The Queen Creek Town Council convened on October 2, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal to increase wastewater capacity fees, a move aimed at addressing the growing demands on the town's wastewater infrastructure. The meeting featured presentations from Utilities Director Mark Skocific and a consulting team, who outlined the necessity of updating the fees to reflect the current and projected growth in the area.

The proposed fee increase, which could more than double the current rates, is designed to fund essential infrastructure improvements, including expansions to the wastewater treatment plant. This expansion is critical as the town anticipates adding approximately 14,600 equivalent residential units (ERUs) over the next decade, primarily driven by new single-family homes. The current capacity at the Greenfield Water Reclamation Plant is nearing its limits, necessitating immediate action to ensure adequate service for future residents and businesses.

Council members were informed that the last fee adjustment occurred in 2019, and the current proposal is a culmination of extensive collaboration among finance staff, utilities, and consultants. The fee structure is mandated by state law, which requires that it be fair and reasonable across different land uses, ensuring that all new developments contribute appropriately to the system's demands.

A key aspect of the discussion involved the methodology for calculating the fees, particularly for multifamily housing. The council is considering a change that would align fees more closely with actual wastewater generation, which is expected to increase costs for multifamily developments significantly. This adjustment aims to rectify disparities in fee assessments that have emerged over time, ensuring that all land uses pay their fair share based on their impact on the wastewater system.

As the council moves forward with this proposal, the anticipated outcomes include not only improved infrastructure but also a more equitable fee structure that reflects the true costs of wastewater management in a rapidly growing community. The council is expected to deliberate further on the specifics of the fee increase and its implementation in upcoming sessions.