Tempe wants your opinion on rates for our 2017 Utility Rate Study. There are three public meetings about the Water/Sewer/Solid Waste Rate Structure for you to attend, and the same information will be presented at each:
- Thursday, September 7, Tempe City Council Chambers, 31 East Fifth Street – 4 p.m.
- Saturday, September 23, Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road – 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, September 27, Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tempe’s 2017 utility rate study for water, wastewater and solid waste has been underway since March. This study occurs every two years to evaluate present and projected costs in order to ensure we continue to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective services to our community. Water, wastewater and solid waste services are exclusively paid through user fees.
During the spring, Tempe conducted several focus groups with different customer groups and held two public meetings to solicit input from the community. All input was recorded and evaluated for inclusion in the study process.
Water and wastewater studies are driven by policy directives and the above guiding principles. Based on the results of this process, changes may be made to the rate structure and rates, to better align costs to each customer class. As the rate study progresses, details and recommended changes, if any, will be provided during public participation meetings and City Council meetings.
When it comes to solid waste, changes are being considered such as incentive pricing based on container size and same-day collection for solid waste and recycling. These are being reviewed to see if they would help the city meet its goals for diverting waste from landfills to recycling centers and for expanding its green organics program.
In November, the City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss rate adoption. If approved, new rates will go into effect January 2018. Details are at www.tempe.gov/utilityratestudy
MEDIA CONTACT: Shannon Reed, 480-350-8801, [email protected]