Florence council adopts multi-year water and wastewater rate increase

Florence approved a phased increase to its water and wastewater rates effective July 1 after a staff presentation explaining the town's rate study and funding needs. Carl (town staff) told the council the plan, based on a 2022 rate study, is intended to smooth increases and fund capital repairs without using taxes. He said the July change will raise water rates about 6% and wastewater about 8%, and that for a household using 3,000 gallons a month the increase equals about $5.31 per month (about $63.69 annually).

The council opened a public hearing on the resolution adopting the new schedule and received no public comment. Carl reviewed outreach steps, including posting the notice and publishing it in the Casa Grande Dispatch, and reminded the council that the utility is funded solely by user fees. He also said staff may revisit the rate study in 2027 depending on capital needs.

After questions about what factors are included in the rate study'housing starts, usage by customer type, staffing needs, and capital replacement'a council member moved to adopt the rate and fee increases as written. A roll-call vote showed the motion carried: Vice Mayor Adam, Council members Maldonado, Bedford, Betzina, Neal and Mayor Eaton voted yes; Council member Bucielato voted no. The changes will be effective July 1 under Resolution 191969-26.

The council and staff emphasized that the increases are intended to prevent future large spikes by taking smaller, scheduled steps and to ensure funding is available for repairs and upgrades to aging water and wastewater infrastructure. The resolution directs staff to implement the new schedule and return with any required administrative steps.

The council did not direct additional actions beyond adoption; staff said they expect to revisit the rate model as capital needs evolve.