Dale Goodwin, IronOaks President
As the saying goes, “water water everywhere…”. That’s not entirely true for us Arizonians.
As everyone likely knows by now, JW Water (JWW) acquired Pima Utility in November 2024. Pima was previously owned by Robson Communities. Pima provides water and sewer services, not only to IronOaks but also to Cottonwood/Palo Verde (CWPV) and Sun Lakes Country Club (SLCC).
JWW/Pima has since filed a request for a rate increase with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). The overall requested increase for water is 87%, and for sewer it’s 58%. The overall rate request includes rates for residential as well as a higher rate request for commercial users. The last time Pima raised its rates was in 2018.
There are two ways to provide feedback to the ACC regarding this rate increase request. You can submit a public comment protesting the increase and explaining why. We recommend homeowners do so. Or, you can file to be an “Intervenor.”
Although the deadline to do so has passed, let me explain the role of an intervenor. Filing as an intervenor typically requires hiring an attorney familiar with Arizona utility regulations and proceedings. Being an intervenor provides a list of rights but also comes with a list of responsibilities. Anyone can file to be an intervenor, but those who do should be prepared to: 1) participate in discovery to learn about JWW’s case, 2) present evidence, through witnesses and documents, and 3) cross-examine JWW’s witnesses, file motions, etc.
Your IronOaks Board has a fiduciary responsibility to its homeowners to do what it can to protest this large increase. The potential impact on the community goes well beyond personal consumption. The HOA uses water for seven pools, golf courses, and common areas. Any rate increase will have a negative effect on our finances.
Our General Manager and I met with the Presidents and GMs of CWPV and SLCC to discuss working together to file as an intervenor and to share the legal costs. To ensure we met the filing deadline, IronOaks filed as an intervenor ahead of the June 1 deadline. Legal representation and the parties involved can change, but we needed to get something filed before the deadline.
We will be sure to keep you informed. The Public Comment meeting is scheduled for Aug. 26, and the Evidentiary Hearing, open to the public, is Oct. 19.
IronOaks: The Ideal Retirement Destination! We are committed to maintaining and enhancing our community to ensure IronOaks remains one of the most desirable retirement destinations in the Valley, which includes continued board transparency and fiscal responsibility. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I look forward to seeing you next month! And remember to stay cool and hydrate often!