Some Phoenix City Council members last week expressed broad concern about affordability and equity during a hearing on proposed solid waste rate increases, even as Public Works Department officials warned the city is at a financial “tipping point” that could jeopardize long-term service stability.
Public Works Director Filipe Moreno and his staff laid out the fiscal case for raising residential garbage pickup rates, citing rising operating costs, long-term capital needs and bond obligations.
Under the preliminary proposal his department has presented, Phoenix households would face a 45.55% increase in their monthly garbage pickup fee over the next three years beginning this July…