Behind the numbers: the people keeping utilities running

You don't see this work, but you feel it every day

Most people don't think about what it takes for water to flow, wastewater to be treated, or trash to be collected. It just works. That's the point.

Behind that reliability is a team making sure it stays that way. During Government Finance Professionals Week, we're recognizing the Environmental Utilities budget and rates team, a small but mighty team, whose work supports all the services we provide, keeping systems running today and planning for what's next.

Making it work, even when it's hard

Some of the most important work happens behind the scenes during challenging moments.

"I'm responsible for overseeing Environmental Utilities accounting and finance functions, including financial management, rates, budgets, compliance, and audits," said Archana Wagley, Business Services Manager. Her role connects operations and ensures reliable financial systems.

"One thing residents might not realize is how much work finance staff do behind the scenes to keep utility service reliable, financially sustainable, and compliant with regulations," Archana adds.

During a period of staff transition, she ensured operations continued without disruption while maintaining accurate and timely financial information for decision-makers. That steady leadership helps keep everything moving forward.

Turning complexity into clarity

Alexandra Marquez, Senior Business Analyst, helps make sense of complex financial and system data and turn it into something useful.

"I support Environmental Utilities within Business Services by providing financial and system data analysis that helps guide departmental operations, budgeting, and regulatory compliance."

Her work spans rates, fees, and planning, translating complex information for decision-makers and the public. "Transforming complex financial data into clear, understandable information for the public." That clarity informs leaders and builds community trust.

Keeping the system on track

Reliable service depends on constant monitoring and adjustment. Joseph Barrow, Business Analyst, helps ensure the system stays financially on course. "Our group helps with the annual budget process. The biannual utility rate-setting process is coordinated by us," Barrow said. "We also support the Capital Improvement Project process with financial reports and budgeting."

That work is ongoing.

"We constantly review utility financial data to ensure revenues and expenses are properly accounted for and within budget," he adds. It's the kind of discipline that keeps services steady and projects moving forward, including efforts like the Roseville Heights Water Main Replacement, which proactively replaces aging infrastructure.

Connecting budgets, projects, and accountability

With more than 20 years in public finance and utilities, Audrey Ficker, Business Analyst, works across multiple service areas to keep budgets aligned and projects moving. "I serve as the primary point of contact for budget-related inquiries and requests for four functions of the organization."

Her role includes reconciliations, project support, and working closely with divisions during budget development to ensure alignment across the organization. She also supports ongoing budget monitoring with cost center managers throughout the year.

What often goes unseen is the complexity behind it all.

"The complexity of the business processes happening behind the scenes, from service rate studies and budget development to project initiation and closure, grant management, contract management, and procurement, is what allows utilities to deliver services while remaining fiscally responsible."

She also supported a large capital improvement project by helping secure a vendor contract on a tight timeline, contributing to cost-saving efforts for the division.

Solving the puzzle, one detail at a time

Deanne Garcia, Business Analyst, focuses on the details that keep the system accurate and balanced. She supports rate design, revenue forecasting, and reconciliation work that ensures utility finances remain aligned and sustainable.

"'The Puzzler'… I enjoy digging into complex account reconciliations and working through the details until everything finally balances."

When everything balances, it keeps the system accurate, accountable, and ready for the future.

Why it all matters

Across the team, one idea stands out: strong financial planning keeps services reliable, supports critical infrastructure, and helps avoid sudden cost increases. It protects customers by keeping costs predictable, services dependable, and the system ready for what's next.

As Audrey Ficker shared, finance professionals help ensure public funds are managed responsibly and transparently to support both today's services and long-term infrastructure.

More than spreadsheets

Spend time with this team, and you'll see more than numbers. They solve problems, connect details, keep systems moving, dig into data, track every decimal, and still have fun.

If their jobs had movie titles, they might sound like:

• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Data
• The Rate Case Reckoning
• Guardians of the Utility Rate
• Jurassic Park: The Cost Center Chronicles

Those titles might get a laugh, but they reflect something real. This work takes persistence, problem-solving, and the ability to manage complexity every day.

More than numbers

The rates and finance team's work delivers running water, reliable infrastructure, and steady services, impact felt daily, even if not always seen. During Government Finance Professionals Week, let's recognize the team behind the numbers who keep everything running!