Residents in Gilbert are experiencing a significant uptick in their utility bills, with sewer rate increases appearing in their April statements, an increment unanimously sanctioned by the Town Council earlier in the year. "The overall rates have just skyrocketed," said Tim Roan, a decade-long resident of Gilbert, in an interview with ABC15. Roan illustrated that his bill escalated from $115 to $164 year-over-year, despite his water usage remaining relatively constant. In 2018, Roan's bill was a mere $59. The startling rate increases now position his sewer and water costs above what he pays for electricity.
Gilbert officials have cited the replacement of deteriorating water and sewer infrastructure as the driving rationale behind the rate hikes. A virtual presentation furnished in January delineated the state of disrepair plaguing some of the town's infrastructure. In an olive branch of sorts, Gilbert has ushered in a utility bill discount program, which extends up to a $30 monthly bill cut for qualifying households, even for those earning above the median income of the area, as reported by ABC15.
Roan, however, reckons the assistance to be insufficient when weighed against the steep trajectory of future water costs. "It’s just thinking about what it’ll cost down the road," Roan expressed to ABC15. "Right now, I am assuming my water bill will be about $300 in the next three to four years." The rise in Gilbert's rates overshadows the inclines seen in nearby towns, with Gilbert residents set to fork over an additional $350 yearly due to this surge.
The Town of Gilbert’s utility rates page lists the fees and deposits for water and sewer services. New accounts must pay a deposit, which depends on past payment history and may be refunded after a year of on-time payments or when the account is closed. If there’s a history of late payments or other risks, the deposit could be as high as 2.5 times the highest monthly bill from the past year. Other charges include late fees, returned payment fees, and reconnection fees—reflecting the strict financial rules of utility services.
With the effective dates tied to billing cycles, residents can anticipate additional late fees for delinquent payments not settled by the bill's 20th day; the late fee is 1.5% of the overdue balance with a minimum of $5. Should the balance remain unpaid by the 45th day, services face disconnection, appended with a $25 plus tax reconnection fee.
