The Queen Creek Town Council held a regular session on May 8, 2025, focusing on growth management and a proposed water rate increase. The meeting underscored the town's commitment to managing growth effectively while ensuring adequate recreational spaces for new residents.

During the session, council members emphasized the importance of securing development at current prices to accommodate future growth. They highlighted the recent addition of a new park and reiterated the philosophy that "growth pays for growth," ensuring that Queen Creek maintains its beloved open spaces.

A significant topic of discussion was the proposed 15% increase in water rates, which is expected to generate an additional $14.3 million annually. The council had previously directed staff to move forward with this increase, which will affect approximately 40,000 single-family home customers. The anticipated increase will result in an additional cost of about $3 to $6 per month for most households, depending on seasonal water usage.

The council also addressed an administrative oversight that necessitated restarting the public hearing process for the rate increase. The revised timeline includes a second public hearing scheduled for July 16, 2025, with the new rates potentially taking effect on August 27, 2025. This delay allows residents more time to provide feedback on the proposed changes.

In preparation for the public hearing, the town has implemented an outreach program to inform residents about the proposed rate increase. This includes a dedicated webpage, social media updates, and direct communication with impacted customers, achieving an 80% open rate on emails sent to residents.

The council's decision to proceed with the public hearing reflects their careful consideration of the financial impact on residents, especially since it has been over 15 years since the last rate increase. The council aims to ensure that the increase is manageable, particularly by timing its implementation after the peak summer water usage period.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the notice of intention for the public hearing, reinforcing the council's commitment to transparency and community engagement as they navigate these important issues.