Gilbert's utility troubles have been brewing since COVID

For many years, Gilbert residents enjoyed having among the lowest utility rates in the Valley. A 11.9% raise in rates in 2018 seemed a blip on the screen as the town had no rate increases in eight years.

The town was planning a massive reconstruction of the North Water Treatment Plant, which, after 25 years of service, was showing premature signs of aging from shoddy construction done during an era where the town had to take the low bid.

Plus, the need for additional treatment was growing as raw water came in dirtier while federal requirements were stepping up.

Then came COVID. The town paused plans on the North Water Treatment Plant and stopped disconnections temporarily. But in the pandemic’s wake, costs to the town for its utility services — water, wastewater, trash and recycling col