member refunds (16,154,435)
Net change in total pension liability 20,602,726
Total pension liability, beginning 374,788,099
-.rota] pension liability, ending(a) $ 395,390,825
Plan Fiduciary Net Position
Employer contributions $ 10,301,268
Employee contributions 2,820,596
Net investment income (748,921)
Benefit payments, including member refunds (16,I54,435)
Administrative expenses (92,250)
Net change in plan fiduciary net position (3,873,742)
Plan fiduciary net position, beginning 333,135,690
Plan fiduciary net position, ending(b) $ 329,261,948
Net pension liability, ending(a) - (b) $ 66,128,877
Fiduciary net position as a percentage of the total pension liability 83.28%
Covered payroll $ 63384,548
Net pension liability as a percentage of covered payroll 104.33%
Note: Schedule is intended to show 10-year trend. GASB 68 was adopted in 2015, as such, only one year
is presented. Additional years will be reported as they become available.
45
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Required Supplementary Information
Schedule of Employer Contributions
January 1, 2006 Through December 31, 2015
($ in Thousands)
Fiscal Year Actuarial Contribution Actual Contribution
Ending Determined Actual Deficiency Covered as a % of
December 31 Contribution Contribution (Excess) Payroll Covered Payroll
2006 $ 1,723 $ 2,144 $ (421) $ 40,945 5.24%
2007 2,603 2,885 (282) 43,105 6.69%
2008 5,965 3,200 2,765 46,428 6.89%
2009 7,689 6,200 1,489 50,782 12.21%
2010 8,588 8,638 (50) 51,484 16.78%
2011 9,235 9,300 (65) 51,869 17.93%
2012 9,231 10,312 (1,081) 51,031 20.21%
2013 8,996 10,300 (1,304) 55,847 18.44%
2014 8,988 10,300 (1,312) 59,332 17.36%
2015 9,956 10,301 (345) 63,385 16.25%
Notes to Schedule
Valuation date: January 1, 2015
Actuarially determined contribution rates are calculated as of
each January 1.
Methods and assumptions used to determine contribution rates:
Actuarial cost method Entry age normal
Amortization method Level percentage of payroll, closed
Remaining amortization period Range from 20 to 29 years(single equivalent amortization period
is 29 years)
Asset valuation method Expected+25%of(market-expected values)
Inflation 3.10%
Salary increases 4.00%to 11.00%
Long-term investment rate of return 7.25%
Retirement Service-based table of rates. Last updated for the 2015 valuation
pursuant to an experience study of the five-year period 2018-
2012.
Mortality Pre-retirement mortality rates were based on the RP-2000
Employee Table with generational mortality projections using
Scale AA.
Post-retirement mortality rates were based on the RP-2000
Healthy Annuitant Table with generational mortality projections
using Scale AA.
Cost of living adjustments 3.00%per year
46
NIEfROPOLITAis FT!LIT!LS DISTRICT
Water Department
Schedule of Insurance Coverage
December 1.2015
(Unaudited)
Deductible or Expiration
Coserage Description lame of insurer coinsurance amounts date
Buildings(including contents) Fire and extended coverage Affiliated FM Insurance $100.000 deductible 6-1-2016
Boiler/Equipment Breakdown Boiler and machinery Zurich American Insurance Co $100,000 deductible 6-1-2016
Contractors Equipment floater Construction equipment and Continental Casualty Co $40 000 deductible 6-1-2016
communication equipment
Data Processing Equipment Equipment media and extra expense The Hartfora $5 000 deductible 6-1-2016
Travel Insurance All employees and directors while Reliance Std.Life Ins.Co 2-7-2016
on a bonafide business trip
47
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Water Department
Statutory Information Required by Chapter 14,
Section 2145 of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska of 1943
Year ended December 31,2015
(Unaudited)
Operating revenues,net $ 102,963,900
Thousands of gallons of water supplied to mains 30,475,770
Thousands of gallons of water sold 25,134,223
Maintenance $ 20,894,936
Gross additions to utility plant in service, exclusive of land 22,488,650
Land purchased
Depreciation charged to operations and other accounts 13,340,204
Cost per thousand gallons of water sold(schedule A) 3.81
Collected for sale and rent of meters,net (134,890)
Assessments against property for extension of mains Operating expenses(schedule B) 88,877,125
Average number of employees for the year 400
Compensation of employees for the year 28,927,928
Direct taxes levied against property at request of District for fire
protection service(in lieu of hydrant rental)All other facts necessary to give an accurate and comprehensive view
of the cost of maintaining and operating the plant —
48
Schedule A
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Water Department
Cost per Thousand Gallons of Water Sold
Year ended December 31,2015
(Unaudited)
Operating expenses:
Operations S 53,974,983
Maintenance 20,894.936
Depreciation 12,601,316
Provision for statutory payments to municipalities 1,405,890
Total operating expenses 88,877,125
Other deductions:
Interest 6,831,371
Total operating expenses and other deductions S 95,708,496
Thousands of gallons of water sold 25,134,223
Cost per thousand gallons of water sold S 3.81
49
Schedule B
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Water Department
Operating Expenses
Year ended December 31,2015
(Unaudited)
Operating expenses:
Operations:
Primary pumping $ 8,610,767
Purification 10,629,145
Booster pumping 2,498,659
Distribution 9,206,420
Customer accounting 9,975,962
Marketing 659,828
Administrative 12,394,202
Total operating 53,974,983
Maintenance:
Primary pumping 2,894,740
Purification 3,262,371
Booster pumping 1,812,519
Distribution 12,925,306
Total maintenance 20,894,936
Depreciation 12,601,316
Provision for statutory payments to municipalities 1,405,890
Total operating expenses $ 88,877,125
50
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRIC"I'
Gas Department
Schedule of InsuranceCoceraee
December 31.201 S
i Cnaudited i
Deductible or Expiration
Coverage Description Name of insurer coinsurance amounts date
Buildings(including contents) Fire and extended coverage Affiliated FM Insurance $100 000 deductible 6-1-2016
Boiler/Equipment Breakdown Baler and machinery Zurich American Insurance Co. $100.000 deductible 6-1-2016
Conractors Equipment floater Construction equipment and Continental Casualty Co. $40 000 deductible 6-1-2016
nonowner liabilitt communication equipment
Travel Insurance All employees and directors while Reliance Std.Life ins Co 2-7-2016
on a bonafide business trip
Auto Fleet Physical damage-specified parts Harleysville Insurance Co. $1 000 deductible 6-1-2016
Data Processing Equipment Equipment media and extra expense The Hartford $5.000 deductible 6-1-2016
LNG plant LNG plant and contents Ace American Insurance Co $250 000 deductible 6-1-2016
Propane caverns Iwo caverns-special cause of loss Ace American Insurance Co $250 000 deductible 6-1-2016
including earthquake and flood
51
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Gas Department
Statutory Information Required by Chapter 14,
Section 2145 of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska of 1943
Year ended December 31,2015
(Unaudited)
Operating revenues,net $ 195,979,840
Dekatherms of gas delivered to mains 29,776,602
Dekatherms of gas sold 29,785,213
Maintenance $ 15,211,197
Gross additions to utility plant in service $ 28,109,060
Depreciation charged to operations and other accounts $ 17,815,964
Cost per thousand cubic feet of gas sold(schedule A) $ 5.89
Collected for sale and rent of meters $Assessments against property for extension of mains $Operating expenses(schedule B) $ 176,105,109
Average number of employees for the year 477
Compensation of employees for the year $ 34,420,876
Direct taxes levied against property at request of District $All other facts necessary to give an accurate and comprehensive view
of the cost of maintaining and operating the plant
52
Schedule A
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Gas Department
Cost per Thousand Cubic Feet of Gas Sold
Year ended December 31, 2015
(Unaudited)
Operating expenses:
Natural gas S 102,977,002
Operations 42,067,419
Maintenance 15,21 1,197
Depreciation 12,545,373
Provision for statutory payments to municipalities 3,304,1 18
Total operating expenses S 176,105,109
Thousands of cubic feet of gas sold 29,894,713
Cost per thousand cubic feet of gas sold S 5.89
53
Schedule B
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Gas Department
Operating Expenses
Year ended December 31,2014
(Unaudited)
Operating expenses:
Natural gas $ 102,977,002
Operations: 3,467,688
Production
Distribution 10,857,600
Customer accounting and collecting 13,159,627
Marketing 1,263,316
Administrative 13,319,188
Total operations 42,067,419
Maintenance:
Production 3,288,194
Distribution 11,923,003
Total maintenance 15,211,197
Depreciation 12,545,373
Provision for statutory payments to municipalities 3,304,118
Total operating expenses $ 176,105,109
54
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
Statistical Highlights
Years ended December 31. 2015.2014.and 2013
(Unaudited)
Water Department 2015 2014
Number of customers(December) 208.256 207,026
Sales(thousand gallons) 25,134,223 29,493,606
Operating revenues. net $ 102.963,900 105,932.764
Operating expenses
88.877.125 83,577,753
Operating income $ 14,086,775 22,355,011
Plant additions and replacements, net $ 37.549.194 36,182.638
Plant in service 1.007.463,820 986,546,489
Miles of mains 2,895 2,886
Average daily pumpage(thousand gallons) 83.482 86.836
Gas Department
Number of customers(December) 224,950 223,080
Sales(DTH):
Firm 25,229,966 29,545,878
Interruptible 4,555,247 4,547.038
Total 29,785,213 34,092,916
Operating revenues. net $ 195,979,840 274,907,991
Cost of gas sold 102,977,002 175,462,030
Other operating expenses 73.128,107 70,571,414
Operating income $ 19,874,731 28,874,547
Plant additions and replacements. net S 34,690,608 35.674,509
Plant in service 534.712.204 516.175,357
Miles of mains 2.798 2,791
Average daily sendout(DTH) 81,580 93.185
Number of active employees—water
and gas combined 877 859
55
No. jVo
Metropolitan Utilities District Financial
Statements and Supplemental Schedules
December 31, 2015 (With Independent
Auditors' Report Thereon)
clk:001 slm.
60 (Z)
RECEIVED
Presented to Council/ to receive
April 26, 2016 = All
¢nd pl on file
L'a/./Ver 7--0
Buster Brown
City Clerk