Overview
- Arizona’s Attorney General confirmed receipt of complaints seeking a formal probe into Gilbert’s water bill increases, with its Environmental Protection Unit reviewing potential actions.
- Town officials say an independent audit of water meters could begin as early as next week, with the first public listening session set for Monday, Nov. 10, at Gilbert Town Hall.
- Three councilmembers, including Chuck Bongiovanni, are pushing for a post‑audit study session to reconsider water rates and explore alternative infrastructure funding.
- Gilbert previously approved phased water rate hikes of 50% in April 2024 and 25% in April 2025, with another 25% planned for April 2026, alongside a $30 monthly sewer increase this year.
- Residents presented data from about 100 bills alleging compounded increases totaling roughly 138% and raised concerns about new Mueller AMI meters and a June 30 billing-system switch that ended automatic enrollment, while officials pledged adjustments if meter errors are found.