Mesa council approves modest utility rate increase after heated public hearing

Mesa City Council on Dec. 2 approved a package of rate, fee and charge changes for the city’s electric, natural gas, water, wastewater and solid waste utilities after a public hearing that drew roughly 25 speakers from across the city.

The change, adopted unanimously by the council, is intended to help cover rising operating and capital costs, maintain service levels and preserve funding used for public safety and other general-fund needs amid recent state revenue reductions and inflationary pressures.

Why this matters: Mesa relies heavily on utility revenues to help fund city services because it does not levy a primary property tax. Council and staff described the adopted increases as smaller, phased adjustments intended to smooth costs and protect long-term utility reserves while continuing planned capital work, including water infrastructure and public-safety facilities.

The vote and action

The council approved agenda items 9A through 9G, a package covering terms, rates, fees and charges for electric, natural gas, water, wastewater and solid waste services. The motion was made by Councilmember Heredia, seconded by Councilmember Spilsbury, and passed unanimously. The action directs staff to implement the new rates as described in the staff presentation and folded into the city’s multi-year financial forecast.

Public comments: burdens, trust and public safety

Public commenters split into two broad groups. Many residents urged the council to reject or delay the increase on affordability grounds, saying modest monthly increases still add up for families, seniors and people on fixed incomes. “I am here to ask you to vote no on the utility rate increase,” said Brian Eckley, who told the council the hike would be “an added burden” for many Mesa households. Several speakers referenced…