Supporting Document (aa241848...)

Item 15
Meeting Date:
General Plan Element: 
General Plan Goal:
January 13, 2026 
Community Well-Being
Promote access to health and human services for citizens of 
Scottsdale.
ACTION
Adopt Ordinance No. 4699 amending section 2-138 of the Scottsdale Revised Code, relating to the 
voluntary utility billing donation program known as Scottsdale Cares to two ($2) dollars per meter, 
per month billed.
BACKGROUND
The voluntary bill donation program, also known as Scottsdale Cares, has been in operation si^ce 
May of 1995 through Ordinance No. 2744 and the donation amount has not increased in 30 years.
Scottsdale Cares has received over $5 million from Scottsdale residents, donating one dollar at a 
time. Scottsdale Cares is an easy way to help neighbors in need by adding $1.00 to their monthly 
water bill. Participating residents pay the grand total on their utility bill and $1.00 will be 
automatically donated to the program. There currently is an option to donate additional funds per 
bill more, and many Scottsdale residents pay more than $1.00 at a time. l00% of the donation goes 
to our neighbors in need.
Scottsdale Cares was initiated to allow Scottsdale residents the opportunity to donate one dollar 
each month through their utility bill to assist programs which promote the development of youth, to 
strengthen the capability of families and assist Scottsdale citizens of all ages in addressing crisis 
needs through the annual funding process through the Housing and Community Office.
On average 6,016 residents are served annually with Scottsdale Cares awards. An average of 
180,502 Scottsdale residents has benefited from services in the last 30 years since the inception of 
Scottsdale Cares in 1995. Over the last ten years the average annual donation for Scottsdale Cares 
was $143,712.
Action Taken _
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Approved on Consent

City CouncH Report | ORDINACE NO. 4699 SCOTTSDALE CARES UTILITY BILLiNG DONATION 
IMPACT ANALYSIS 
There has been a long history of collaboration between non-profits and the City of Scottsdale's 
Human Services Department. Non-profits supported by Scottsdale Cares play a vital role in 
addressing societal issues such as poverty, senior services, education and healthcare. Increased 
donations will enable these organizations to maintain quality operations, and expand their reach 
and impact, providing essential services to those in need.
According to an AZ Big Media article from January 10, 2025, Scottsdale ranks as the second-most 
caring city in America. This ranking is influenced by its high adoption rates, low child poverty rates, 
and residents' enthusiasm for charitable donations.
Overall, Scottsdale Cares exemplifies community support and engagement, reflecting a strong 
culture of philanthropy and care for fellow residents while addressing emerging needs within the 
community.
The financial landscape for non-profits is increasingly challenging, with many facing decreased 
donations, rising operational costs, and heightened demand for services. A non-profit focus group 
was hosted by city staff on Tuesday October 29,2024, with partnering agencies who are either 
funded through Scottsdale's annual funding process or through city services contracts with the 
Human Services Department. The outcome of this focus group confirmed concerns over decreasing 
donations, rising operational costs due to inflation, and heightened demand for services
Annually, the Housing and Community Assistance Office receive an average of twenty-one (21) 
appiications for Scottsdale Cares with a total request of $377,000.
To support rising service demands and costs, we propose increasing the voluntary utility donation 
from $1 to $2 per month starting July 1, 2026.
I
Over the past three decades, Scottsdale Cares has distributed more than $5 million to local 
nonprofit organizations, directly improving the lives of thousands of Scottsdale residents. Through 
this funding, the program has supported vitai services such as the positive development of youth, 
strengthening the capability of families and assisting Scottsdale citizens of all ages in addressing 
crisis needs, strengthening the social fabric of the community and ensuring help reaches those who 
need it most
OPTIONS & STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Approach
Adopt Ordinance No. 4699 amending section 2-138 of the Scottsdale Revised Code, relating to the 
voluntary utility billing donation program known as Scottsdale Cares to two ($2) dollars per meter, 
per month billed.
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City Council Report | ORDINACE NO. 4699 SCOTTSDALE CARES UTILITY BILLING DONATION 
Proposed Next Steps
If approved, to ensure a smooth rollout of the upcoming program change effective July 1, 2026, 
staff recommends developing a comprehensive communication strategy in collaboration with the 
Office of Communication.
While a message will be included on customer bills, additional outreach is essential. Proposed 
communication efforts include a direct postcard mailer, updates to the quarterly newsletter, 
Scottsdale Cares and Utility Billing webpage updated with FAQs, messaging on the Online Payment 
Portal (OLPP), social media posts, and a press release. To support customer service, a call center 
script will also be developed. Messaging should clearly state that the change does not take effect 
until July 1, 2026, and that all customers currently opted in will be automatically transferred at that 
time. This multi-channel approach is critical to ensuring transparency, minimizing call volume, and 
maintaining public trust.
Utility billing customers can opt out of the voluntary donation process at any time.
RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT(S)
Library and Human Services and Office of City Treasurer
STAFF CONTACTS (S)
Mary Witkofski, Interim Human Services Director, mwitkofski@scottsdaleaz.gov 
Whiteny Pitt, Business Services Director, wpitt@scottsdaleaz.gov
APPROVED BY
Kiro^f^
12/22/25
Kira Peters, Sr. Director Libraries & Human Services 
480-312-0104, kipeters@scottsdaleaz.gov
Date
12/22/25
Greg Caton, City Manager 
480-312-7759, Gcaton@scottsdaleaz.gov
Date
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 4699
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ORDINANCE NO. 4699
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SCOTTSDALE, MARICOPA 
COUNTY. ARIZONA. AMENDING SECTION 2-138 OF THE 
SCOTTSDALE REVISED CODE, RELATING TO THE VOLUNTARY 
UTILITY BILLING DONATION PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, funds raised through the voluntary utility billing donation program, known as 
Scottsdale Cares, assist the City in promoting the positive development of youth, strengthen the 
capability of families and assist citizens of all ages in addressing crises needs; and
WHEREAS, the funds for programs served by Scottsdale Cares are insufficient and 
demand for services has increased; and
WHEREAS, increasing the suggested donation amount included in a user’s utility bill will 
help support rising service demands and costs.
NOW. THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Scottsdale, 
Maricopa County; Arizona as follows:
Section 1. Section 2-138 of the Scottsdale Revised Code, relating to the volunteer 
utility billing donation program, is hereby amended to read as follows:
See. 2-T38. Voluntary utility billing donation program.
(a) 
There is hereby established a voluntary utility billing donatiori program for the 
purpose of facilitating donations by users of city services to human services programs 
serving the community. All persons receiving bills for services from the city under the 
provisions of chapters 24 and 49 of this Code shall be included in the voluntary utility billing 
donation program.
(b) 
The city manager, or the city manager's designee, shall determine the form of 
the donation program and any procedures necessary to administer it. Donations under any 
program established pursuant to this section shall be voluntary. The amount of any 
suggested donation added to a user's bill, if applicable, shall not exceed ©ne dollar ($1.00) 
^^iaoll^^iSiZjOO) per meter, per month billed, and shall not be included in the amount of 
any arrearages or collections on an account
2026.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Council of Scottsdale this
_day of.
ATTEST:
By;_____
Ben Lane, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM: 
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
/A
By: 
(a^/Ia
CITY OF SCOTTSDALE, an Arizona 
municipal corporation
By:___________________________
Lisa Borowsky, Mayor
Luis E Santaella, InterirnTIify Attorney
By: Karen Tyler, Principal Assistant City Attorney
18648830
ATTACHMENT #1