Gilbert Daily: Council OKs Water Hike, Local Events and School Notes

Gilbert, AZ residents are waking up to higher utility costs on the horizon, along with a full slate of community events and school meetings.

Council approves 25% water rate increase

The Gilbert Town Council has voted 4-3 to raise water rates by 25 percent, choosing a single large increase over a phased option. The new rates are scheduled to take effect with April utility bills.

Town staff have argued the hike is needed to keep up with rising water supply costs, aging infrastructure and major projects such as treatment plant upgrades and new wells. They also point to continued uncertainty around Colorado River allocations as a key pressure point for the system.

The vote follows weeks of public outreach, including two open houses at Town Hall where residents questioned how repeated increases are affecting household budgets. This marks the third consecutive year of water rate hikes for Gilbert customers.

Solid waste changes move forward

Alongside the water decision, the council approved a smaller increase for solid waste and recycling services. Residential customers will see a modest bump of roughly 2 percent, while commercial accounts will face steeper adjustments.

Officials say the goal is to keep trash and recycling services on solid financial footing amid higher landfill fees, vehicle replacement costs and maintenance for an aging collection fleet.

Live music and community events

On the lighter side, local venues continue to draw crowds. The Higley Center for the Performing Arts recently hosted ‘Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles,’ bringing classic rock fans together on the east side of town.

Regional event calendars also highlight several nearby happenings over the next few days, from arts and vintage markets in the Southeast Valley to youth sports tournaments just outside Gilbert.

School board calendar reminder

Families with students in Gilbert Public Schools can look ahead to the next regular governing board business meeting on Tuesday, February 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the district office on South Gilbert Road.

The district has posted its full 2025-26 calendar online, including breaks, early-release days and future board sessions, giving parents a chance to plan ahead for the busy spring term.

Sources

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/gilbert-town-council-votes-raise-131645165.html

https://www.gilbertaz.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6623/352

https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi1wFBVV95cUxOeFRCTmloYjJ3QVdaYjBxaWJtQkQ5Wl9TcnQ1

https://www.litchfieldsrestaurant.com/events/gilbert/hotel-california-a-salute-to-the-eagles-11232292

https://www.gilbertschools.net/about/governing-board-superintendent/governing-board-calendar