El Mirage sets May 6 public hearing on proposed water, wastewater rate changes

The El Mirage Common Council on March 4 adopted a notice of intent to increase water and wastewater rates and set a public hearing for May 6, 2025, as required by ARS section 9-511.01.

City staff explained the proposed changes follow direction given at a February 19 work session. Staff said sanitation fees would remain unchanged, while water rates include a 3% increase in fiscal year 2026 and a further 3% increase in fiscal year 2027. The water recharge fee remains in the schedule but will be removed once an agreement for credits is in place, and the agenda packet adds a one-time line-item for an OTS waterline upsizing fee. For wastewater, staff said the residential sewer rate will move to a flat rate while commercial sewer rates remain unchanged; planned 3% increases to sewer would be delayed to FY27.

Council members had no additional questions before Vice Mayor Parsons moved to adopt the notice of intent and set the May 6 public hearing; Council Member Winston seconded. The council approved the motion with one no vote from Council Member Gentry; the transcript records the vote as one nay and the remainder ayes.

The adoption obligates the city to hold the public hearing at least 60 days after the notice, consistent with the state statute cited at the meeting. Staff said the proposed water fee schedule and the timing of increases reflect council direction and will be reviewed at the scheduled hearing.