Council continues water and wastewater rate hearing to May 5 after public concerns about HOAs and timing

The Buckeye City Council voted to continue the public hearing on the proposed water and wastewater rate schedule (Resolution 32-26) to May 5, 2026, following a staff request for more public outreach and recorded public remarks.

Tom Berry, a Sun City Festival resident, asked the council to add a distinct water-rate category for homeowners associations, arguing HOAs that operate common-area irrigation should not be priced as commercial customers simply because of meter size or consumption. Berry said, "there should be another category dedicated to HOA." Staff suggested Mr. Berry follow up with Terry Lowe, the city's water resources director, for details.

Resident Steve Sterling urged caution in approving a rate increase amid broader state water negotiations and requested the council consider delaying any increase by 12 months to ease household financial strain. He asked council to weigh potential impacts on families already coping with rising costs.

Staff presented the rate schedule and stated the continuance will allow additional outreach; the council motioned, and members voted to continue the hearing to May 5 at 6:00 p.m. in council chambers.