Goodyear sets Dec. 15 public hearing on utility rate changes, proposes 7.3% increase and new stormwater fee

The Goodyear City Council on Sept. 22 adopted a required notice of intent and set a Dec. 15 public hearing for proposed changes to city utility rates that would include an overall 7.3% increase and the introduction of a stormwater fee.

The notice of intent is the first formal step the city must take under state law before changing water, wastewater, solid waste or stormwater fees. Jared Askelson, the city finance director, told the council the increase and the stormwater fee are the Citizens Water Advisory Committee's recommendation and that the council will take final action at the Dec. 15 public hearing. "This includes an overall rate increase of 7.3%. And as per our conversation last week, it does include a stormwater fee to be enacted with this rate plan," Askelson said.

Askelson said the city will publish the notice on its website and notify utility customers on their bills. He also said the staff will present benchmark data and more detailed information at an upcoming council retreat and that the proposed effective dates will fall in January–February 2026 to align with billing cycles.

Council member Terry asked staff to include comparative benchmarks from similar West Valley cities dating back to 2021 for context at the retreat. The council voted 7-0 to adopt the notice and set the Dec. 15 public hearing; no rate changes were adopted at the Sept. 22 meeting.