Queen Creek Proposes 15% Water Rate Hike as First Increase in Over 15 Years Comes Amid Infrastructure Upgrades

Residents of Queen Creek may see a bump in their monthly bills as the town is proposing a 15% water rate increase, the first of its kind in more than a decade and a half. This hike, about $3 to $6 extra monthly for most residential customers, is in response to essential improvements needed within the water system, increasing costs for renewable water supplies, and service advancements. Should the proposal pass, the new rates will kick in on August 27, and customer billing statements starting October 7 will reflect the changes, as reported by yesterday's announcement on the Town of Queen Creek website.

The anticipated increase isn't just for households but extends to non-residential water consumers as well. In an effort to provide transparency, the town has set up an online estimator for residents to calculate their expected rate hike at QueenCreekAZ.gov/WaterRateUpdate. Additionally, the tool gives insight into the CAGRD fee seen on property taxes. A 2018 policy by the Queen Creek Town Council means that, for most people, the CAGRD fee reduction on property taxes is on par or even exceeds the proposed 15% water rate lift, offering some financial relief.

While the rate bump might pinch wallets, it's earmarked for water infrastructure investment, which has been a long thrust for the town. Queen Creek has aggressively invested in expanding service areas, adding water production sites and modernizing with electronic meter reads for better efficiency. Moreover, they've successfully partnered with surrounding municipalities to better manage regional water resources and have made significant strides in customer service and operational costs, reports Queen Creek's official release.

As regional populations grow and the demand for reliable water sources intensifies, the town also touts its financial stewardship, claiming strategic policies that saved them $157.6 million in the last six years, including a distinct $66 million in water and wastewater services.

Residents concerned about the rate increase have a recourse for potentially mitigating the impact. The town suggests water conservation as a means to bring down bills and offers various tools, classes, and resources to help with that. Full details are available to interested parties at QueenCreekAZ.gov/ReduceTheUse. Meanwhile, the final decision on the proposed increase will be up for discussion at a public hearing during the July 16 Town Council meeting. The session will be open to the public at the Community Chambers on 20727 E. Civic Parkway in Queen Creek, beginning at 6:30 p.m., with the rate increase potentially coming into effect come late August.

For further details about the water rate increase and what it means for you, residents can visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/WaterRateUpdate, or contact Constance Halonen-Wilson via email at [email protected] or by calling 480-358-3195.