Sedona News – As part of an effort to make sewer system expenses commensurate with fees, on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, the Sedona City Council adopted a resolution and ordinance to increase sewer rates by 3.6%.
The new rates will become effective on October 1, 2024. For example:
- Residents on low-flow billing currently pay $47.52, and their rate will increase to $49.23.
- Residents on standard billing currently pay $61.11, and their rate will increase to $63.31.
- Commercial customers will see 3.6% increases on their current rates.
The new rate will appear on the October 31, 2024 bill, and therefore customers with autopay set-up are encouraged to adjust the amount owed before October 1, 2024, whether through Xpress bill pay or through their bank.
Background
The city’s Wastewater Department has experienced an increase in operating costs in wastewater collections and treatment. Price increases in materials, operating supplies, labor, contracted work and lab testing have resulted in a 22% increase over the last six years. In addition to inflationary cost increases, repairs and/or upgrades to aging infrastructure and additional regulatory requirements have resulted in higher operating costs.
With a goal for wastewater rates to fund the operations and capital improvements for the wastewater utility, on June 12, 2024, City Council voted to give a notice of intent to increase wastewater rates, and on Aug. 13, 2024, held the public hearing.
The completion of a comprehensive rate study is planned for the current fiscal year, in which a more detailed analysis will be conducted to determine if further rate increases are needed.
More information
For more information go to www.sedonaaz.gov/wastewater, email wastewaterbilling@sedonaaz.gov or call 928-204-7185.
