Gilbert, Ariz. - The Gilbert Town Council voted unanimously to approve utility rate increases for water and solid waste & recycling services for Gilbert residents and businesses. The vote happened during the public hearing portion of the Council’s regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. The new rates are set to go into effect with the April billing cycle.

Council also approved the formation of a utility bill discount pilot program, which will be established to support Gilbert utility customers facing financial need and will be available to customers starting this summer. Staff presented the program proposal to Council, noting a number of at-risk populations in the community who could use the assistance. The goal of the program is to prevent crisis situations from happening. Results are going to be used to determine future allocations. A community partner will help staff develop the program and eligibility criteria for customers.

Water services will see a gradual rate increase to reduce the immediate financial impact to residents and business owners in our community. The average monthly residential water bill will increase by $17 in April 2024, by approximately $13 in 2025, and by approximately $16 in 2026.

Council also approved the fee increases for solid waste & recycling services. An estimated 90% of residential customers will see an increase of $8.52 a month, bringing their solid waste & recycling monthly bill to $27.55.

The impact of rate increases will vary per customer. To prepare for the upcoming changes, Gilbert residents and businesses can use the online utility bill calculator to see how the rate increase will affect their monthly bill.

Critical improvement projects, like the reconstruction of the North Water Treatment Plant, are already underway while other essential projects are just beginning. Ongoing inflation and cost escalation have impacted and/or delayed these projects, leading to the utility rate increases.

This is not an issue isolated to Gilbert. Cities across the Valley are experiencing similar difficulties and continued investment is essential to maintaining Gilbert’s long-term water supply for the community’s future.

Utility customers are also encouraged to visit www.gilbertaz.gov/UtilityRates to learn more about the increases to these services.