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TOWN OF WICKENBURG SYSTEM 1 RATE INCREASES Herschel Workman, Public Works Director May 19, 2025 2 History Rate Study and Water/Wastewater Master Plans were initiated in 2022 The master plans called for nearly $80 million in projects in wastewater and $40 million in projects in water. As a result, rate increases were approved in May 2024. 3 Wastewater 1 Rate Increases 4 New Proposed Wastewater 1 Rates Total Forecast 30% WasteWater Increase Then 15% WasteWater 1 Current Rate Increase VS. 30%, Then 15% Water Adjudication is Progressing The Gila River General Stream Adjudication is moving forward and picking up pace. • Scientific questions about how groundwater and surface water interact are being actively addressed in court. As these questions are resolved, the pace of adjudication is expected to increase. • The court is currently reviewing Hydrographic Survey Reports (HSRs) for different areas of the watershed. • Although the Town’s rights are not immediately up for decision and the Town’s Lower Gila – Agua Fria River HSR is still beyond the court’s planning horizon, we know that being prepared will ensure we protect the Town’s long-term water rights. Planning and Investment Will Be Key To protect the Town’s water rights, the Town needs to plan ahead. • We will need capital resources to support: • Scientific and legal investigations into the Town’s historical and current water use. • Strategic planning for how best to use, defend, or modify rights. • Capital improvement projects that may be necessary to use water in the future. • Evaluation or acquisition of additional surface water rights, if needed. • Investing now positions the Town to respond proactively, leading to better effectiveness and flexibility for the Town as the adjudication process continues to unfold. 9 Water 1 Rate Increases (Current) Total Forecast (30%) 30% Vs 60% (Current) -Continue installing Monitoring Wells to assist in establishing subflow zone -Develop a GroundWater Master Plan -Accrue funds for potential future purchase of Water rights. Review of Future Needs in Water 12 Questions? 13