Anthem encourages turnout regarding possible water rate consolidation
Staff Report ~ 7/14/2010

Anthem residents and businesses are facing the possibility of very significant increases in their water and wastewater bills. In an attempt to help minimize the “rate shock” of these increases, the Arizona Corporation Commission ordered Arizona American Water Company (AAWC), to propose a “consolidated” rate structure for all of the company’s 13 water and wastewater districts statewide.
The Commission has directed AAWC to hold Town Hall Meetings to explain the proposed consolidation of its water and wastewater rates. Anthem’s Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., July 26 at the Anthem Community Center. Tom Broderick, Rates Director, Arizona American Water, will present three consolidation scenarios to Anthem residents and then respond to questions on how residents could be affected should any of these consolidation scenarios be approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission. State Senator David Braswell will also be in attendance.
The Anthem Community Council has taken a position in support of state-wide consolidation of water and wastewater rates with the overall goal being to minimize the cost of water to Anthem property owners.
If the Commission accepts AAWC’s consolidation proposal, Anthem residents could see their bills substantially reduced over the “phase-in” period (which has not been defined yet) when compared to the proposed Anthem-only (or “stand-alone”) rates.
Residents with questions for Arizona American Water can be sent to Karen Angelo at kangelo@anthemcouncil.com. She will forward all questions received to the water company prior to the July 26 Town Hall Meeting.