Queen Creek looks at raising wastewater capacity fees

Queen Creek is looking to increase wastewater capacity fees for new construction.

At its Wednesday meeting, the Queen Creek Town Council will receive a staff presentation explaining the proposed fee increase, and it will vote on whether to approve setting a December public hearing on the issue.

The public hearing would take place at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3, during the council’s regularly scheduled meeting at which councilors would also vote on whether to increase the fees.

Wastewater capacity fees are one-time fees charged to new construction and are intended to offset the cost of infrastructure improvements related to growth.

“The accurate assessment of these fees is critical to the town’s financial sustainability by ensuring costs are fairly paid by new residents and businesses,” a staff report stated.

Wastewater capacity fees were last updated in 2019. The main reason for the proposed increase is the expansion of the existing wastewater treatment plant.

“The current facility is at capacity and a two million gallon per day expansion is required to meet growth projections over the next 10 years — the planning period used to set the fee,” the report continued.

The fees are calculated to pay $73.2 million in growth-related infrastructure over the next 10 years.

If passed, the single-family home wastewater capacity fees will increase from $2,901 to $6,144 for new structures.

“Recommended changes in the methodology used to calculate fees for multifamily, commercial and industrial may result in significant increases, as compared to (the) current method used,” the report stated.

If the council approves the increase, the new fees will be effective Jan. 5, 2026.

The Queen Creek Town Council meets at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, in the Community Chambers, 20727 E. Civic Parkway.

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