As the Town Council deliberates on two funding models, we respectfully ask you to balance the need for infrastructure investment with the economic realities faced by the local business community by supporting the Phased Cash/Bond Mix.
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the need to maintain and repair vital infrastructure. Although safe and efficient infrastructure is the outcome we all desire and have come to expect, we express concerns regarding the factors that have brought us to this imminent need, including:
- A delay in timely inspection of the infrastructure by two years, resulting in the need for more immediate action and increased costs in materials and labor.
- The request for an immediate increase in taxpayer fees, preventing businesses from the ability to budget and prepare for the impact adequately. As the town sets a budget and plans for expenses well in advance, so do businesses.
- The missed opportunity to increase these fees incrementally over time, a result of insufficient action to plan and fund the future needs of our community, even as we have experienced continued growth.
- The selection of a vendor representing the 50-year lifespan of a product that failed in half the time.
Over the past five years, Gilbert businesses and their consumers have faced increasing burdens and setbacks. There have been several tax and fee increases, including increased impact fees, water rate adjustments, rising minimum wage requirements, increased sales tax, and other regulatory costs. These cumulative financial pressures have challenged many businesses striving to recover from broader economic fluctuations. While you may consider only the bill that the business receives directly from the town, it goes without saying that these increases have impacted consumer habits and discretionary income, which directly affects our businesses.
The Chamber appreciates the Town’s commitment to transparency and encourages continued communication with stakeholders to address concerns and provide clarity on how funds will be allocated and prioritized. Ensuring businesses can anticipate and plan for these changes will facilitate smoother implementation.
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce stands ready to support the Town in its efforts to maintain and enhance our infrastructure while fostering an environment in which businesses can thrive. We appreciate your leadership and dedication to the well-being of Gilbert.
Approved January 23, 2025