As part of this continuous planning, the Flagstaff Water Services Division is conducting a Rates and Cost-of-Services Study.
“The major objective of the water demand analysis was to update the city’s water demands at build-out and the current growth trend using the latest land uses approved by the voters. Water demands include water delivered to meet all customer needs, water required for firefighting, water used for system flushing, and accounting for some leakage,” as stated in the Water Infrastructure Master Plan Executive Summary September 2014, updated with the UIMP.
As part of this continuous planning, the Flagstaff Water Services Division is conducting a Rates and Cost-of-Services Study. The last study was conducted in 2016.
The City of Flagstaff is conducting this study with Stantec Engineers to evaluate the rates and fees you pay for potable water, wastewater and reclaimed water services to determine whether any adjustments to these rates and fees are needed. There are three main components of the rate study that customers should be aware of: analysis of growth-related infrastructure projects and capacity fees, user fees based on meter size and consumption, and policy-related discussions.
Proposed adjustments and strategies for funding the growth-related components of our capital plan (funded through capacity fees) were slated to come before the Water Commission on Jan. 18 and City Council Jan. 23. Proposed adjustments required of the monthly meter fee and consumption-based water and sewer charges (paid by residential and non-residential customers) will be discussed with the Water Commission and City Council at meetings in February and March. Policy type discussions, such as changing customer classes, will happen in March and April.
More information about the rate study and cost-of-service analysis, dates of upcoming meetings and videos of all prior meetings are provided at the rate study website cleanwaterflagstaff.com. Staff anticipates bringing proposals for final rates and fee adjustments to City Council in May and June, with adjustments effective on Sept. 1, 2024.
Water Services is offering to meet with community groups or businesses to discuss the rate study one-on-one. Please reach out to flagwater@flagstaffaz.gov or call 928-213-2405 to set up a meeting. Their goal is to continue providing clean, safe drinking water and sanitary wastewater services for the community of Flagstaff, now and for generations to come. FBN
By Becky Daggett, FBN
Becky Daggett is the mayor of Flagstaff.
