Scottsdale homeowners might want to take another look at those utility budgets. City staff have asked the City Council to move ahead with a formal notice that could bump water and sewer bills yet again, outlining a proposed 4.5% increase in water rates and a 3.5% hike in wastewater charges, with a public hearing already penciled in for May 19, 2026.
Staff proposal at a glance
The request, prepared by Water Resources staff, calls on the council to approve a "Notice of Intention to modify rates and miscellaneous water charges" and to officially set that May hearing date. The internal memo lists Sonia Andrews as the staff preparer and identifies David Walby as interim water resources senior director, according to the East Valley Tribune.
Where this goes next
The proposed notice is slated to appear as a consent item on the council's Feb. 24 meeting agenda, a procedural step that clears the way for the city to post the formal rate notice. The city’s online meeting portal and agenda packet lay out the Feb. 24 listing along with the process for moving the proposal forward, as shown by the Scottsdale City Council and the City of Scottsdale.
Why officials say rates must rise
City analysts are pointing to a familiar list of financial pressures behind the proposed jump. Rising raw-water costs linked to Central Arizona Project drought pricing, higher electricity costs in the APS service area, the price of securing additional water supplies and steeper replacement and repair bills on aging pipes and facilities all feature prominently in the city’s rationale. Add in growing personnel and benefits expenses and you get the core drivers outlined in water and wastewater rate analyses and planning documents, themes echoed in the city’s formal rate study on Policy Commons.
A pattern of steady increases
If the council ultimately signs off, this would not be a one-off spike so much as the latest step in a series. Previous council actions have already nudged utility bills higher over several years, with earlier rate documents and local reporting showing multi-year adjustments. That steady upward march has been tracked in prior coverage by the East Valley Tribune.
How residents can weigh in
Residents who want to sound off on the proposal will get their chance at the scheduled public hearing, where they can show up in person at the City Hall Kiva or follow along via the council meeting stream. The city’s public notices page explains how to submit written comments, watch meetings and track agendas. Instructions, hearing details and the official notice are posted by the City of Scottsdale.
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