Apache Junction water district approves modest rate and fee increases effective July 1, 2026

The Water Utilities Community Facilities District for the City of Apache Junction voted unanimously to adopt new potable and nonpotable rates, system connection fees and a water resource acquisition fee effective July 1, 2026.

Mike (District Director) presented Resolution 2026‑004, which re‑adopts existing rates and establishes proposed changes. For city customers the proposed base rate would rise from $33.11 to $34.77. Mike said customers inside the city limits would not see changes to consumption tiers but would see a roughly 5% increase in the base rate; he presented illustrative impacts for an average household using 7,500 gallons per month and described the overall bill effect as about a 2.4% increase. He also proposed a residential system connection fee increase from $7,900 to about $8,030 (a roughly 1.7% CPI adjustment) and a 5% increase in the water resource acquisition fee from $3,840 to approximately $4,030.

The presentation compared Apache Junction’s fees to nearby cities: the district remains "in the middle of the pack" compared with higher connection fees in some cities (e.g., Phoenix) and lower fees in others (e.g., Chandler). Mike said the increases help the district keep pace with rising construction and water‑purchase costs (he cited a long‑term trend from about $3,000 per acre‑foot a decade ago to about $30,000 per acre‑foot now).

Chairperson Wilson opened the public hearing on the rates proposal; no members of the public spoke. The board then moved, seconded and approved Resolution 2026‑004 by roll-call vote with all members recorded as yes.

The district will publish the new rates and fees with an effective date of July 1, 2026; Mike and staff did not provide a final billing example or a customer-notification timeline in the meeting record, and a board member asked for a follow-up breakdown on miscellaneous revenue items earlier in the meeting.