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Quartzsite council authorizes $33,000 water and wastewater rate study
Summary
The Quartzsite Common Council voted April 14 to authorize the town manager to sign a $33,000 contract with Willdan for a statutorily required water and wastewater rate study; council members and residents questioned water supply, billing changes and the study’s timeline.
The Town of Quartzsite Common Council on April 14 voted to authorize Town Manager Ferguson to sign a contract with Willdan Engineering to perform a water and wastewater rate study, with the contract amount discussed on the record as $33,000. The vote followed public questions about the town’s water supply and how the study will factor in recent billing changes.
The study is required by state law before any rate changes can be implemented, Ferguson said, and will examine the town’s move to volumetric billing over the past five years, current and projected capital needs, and the revenue impacts of growth and grants. He told the council the study will take several months, that recommended changes would not take effect immediately and that proposed rates are typically timed to begin at the start of a fiscal year following public notice and hearings.
The authorization motion was made by Vice Mayor Haman and seconded by Council member Warner; council members voted in favor with no recorded nays or abstentions. Town Manager Ferguson and staff emphasized that the study will model both maintenance and expansion scenarios, and will incorporate anticipated capital projects the council may consider during upcoming budget meetings.
Residents asked several procedural and substance questions during the presentation. Craig Cochran asked whether a price was attached to the contract and was told the contract amount was $33,000. Another resident asked whether the state approves the recommended rates; Ferguson said the state requires the study but the council retains authority over whether to adopt any recommendations after public hearings. A separate attendee asked about local water supply; staff noted the town monitors multiple aquifers and estimated available supply in current conditions could extend “about 600 years” under projected demands, while cautioning ongoing monitoring is required.
Ferguson said Willdan has experience with municipal rate work and that the study will provide historic perspective, analysis of volumetric billing effects, and options for council consideration. Councilmembers noted the study’s results could be adjusted at the council level and that final decisions would include a public hearing on any proposed rate changes.
The council approved the authorization; the study is expected to be completed several months later and any formal rate proposals would be scheduled for public notice and hearings before adoption.
