Gilbert rate hikes meeting financial goals as town works to ease customer burden 

While residents continue to voice frustration over rising town utility bills, leaders in the Public Works Department said the financial plan is working and that customer assistance efforts are expanding to help those most affected.

Public Works Director Jessica Marlow said the primary drivers behind the rate increases include the reconstruction of the North Water Treatment Plant, drilling new wells to access groundwater credits amid Colorado River shortages and addressing accelerated failures in the wastewater system while stabilizing the town’s “enterprise” funds.

“The rate increases were critical for us,” Marlow said. “Making sure that we can continue to provide clean, safe drinking water to the residents is one of our key functions.”

Gilbert Town Council approved a phased water rate