FLAGSTAFF — On Wednesday, July 3, the Flagstaff City Council adopted a resolution and ordinance to increase potable water, sewer, and reclaimed water rates and fees. The rates will increase over a five-year period to adequately fund water infrastructure projects, operations, maintenance, and debt repayment contained in the five-year capital improvement program for Flagstaff Water Services.
The rate change concludes a year-long rate study and cost-of-service analysis for water, sewer, and reclaimed water services. Through this process, the Flagstaff City Council prioritized minimizing the cost impact to customers. Data and information supporting the new rates can be found on the resources page of cleanwaterflagstaff.com
Rates for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services will increase incrementally over the next five years, with some exceptions. Due to the cost-of-service adjustment to all customer classes, some city customers will see a decrease in their water or sewer bill in Year 1 and possibly Year 2. Capacity fees for commercial customers will also increase to fund future projects.
The new rates for Year 1 will take effect on Sept. 1, 2024, and follow the below schedule:
· Year 1: Sept. 1, 2024 through Dec. 31, 2025
o Cost of service adjustment to potable water, wastewater and reclaimed water services
o Addition of a wastewater base charge to all customers
· Year 2: Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2026
o 8.5% increase to potable and reclaimed water services
o 18.5% increase to wastewater services
· Year 3: Jan. 1, 2027 through Dec. 31, 2027
o 8.5% increase to potable and reclaimed water services
o 10% increase to wastewater services
· Year 4: Jan. 1, 2028 through Dec. 31, 2028
o 8.5% increase to potable and reclaimed water services
o 5% increase to wastewater services
· Year 5: Jan. 1, 2029 through Dec. 31, 2029
o 8.5% increase to potable and reclaimed water services
o 5% increase to wastewater services
Over the next several months, the Flagstaff City Council will discuss policies behind reclaimed water rates in more detail. Unlike water and wastewater rates, which are based on cost-of-service, reclaimed water rates can be set at City Council’s discretion.
Customers can forecast upcoming payments for their household or business using the water rates calculator at cleanwaterflagstaff.com/rate-calculator. Customers experiencing a financial hardship may visit flagstaff.az.gov/4590/Payment-Assistance for available options.
For additional information, go to www.cleanwaterflagstaff.com. Questions can be directed to the City’s customer service line, (928) 213-2231.