Gilbert Residents to See Water and Trash Rate Hikes in April

In Gilbert, residents and commercial entities are set to experience an uptick in water and trash/recycling rates starting April. This unanimous decision by the Town Council aims to align the fees with the actual costs of these essential services.

A notable part of the adjustment is a staggered increase in water rates over three years, designed to mitigate the financial burden on consumers. The initial increase will see the average monthly residential water bill rise by $17 in April, with subsequent hikes of approximately $13 in 2025 and $16 in 2026.

This rate revision, particularly for water, is largely driven by the $677 million overhaul of the North Water Treatment Plant, which has been grappling with construction flaws and the challenge of deteriorating water quality. The plant's expansion is critical not just for enhancing its capacity to treat water but also for accommodating Gilbert's anticipated growth. Despite the financial implications, town officials maintain that these adjustments are crucial for maintaining infrastructure and ensuring service sustainability.

The discussion around the rate increases has stirred concerns among residents about the affordability and the town's growth management strategies. Some community members, like Joseph Bessler, express frustration over what they perceive as exorbitant hikes, especially for individuals on fixed incomes. These concerns highlight the delicate balance between funding municipal services and maintaining affordability for residents.

To address these financial pressures, Gilbert has also approved an $80 million municipal bond to partially fund the treatment plant's reconstruction, thereby spreading the financial load more broadly rather than relying solely on rate increases. This approach underscores the town's efforts to manage growth responsibly while acknowledging the impact on its residents.

Arizona's Young Artists to Showcase Dream Careers in Statewide Contest

Arizona's young creatives are invited to envision their future careers through art in the third annual AZ529 Future Career Art Contest. Open to students from kindergarten through 6th grade across the state, this unique competition encourages participants to use their imagination and artistic skills to depict their dream jobs.

Organized by the Arizona State Treasurer’s Office in collaboration with AZ529, Arizona's Education Savings Plan, the contest aims to inspire early consideration of future educational and career aspirations.

Fifteen talented winners will be awarded $529 each to start or boost an existing AZ529 Education Savings Plan account, helping them save for post-high school education, whether it's college, community college, vocational training, or other forms of higher education.

Selections will ensure representation from every county in Arizona, including students from district schools, charter schools, private schools, tribal schools, and homeschools. State Treasurer Kimberly Yee will honor the winners at a special ceremony at the State Capitol towards the end of March, highlighting the importance of early financial planning for education.

The contest's nearly $8,000 total prize pool serves as an incentive for families to engage with the AZ529 Education Savings Plan, which offers a tax-advantaged way to save for a wide range of educational expenses. Contributions to an AZ529 account are eligible for a state tax deduction, and the plan's earnings are tax-free when used for eligible educational costs. Starting this year, beneficiaries can also roll over unused 529 plan funds into a Roth IRA, providing further financial flexibility.

Entries for the contest can be submitted online at https://az529.gov/2024ArtContest/ or by direct mail until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 3. This initiative not only fosters creativity among Arizona's youth but also encourages families to consider early financial planning for education. For more information on the contest and the benefits of the AZ529 Education Savings Plan, visit http://www.az529.gov/2024artcontest.

A Musical Journey Through Country's Golden Era in Gilbert

Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert is set to celebrate the golden era of country music with a special concert series, "A Tribute to the Music of Hank Williams, George Jones, and Kitty Wells."

Spanning nine days from February 15th to the 24th, this exclusive event will feature timeless classics that have shaped the genre. Audience members can look forward to live performances of iconic tracks like "Move it on Over," "The Race is On," and "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," among others, bringing the legacy of these country legends to life.

The concert series offers evening shows at 7:30 p.m. and select matinee performances at 4 p.m. on February 15th-17th and 23rd-24th. With ticket prices ranging from $38 to $50, this musical journey promises to be an unforgettable experience for country music aficionados and newcomers alike.

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A Haven of Heartfelt Finds: Inside Sweet Creek Boutique's Warm Embrace

Nestled in the heart of the East Valley, Sweet Creek Boutique emerges as a testament to the dreams and passions of an aunt-niece duo, Tricha and Nicole. Born out of a shared love for small businesses and a desire to create a welcoming space for the community, Sweet Creek Boutique opened its doors in 2022, inviting locals to explore a curated selection of goods that speak to the heart.

A Family Affair

The story of Sweet Creek Boutique is as much about family bonds as it is about business. Tricha, having spent her years in Oregon raising a family and dreaming of new horizons, moved to Arizona in 2020 with her husband, son, daughter, and stepson. Nicole, also hailing from Oregon, shared her aunt's affection for the desert landscape despite her roots in the Pacific Northwest. As a mother of three boys and caretaker of two fur babies, Nicole brought her vibrant family life into the fabric of Sweet Creek Boutique.

Creating a Community Haven

For Tricha and Nicole, Sweet Creek Boutique was never just about selling products; it was about building a community. From the moment you step into their boutique, the warmth and genuine care of its founders envelop you, making every visit feel like coming home. This ethos is at the core of Sweet Creek's mission: to not just be a business but a family that extends its welcome to everyone who walks through its doors.

Passion for Small Business

The boutique stands as a beacon for small business advocacy in the East Valley, showcasing the unique and heartfelt endeavors of local artisans and entrepreneurs. Tricha and Nicole's dedication to supporting the small business ecosystem reflects in the carefully selected items that grace the shelves of Sweet Creek, each telling its own story of creativity and passion.

Welcoming the Sweet Creek Family

The Sweet Creek Boutique family extends far beyond its founders, encompassing the customers and community members who've embraced the boutique's vision. Visitors often speak of the boutique's warm atmosphere and the distinct, loving touch that Tricha and Nicole bring to their enterprise. It's a place where strangers become friends and shopping becomes an experience imbued with joy and discovery.

More Info: https://www.sweetcreekboutiqueaz.com/

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