Chandler staff outline utility rate options; council hears proposals for up to 15% water and wastewater increases

City budget staff and utility leaders told the Chandler City Council they need revenue increases in the utility enterprise funds to pay for aging infrastructure, higher purchase/treatment costs and planned capital work.

Matt Dunbar and utility staff presented four headline items: a revenue requirement to maintain fiscal sustainability, a cost‑of‑service allocation for customer classes, timing for public outreach and an effective date in spring 2026. As an initial plan staff proposed a revenue requirement of roughly 15% for water, 15% for wastewater, 18% for reclaimed water and 6% for solid waste for the next rate cycle, with an alternate that slightly reduces water and wastewater percentages while preserving the solid‑waste increase. Staff said these are initial revenue requirements and the final rates will depend on a cost‑of‑service…