The Mesa City Council meeting on September 22, 2025, focused on the proposed establishment of capacity fees for water and wastewater services, a topic that has sparked significant discussion among council members and city staff. The proposed fees, estimated to cost around $400 million, aim to address the financial burden on residents and ratepayers associated with new developments.

City staff emphasized that without these capacity fees, utility bills for existing ratepayers would likely increase over time to cover the costs of infrastructure improvements needed for new developments. Council members expressed support for the fees, highlighting their alignment with state law and similar fees in other cities across the Valley. They noted that the capacity fee for a typical single-family home is significant but necessary to ensure fairness among residents.

Council member Scott Webster shared his experiences from previous cities, stressing the importance of implementing capacity fees to prevent older residents from bearing the financial burden of infrastructure costs associated with new, often high-end developments. He underscored the need for a comprehensive approach that considers water, power, and road infrastructure in relation to new housing projects.

City officials clarified that the proposed capacity fees would specifically pertain to water and wastewater services, as mandated by state statute. They reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders in the private sector to ensure a transparent and fair process in adopting these fees.

The council's discussions reflect a broader commitment to balancing the needs of new developments with the financial realities faced by existing residents, aiming to create a sustainable and equitable infrastructure funding model for Mesa. The next steps will involve further engagement with stakeholders as the city moves forward with the capacity fee proposal.