SE Valley Times

Gilbert, Ariz. - Gilbert Town Council has approved the adoption of a Notice of Intent to increase utility rates and fees for water and solid waste & recycling services. On February 6, 2024, the Council will vote on the proposed rate increases during a public hearing. If approved, the new rates will begin with the April billing cycle.

Gilbert routinely evaluates the fiscal health of utility services, including water, wastewater, environmental compliance, and solid waste & recycling to ensure quality services for our customers.

Aging infrastructure, the Colorado River shortage and the change in water quality coming into our community, have created significant challenges but Gilbert is committed to protecting our town’s ability to treat and deliver clean, safe and reliable drinking water to residents and businesses.

Critical improvement projects, like the reconstruction of the North Water Treatment Plant, are already underway while other essential projects are just beginning. Ongoing inflation and cost escalation have impacted and/or delayed these projects, leading to the proposal for utility rate increases.

This is not an issue isolated to Gilbert. Cities across the Valley are experiencing similar difficulties and continued investment is essential to maintaining Gilbert’s long-term water supply for the community’s future.

Council is considering a proposal that would increase solid waste & recycling services by $8.52 for an estimated 90% of residential customers, bringing their monthly bill to $27.55.

With concern for Gilbert customers, Council is considering a gradual rate increase for water services to reduce the financial impact to residents and businesses in our community. This proposal will increase the average monthly residential water bill by $17 in April 2024, by approximately $13 in 2025, and by approximately $16 in 2026.

The impact of potential rate increases to each utility customer will vary. Gilbert customers can use the online utility bill calculator at gilbertaz.gov/billcalc to see how the rate increase will affect their monthly bill.

 

Customer Open House

Gilbert residential and business customers are invited to attend a Customer Open House to learn more about the rate increase proposal, Gilbert’s current and future infrastructure projects, and the next steps for Council. For those unable to attend in-person, the open house will be livestreamed on Gilbert’s YouTube channel.

Wednesday, January 24 at 6 PM

Gilbert Town Hall - Heritage Room

50 E. Civic Center Drive

Gilbert, AZ 85296

 

Proposed Rate Increase Timeline

January 24, 2024: Gilbert Town Staff will host an in-person customer open house to share details about the rate increase proposal, Gilbert’s current and future infrastructure projects, as well as the next steps for Council, and answer questions from Gilbert residents or business owners about the proposed rate increase. For those unable to attend in-person, the open house will be live streamed on Gilbert's YouTube channel.

February 6, 2024: The Gilbert Town Council will host a public hearing at the February 6 council meeting where they will vote on whether to adopt the new rates for water and solid waste & recycling services.

All council meetings are open to the public. The agenda will be posted at gilbertaz.gov/agendas.

April 1, 2024: If approved at the February 6 council meeting, the new rates for water and solid waste & recycling services will be reflected on all utility statements on or after April 1, 2024.

 

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For additional information regarding Proposed 2024 Rate Changes, please visit gilbertaz.gov/UtilityRates.

Original source can be found here.