Sedona City Council’s Quiet Stance on Water Rate Hike Reveals True Priorities

The Sedona City Council has chosen not to oppose Arizona Water Company’s impending rate hike, which officials say will raise water costs for residents by at least 36%. The decision signals a lack of dissent from the council regarding the proposed increases.

This inaction suggests tacit approval, effectively conveying to both the Arizona Water Company and the Arizona Corporation Commission that the council sees no issue with the higher rates. Such silence sends a disheartening message to residents who might expect their local government to advocate on their behalf.

Utility costs, unlike property taxes, are burdens borne directly by homeowners and tenants. Many renters in Sedona have voiced concerns about rising costs and are increasingly priced out of their homes, with many now seeking affordable housing in neighboring Verde Valley communities. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, doubling home values in Sedona and driving rents beyond reach for many long-term residents.

While retirees with substantial assets may still secure homes in Sedona, the local workforce—comprising service and labor roles vital to the community—struggles to find affordable housing. Two decades ago, affording a home was already a challenge for these residents, and the situation has only worsened. Many resort to extreme cost-cutting measures, often relying on food charities, as their utility needs cannot be further minimized.

A clear message opposing the rate increase could have demonstrated the council’s commitment to the economic well-being of their constituents, particularly the working class and retirees living on fixed incomes. Instead, the council’s lack of action suggests indifference towards the financial pressures these groups face.

Historically, utility companies like Arizona Water Company succeed in securing requested rate hikes, with the primary debate focusing on the extent of the increase. The balance of political power on the Arizona Corporation Commission has shifted as well, now predominantly favoring Republicans who may be less inclined to oppose rate hikes.

While the Arizona Water Company provided reasons for the increase, a less abrupt approach with gradual rate adjustments could have alleviated some financial burden on residents. Unfortunately, the council’s history of prioritizing political favors over meaningful action only reinforces the feeling among many Sedona residents that their voices hold little weight in local governance.

The implications of the water rate increase extend beyond a simple fee hike; it reflects the broader socio-economic challenges facing Sedona’s working-class population. For those unable to influence political decisions, the city council’s silence on critical issues speaks volumes about who truly holds power in Sedona.