mentation of GIS. The physical inventory and the financial reporting phases were completed within the first year.
The challenges of the first phase included:
1. Capturing all utility assets within the GIS framework
2. Adding attribute information necessary to calculate current fixed asset value and to estimate future replacement costs
3. Implementing procedures to ensure GIS data would be updated as part of normal work activities
The capturing of water and sewer assets were particularly challenging because many of them were built by developers as a part of a subdivision and then turned over to the city. There was little historical data as to costs for these assets and many were not included in the financial reporting of the utility.
Gila Resources also chose to capture all assets (water, wastewater, natural gas and electric) in the physical inventory even though it was not a financial reporting requirement. This also proved to be a challenge because of the lack of data relating to install dates and material types due to the fact that some of the assets had been renewed.
All assets were noted with the source of the information attached to that asset. Algorithms were developed to populate cost data tables from known values. Using the attributes of the asset times the cost factor, and discounting for age using straight-line depreciation, produced the financial reports. An outside audit proved the validity of the financial reports. Only minor changes were required.
The next phase will involve the implementation of the software program CITY WORKS. This will provide the vehicle for maintaining the GIS database. CITY WORKS is work order driven and is linked to update assets as work is completed.
GIS, Asset management, infrastructure sustainability, financial reporting.
In the past City of Safford (COS) utilities (water, gas, wastewater, and electric) relied heavily on paper maps, often hand drawn (drafted) that
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