The City of Avondale will hold a Public Hearing on Feb. 16, 2016, at which time, the Avondale City Council will consider proposed changes to its utility rates, and is expected to vote on this issue. If approved, rate changes would take effect for billings beginning in March, 2016.
The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at Avondale City Hall Council Chambers, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale.
Avondale staff carefully studied its utility rate structure, which has remained unchanged since 2009, and determined that a water and wastewater rate increase was necessary. Under the proposed rate schedule, the average increase to a water customer who uses 9kgal/month would be $3.29. Average increase to a sewer customer who generates 6kgal would be $3.25.
Some facts to consider on why this increase is necessary:
•The city’s water and sewer infrastructure is aging.
•The cost for regulatory compliance has increased.
•Proper funding is necessary for preventative maintenance programs which improve reliability in the city’s water and sewer systems.
•The city is working to ensure the systems are in place to meet the needs of growth and economic development throughout Avondale.
Detailed information is shared on the city website at www.avondale.org, in format of a fact sheet, and also as an interactive calculator to determine the approximate new rate for residential households.
Prior to the scheduled public hearing, the city will also host several informational meetings, open to residents to learn more and to have questions answered. Dates of these meetings are listed below.
Mon., Jan. 25; 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. at Cashion Community Police Substation, 10857 S Pima St.
Wed., Jan. 27; 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. at Fire Station 172, 1825 North 107th Ave.
Mon., Feb. 8; 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. at Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library, 495 E. Western Ave.
Wed., Feb. 10; 4p.m.- 5 p.m. at Fire Station 174 at EMCC, Public Safety Classroom 112A – 3200 N. Dysart Rd.
Residents are also invited to visit City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, for one-on-one meetings with a Finance Dept. representative during business hours; Monday -Thursday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Call (623) 333-2000 to schedule an appointment or to inquire about more information over the phone.