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Estrella residents will be paying more for water starting New Year's Day 2016. Tonight, the Goodyear City Council held a public hearing on the proposed utility rate hikes. They also voted on the rate hike proposal. The vote on the city’s proposed five-year utility rate plan:
Goodyear is dedicated to protecting the city's water supply. Concerns about the reliability of water and wastewater systems spurred this move. But the city knew it had to deliver the highest quality service at the lowest cost possible. Goodyear's water wells are aging. Some up to 75-years-old. Our city needs more than $50 million to rehab, replace, and build wells. We, the ratepayers, will pick up the tab. It's an investment in our future. It's not a luxury. It's a requirement," Vice Mayor Sheri Lauritano. (Estrella resident.) How much more will we be paying? The experts at tonight's meeting report it could be up $20 a month more over the next five years. Rates will be raised in January of each year to 2020. How did the Water Planning Committee come to this conclusion? Here is the full report. 
  City water and sewer customers primarily living south of Interstate will be affected by the plan. The new rates would not affect those living north of the I-10 who receive their water from Liberty Utilities," City of Goodyear. Council approved a resolution for a water planning committee in April 2014. The City began a search for committee members in May 2014. The goal was to get it up and running by August. The committee met for the first time just one year ago. Goodyear Water Planning Committee: 11 volunteers consisted of residents, two water employees from Southwest Valley cities, and Arizona State Rep. Lynne Pancrazi (D) The committee examined multi-family and commercial rate structures and cost of service. Water Specialist working with the committee: Carollo Engineers Inc. It completed a Five-Year Capital Improvement Program. They assessed the immediate needs for water, wastewater and reclaimed water systems and condition. They also did a condition assessment to identify additional water and wastewater capital projects needed. Economists.com analyzed the best rate plan. The committee was tasked with "looking at cost-effective methods to treat and deliver water to its customers while maintaining infrastructure." Jumping hurdles to find water and pay for it is nothing new. When I was on the city council in 2012-13, we frequently had meetings discussing water stores and funding for the next 100 years. In fact, it's state-mandated that municipalities have enough water supplies to expand while cities grow. Like most West Valley cities, we do not have the water supplies for buildout,” said Mark Holmes, water resources manager for the city of Goodyear. “We feel strong that we’re good for the next 15 years of solid growth. We’re looking for new water supplies needed for the next block of growth (2030-2045). A rate hike should NOT come as a surprise. A community meeting was held this past June so residents and business owners could find out more about the infrastructure upgrades. It was announced by the city in multiple email blasts and on the city website, it was in the newspaper, and we even mentioned it on our private residents Facebook page here. Customers also received direct mail and bill inserts about the committee's work. The committee also determined the wastewater treatment plant needed improvements and the Central Arizona Project needed water funding, line oversizing, and increases to operational costs. Review the committee meeting minutes here. According to the committee's report, the last major change to Goodyear's utility rates was adopted by city council in May 2009. At that time, average customers saw a less than $2 increase to their overall water and wastewater bill. Unfortunately, that rate hike wasn't enough to cover operating expenses. The new rates approved tonight will affect businesses, too. Here's what those rates would look like.   City sanitation rates were not factored into this project. Just water and waste water rates changed. The Goodyear Water Planning Committee also recommended a new Conservation Committee be established in 2016. We'll let you know if we hear anything about that and how to apply. Giving of your time to ensure the water supply... Thank you. Giving of time is what makes us a great community. We truly appreciate what you've done," Councilmember Pizzillo speaking to the committee. HOW DID WE GET HERE? Let’s rewind for a moment. Three years ago, the City of Goodyear hired water-resources manager Mark Holmes. I don’t know that I’ve ever met someone so passionate about their job. He’s a walking encyclopedia on water and truly cares about our city’s future. He walked in to a very complex water-policy challenge. And he’s tackled it brilliantly. Goodyear just earned its second national recognition as a leader in implementing innovative water use. In fact, this year, our All-America City was the ONLY Arizona city to win a Top Ten Award from the Water and Waste Digest. Goodyear is dousing its spring training complex with water that once was polluted as part of a Superfund site but that now has been cleaned and is delivered to the city complex at no cost,” Arizona Republic - May 7, 2015. Our city’s Water Resources Division won this incredible recognition for the remediated water line from the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport South Superfund site to the Reds and Indians practice fields.
City of Goodyear and Phoenix Goodyear Airport South Superfund Remediated Water Line Water and Waste Digest Last year, Goodyear also received the Top Ten Award for the Vadose Injection Project in which high-capacity wells on city land were designed to store more reclaimed water. This project maximizes our water supply to ensure sustainable water resource management. In fact, construction on the wells starts in January 2016. MY TAKEWhen water issues came to us on the city council in 2012-13, I brought up the fact that just a couple of the council members actually live south of the I-10. Remember, residents north of the I-10 depend on water coming from another utility company. They are NOT impacted by tonight's water rate hike. I fully believe lawmakers should have to live by the rules and rate hikes they vote for. Estrella residents should keep this in mind when they vote... if they do vote... which is another blog for another night. I applaud Mayor Lord for pointing out how difficult it is to be on committees like this. Raising rates never goes over well with neighbors and fellow residents. But as Mayor Lord said, "This is leadership." As much as it pains me to say it, the rate hikes are something we simply have to do. I never realized how dire our water situation was until I joined the city council three years ago. Making these fixes now will help us in the future. The city is planning for our future 100 years down the road. Think about that. I'm guessing I wouldn't even recognize our little city at that point. Going forward, I would like to see the city find a way to get the H2OwnIt Landscape Awards program back on track. I had the pleasure of working on this committee in the summer of 2013. It appears some updates and education need to be done with Home Owner Associations to make the program work. I will keep you updated... Kudos to the City of Goodyear. I'm proud to be a resident here. GET WATER WISE
Fixing a Leak NOW Could Take You Out to a Ballgame in 2016 The Goodyear Ballpark, Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians challenge you to fix a leak or make other changes that save water. If you act now, you could receive two outfield box tickets, compliments of the teams to attend a Spring Training Game at Goodyear Ballpark. You would be able to choose which game you attend during U. S. Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense Fix a Leak Week—March 14-20, 2016.
High water users can reduce outdoor water usage by 20% to 30% if they consistently change their practices. Goodyear's H2O365 program offers all households in good standing with their municipal accounts the opportunity to check their water efficiency. The focus will be on checking the outdoor irrigation system for leaks, missing or malfunctioning parts and reasonable timing. Those customers south of I-10 who use over 13,000 gallons of water per month on average and those customers north of I-10 who have a combined water bill of over $94.30 per month are considered high users. What would cause your water use to increase?
ESTRELLA'S POPULATION I sent a note in to the City of Goodyear to ask for an updated population number. I appreciate the quick response! The estimate comes to 11,431. Estimating a population is an "inexact science." I'm told this number may be a little low. And that's why it is so important for us to respond to the U.S. Census workers. The Special Census is expected to last through November. OCTOBER 26, 2015 COUNCIL MEETING GALLERY *Note: Estrella's facilities need work, as well. See the photos in our gallery below.
The provision involved in the Reed case addresses the constitutionality of the Town of Gilbert's regulation of temporary directional signs within the rights-of-way by the Good News Community Church. Essentially, Gilbert's sign code violated the 1st Amendment. The Court found that the Church’s First Amendment right of free speech was abridged by the Town’s sign code. It determined that the sign code treated signs differently based on the subject matter of the sign, and was therefore an example of content-based discrimination. Specific to Reed, the Court found that the Church’s directional signs were treated less favorably when compared to other similar temporary signs, including political signs and ideological signs. As such, the Court found the Town’s sign code to be unconstitutional. ~City of Goodyear Staff Report JUDGY EYES "Content neutral." Cities cannot judge signs by what's written on the signs. Signs are now judged by their characteristics, size, and the amount of time they can stand. This new "content neutral" rule is forcing Goodyear to amend several provisions of its own sign code.
For example, the City can no longer require land developers to place "Coming Soon" signs near new housing areas as that would be 'directing content' of the sign. As Mayor Georgia Lord pointed out, one would assume land developers would have "Coming Soon" signs. But the City is now restricted from directing a developer to do so. JUST ANOTHER PROBLEM FOR SMALL BUSINESS 75 new businesses have located in our All-America City in just the last year. Staying in business is the hard part.
"CAN'T FIND ANY OF THEM..." Fast forward five years, at last night's work session, council reflected on its past actions to limit larger signs within the city and the crisis it's facing now. While major retail anchors are able to afford monument signage, the smaller businesses cannot.
I don't know how half of them stay in business cause you can't find any of them in there. ~Joe Pizzillo, Goodyear Councilmember
Councilmember Osborne, whom - coincidentally - is relocating her business to the Estrella Falls Regional Mall area, noted a previous council meeting regarding the mall pylons. The conversation was in reference to how unreasonably expensive it is for smaller businesses to add their logo to mall pylons. “I remember back when the mall was in front of us for their pylons. And they wanted three pylons out there on the freeway. And the discussion was, ‘You can have two.’ And then I said, ‘You know what? Bring up the third and put all those small businesses inside your mall that don’t get that anchor’s point of view out there, then you can have my vote for, you know, the pylon.’" ~Joanne Osborne, Goodyear Councilmember POLITICIANS NOT IMMUNE Revised sign codes also will affect temporary political signs, as well. The "quality" of the signs can be regulated. But political signs will have to be treated the same as other temporary signs.
CLEANING UP THE CLUTTER Staff was asked on several occasions if it's issuing fines to those who violate the current sign code. While no one answered that question, the City did say signs are being picked up "every day."
Other cities, such as Mesa, have already made changes to their sign codes. Instead of "reinventing the wheel", Councilmember Pizzillo suggested staff take a look at what others are doing before trying to solve this on their own. Mayor Lord also noted the City should pick up some of the tab to help businesses pay for costs associated with the new sign ordinance. Of course, the City pays for these things using taxpayer dollars. MY TAKE
GOODYEAR SIGN GALLERY Both of the Estrella schools would be appreciative of financial support through tax credits. This form is easy to fill out and anyone can participate. *I should point out that I am NOT an expert and am sharing what I know from past experience. Please contact the Liberty Elementary School District with any questions. 623-474-6600.
Retired and not sure where to put the funds? The two schools in Estrella are Estrella Mountain Elementary and Westar Elementary. The District has a total of six schools now and all are listed on the tax credit form. Not only can you pick which school receives funds, you also choose how the monies are used.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK TO THE ARIZONA TAX CREDIT FORM FOR ESTRELLA SCHOOLS. Interested in all of your tax credit options? The State of Arizona Department of Revenue has a great web page that breaks down all kinds of tax credits. Please click here to see it. I have a local friend who is quite passionate about the Working Poor Tax Credit. “What was formerly known as the Working Poor Credit is now officially known as the Credit for Donations made to Qualifying Charitable Organizations. This change was made in 2013 to reflect the expansion of the credit to include Foster Care organizations.” Here's the link. The state notes Qualifying Charitable Organizations provide assistance to residents of Arizona who either receive Temporary Assistance of Needy Families (TANF) benefits, are low income residents of Arizona, or are children who have a chronic illness or physical disability. The Homeless Youth Connection has a breakfast explaining this tax credit next week. Please RSVP to attend. CLICK HERE TO SEE TAX CREDIT INFORMATION FOR THE STATE OF ARIZONA. *Once more, I am not an expert in any of this. I highly recommend you contact the State of Arizona or the Liberty Elementary School District with any questions. The information here is provided strictly as another option to support schools in Estrella. Cheers! WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE HOW FUNDS ARE USED IN ESTRELLA'S SCHOOLS? |
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 | On Tuesday, September 30th, the Superintendent of the Liberty Elementary School District spoke with community members about the upcoming override election. The presentation took place at Estrella Mountain Elementary School, one of the 6 schools in the district. The meeting was advertised several weeks in advance. |
In front of an audience of 14 people made up of parents, school staff, and PTO board members, Andrew L Rogers, Ed.D laid out the district's funding challenges.
Liberty voters approved the first M&O override in 1983. 2011 was the last time it was renewed. The existing override will phase down and terminate by June 30, 2019. It is now up for renewal again with the 2016-17 budget.
Voter authorized overrides are effective for seven years and phase down in those last two years. In order to continue, they must be renewed through election.
"School districts in Arizona are allowed by state law to increase their Maintenance & Operations (M&O) budgets each year by up to 15% of the revenue control limit by the state legislature." And that's exactly what the district intends to do... 15%.
Voter authorized overrides are effective for seven years and phase down in those last two years. In order to continue, they must be renewed through election.
"School districts in Arizona are allowed by state law to increase their Maintenance & Operations (M&O) budgets each year by up to 15% of the revenue control limit by the state legislature." And that's exactly what the district intends to do... 15%.
Dr. Rogers explained how the district is using $900,000 in reserves this year to maintain low class sizes, signature programs, compensation increases, and cost increases. "The $900,000 helps offset the $2.4 million reduction in charter funding that was eliminated by the state legislature."
ENROLLMENT GROWTH
Dr. Rogers reports enrollment in the entire Liberty Elementary School District is up 3% with the most growth at the new Las Brisas Academy which opened this year. The district anticipated a shift in enrollment from some of its schools to Las Brisas.
Many times, residents talk about the shift in enrollment from Estrella Mountain Elementary School to Westar Elementary. Dr. Rogers stated 70% of last year's Kindergarten class at Estrella Mountain Elementary actually lived outside of the Estrella Mountain Elementary boundaries. Fewer homeowners in the Estrella Mountain Elementary boundaries have school-aged children. While Westar's boundaries have a much higher level of school-aged children.
CURRENT STRUGGLE
With the current budget battle between Arizona public schools and the state legislature, Dr. Rogers says it's no longer possible to maintain low class sizes. The goal in this era is to maintain current class sizes. The days of less than 30 children in a classroom can longer be promised.
Earlier in September, Dr. Rogers addressed the Goodyear City Council during a work session to discuss the state of education in the West Valley. I covered that conversation on the West Valley Families page here.
Earlier in September, Dr. Rogers addressed the Goodyear City Council during a work session to discuss the state of education in the West Valley. I covered that conversation on the West Valley Families page here.
"The Court of Appeals has ruled that the Legislature is responsible to provide the annual 2% inflation factor that has been suspended for four years." Dr. Rogers says that's about $300,000 annually for Liberty and culminates to being nearly $1.2 million. This all sits in a judge's hands and we should know more in two weeks.
Do you remember the days when the district stated it wanted to "recruit and maintain" teachers? Now, the goal is to "provide competitive salaries" in a state that has a troubling teacher shortage.
Do you remember the days when the district stated it wanted to "recruit and maintain" teachers? Now, the goal is to "provide competitive salaries" in a state that has a troubling teacher shortage.
MOVING FORWARD
The Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board approved a 15% override on the November 2015 ballot. This represents a $750,000 increase in the district budget.
Just four items in this override. They are:
The override election is November 3, 2015. during the general election. Early voting starts October 8th. The last day to register to vote is October 5th.
Just four items in this override. They are:
- Aim to increase student achievement with rigorous academic programs
- Maintain class sizes
- Retain specials such as music, art, and physical education
- Provide competitive salaries for teachers
The override election is November 3, 2015. during the general election. Early voting starts October 8th. The last day to register to vote is October 5th.
COST TO TAXPAYERS
This information comes from the Liberty Elementary School District informational flyer:
"With voter approval to continue and increase the override, it is estimated that the total amount of the override for fiscal year 2016-17 will be $1.29 tax rate per $100 of net assessed valuation, or $169 on a home with a limited property value (the value required under state law, as amended) of $131,320. The District's current 10% M&O override is by law required to be reduced by one-third in each of fiscal years 2017-18 and 2018-2019."
"With voter approval to continue and increase the override, it is estimated that the total amount of the override for fiscal year 2016-17 will be $1.29 tax rate per $100 of net assessed valuation, or $169 on a home with a limited property value (the value required under state law, as amended) of $131,320. The District's current 10% M&O override is by law required to be reduced by one-third in each of fiscal years 2017-18 and 2018-2019."
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Whether you are for or against an override, you do have a say.
Register to vote or update your voter information with the Arizona Secretary of State here.
You must be registered by October 5, 2015 to vote in the general election.
Register to vote or update your voter information with the Arizona Secretary of State here.
You must be registered by October 5, 2015 to vote in the general election.
CRYSTAL BALL
I was stunned that just 14 people felt compelled to show up to hear about the upcoming election. However, it must be noted that typically, voters in the Estrella area tend to be aged 50+. Voters tend to be homeowners who want to live in good neighborhoods with good schools.
November 5, 2013 - Liberty Elementary School District Bond Election
Maricopa County Recorder Office
Maricopa County Recorder Office
Goodyear voter turnout historically has been very low. This chart shows less than 30% of registered voters fill out a ballot and return it to be tallied.
For more information, please visit the Liberty Elementary School District Override Information Fact Sheet on the web here.
DATES and TIMELINES:
• Informational Pamphlet Mailed: September 29, 2015
• Last Day to Register to Vote: October 5, 2015
• Early Voters Ballots Mailed: October 8, 2015
• Election Day: November 3, 2015
• Informational Pamphlet Mailed: September 29, 2015
• Last Day to Register to Vote: October 5, 2015
• Early Voters Ballots Mailed: October 8, 2015
• Election Day: November 3, 2015
The dates for canvassing in the Estrella community are:
October 3rd
October 10th
October 17th
October 3rd
October 10th
October 17th
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Barber is a Goodyear resident resident of almost 20 years and a retired broadcast news journalist. Involved in various nonprofit and city organizations since 2008, Barber has a unique view of what's happening in the West Valley of Arizona.
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