Breaking down Mesa's proposed utility rate hike
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Your water, wastewater and trash charges could be bigger starting in February under a proposal being considered in Mesa.
Why it matters: The hike in utility rates isn't huge, but it adds to the headache from increased costs for groceries, gas, homes and more.
Catch up quick: City staff began developing the new rates in August, and the City Council formally launched the approval process Oct. 5.
By the numbers: Under the proposal, a typical household receiving water, wastewater and trash service would pay about $6 more per month.
- Customers also receiving electric and natural gas from the city would pay about $12 more.
Between the lines: Water utility rates are rising partly due to upcoming cuts to water allocations from the Colorado River — which supplies about 53% of Mesa's water — along with the rising cost of purchasing water, city budget director Brian Ritschel tells Axios.
The big picture: Commercial customers now consume more water than residential customers but generate less water revenue, Ritschel says.
- To close that gap, Mesa would raise residential usage rates by 3.5%–4.5%, compared with 12%–23% for most commercial customers.
- The city is phasing in higher commercial rates to avoid one sharp increase.
- "We're looking at equity in fiscal year '28-'29," Ritschel says.
What to expect: Higher outdoor water charges are also intended to encourage customers to replace grass with desert landscaping and reduce discretionary water use, he says.
What's next: The City Council will take the final vote on the proposal on Dec. 8, with the adjusted rates set to take effect Feb. 1, 2027, Ritschel says.
- You can submit an online comment on the proposal until Dec. 8 or speak at the hearing at Mesa City Hall on the same date.