Gilbert Town Council on Feb. 17 approved increases to solid waste and recycling rates and adopted a higher water rate adjustment after months of discussion over rising costs in both utilities.
On water rates, council weighed two options — a single larger increase of 25% this year or spreading the impact through 14% increases over two years — before voting to move forward. Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni described the choice as a matter of timing and long-term cost.
“Unpopular decisions keep communities strong, vibrant and healthy,” Bongiovanni said, noting that delaying needed increases can compound the financial impact.
