Water, Wastewater Rates Rise
Phoenix residents who receive city water and wastewater services will see a slight rise in their bill this month. The average customer's monthly costs for water and wastewater services will increase$3.78 to $56.68. Phoenix’s water and wastewater rates remain among the lowest of comparable cities nationwide and in the Valley.
Phoenix continues to use your money wisely to rehabilitate and replace aging water and wastewater lines, improve treatment plants, enhance security, integrate new customer services technologies, and meet or surpass increased public health and environmental standards, as well as pay for unfunded federal mandates.
The fixed monthly service charge, which is based on customer’s meter size and which allows for a basic amount of water use and recovers the billing, collections and meter maintenance costs, will remain the same.
The new water rate applies to the volume of water used beyond the amount included in the fixed monthly service charge. The average increase is based upon a single-family residential customer using 11,344 gallons of water per month.
Under the new schedule, for the low usage months of December, January, February and March, the per unit (748 gallons) rate goes from $1.99 to $2.18; for the medium months of April, May, October and November, it goes from $2.44to $2.69; and for the high months of June, July, August and September, it goes from $3.16 to $3.51.
Also, the environmental charge, which relates to activities taken to enhance the environment by way of federal regulatory requirements, goes from 37 cents to 40 cents per unit.
The wastewater rate increase is reflected in the sewer and environmental charges that are applied to the average consumption for the period of January, February and March. The fixed monthly service charge of $1.22 will remain the same.
Phoenix has the third lowest combined water and wastewater single-family monthly bill as compared to 10 other southwest cities.
|
City |
Average Monthly Bill |
|
San Diego |
$109.80 |
|
Austin |
$100.48 |
|
San Jose |
$79.90 |
|
Kansas City |
$76.65 |
|
Dallas |
$75.54 |
|
Fort Worth |
$70.95 |
|
Oklahoma City |
$63.93 |
|
Tucson |
$58.37 |
|
Phoenix |
$56.68 |
|
Albuquerque |
$43.73 |
|
San Antonio |
$39.49 |
Posted at 10:46AM Mar 30, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
Free Tax Aid Available
Working families and individuals who need help filing their federal income taxes and obtaining the Earned Income Tax Credit can get free assistance through a program offered by the city in cooperation with several partners and the Internal Revenue Service.
The special tax preparation assistance, which last year helped more than 5,000 families receive EITC payments of $7.39 million, is available at more than a dozen sites in the city.
Individuals who earned less than $13,440and married couples filing joint returns who earned less than $48,279 may be eligible for credits of $457 to $5,657. Some also might be entitled to additional credits, including those for child care expenses and education costs.
Call 602-263-8856 for more information about the location of the more than 13 sites and their schedule.
Posted at 10:46AM Mar 30, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
Keep Your Kids Active! Sign Up for Youth Sports Now
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is now registering for outdoor youth sports programs at six city parks.
The programs – kickball, soccer and coach pitch baseball – are designed to introduce children ages 5 to 10 to the basics of the sport through equal participation in a noncompetitive environment.
The programs, which run from March 20 to April 24, are available at Desert West Park,67th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard; Mountain Vista, 50th Street and Ray Road; Encanto, 15thAvenue and Encanto Boulevard; Paradise Valley,40th Street and Bell Road; Paseo Highlands,35th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Road; and Pierce, 46th Street and Oak Street.
Register online with any major credit card at phoenix.gov/parks.
For more information, call 602-262-5065.
Posted at 10:46AM Mar 30, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
Homeowner's Responsible for Tree Maintenance
Did you know the city ordinance requires homeowners to maintain trees and shrubs on their property, including the right-of-way, which is typically the two-foot strip of land bordering the street and the alley behind the property?
As a courtesy to residents, the city has been providing assistance with tree maintenance in the right-of-way in some areas, including the pruning of palms and removal of fallen or dead materials.
However, recent budget cuts and staff reductions have led the city to refocus tree maintenance efforts on the areas that the city code makes the responsibility of city crews – main arterial streets, rather than residential areas.
Homeowners are required to maintain right-of-ways free of ordinance violations, including overgrown weeds, dead or dried bushes or trees and palm fronds within 10 feet of the ground.
To report a violation, send an e-mail to blight@phoenix.gov or call 602-262-7844.
For more information, visit phoenix.gov/FORESTRY or call 602-534-9440.
Posted at 10:46AM Mar 30, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
City Offers Seniors Reduced Taxi Fares
Concerned about the heavy demand for the city's Dial-A-Ride service, Phoenix Public Transit has initiated a pilot program that allows seniors to ride taxis at reduced rates.
Funded jointly by the city and the federal government, the Senior Cab voucher program is seen as alternative public transportation for persons 65 years and older.
About 400 seniors are being signed up to take part in the pilot program that is expected to last about 19 months, after which the city will decide if it should be made a permanent addition to its transportation offerings.
Senior Cab was developed at the request of the City Council, which asked the Transit Department to explore alternative modes of transporting seniors because Dial-A-Ride has increased demand for Americans with Disabilities Act-certified users, making it increasingly unavailable to seniors.
Participants each month can buy up to four$10-voucher books for $3 each, which is 30percent of their value. The vouchers can be used for an entire trip, combined with cash fares to travel further or banked over several months for a longer trip. Riders are responsible for their own gratuity.
For more information, call 602-801-1164 or 602-801-1163.
Posted at 10:45AM Mar 30, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program and the New Streamlined Short Sale Process
On April 5, 2010, the U.S. government will implement the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program. Part of the Home Affordable Modification Program, HAFA helps homeowners who are unable to retain their home under HAMP by simplifying and streamlining the use of short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosures. Homeowners must meet certain requirements to participate and incentive payments are provided to homeowners and servicers.
See the link below for the requirements:
NAR Frequently Asked Questions
See the Video Below for details on the new Streamlined Short Sale Process
Click Here for the National Association of Realtor's (NAR) Packet with the Most Frequently Asked Questions about the new short sale process.
Posted at 08:00AM Mar 29, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
Arizona Fruit Company
We are in a business networking group and one of our business associates in the group is getting some great publicity about his company from FOX 10 NEWS.
His name is Ray Eveleth and he owns and operates a business called the Arizona Fruit Company. The company delivers Office Fruit boxes to businesses as a healthy alternative to donuts and junk food. Businesses can arrange to have fruit delivered regularly, right to their offices. They deliver from 6:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday and 6:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday.
For more information, go to: www.Arizonafruitcompany.com
Click play on the video to watch the Fox News report on the Arizona Fruit Company.
Posted at 08:00AM Mar 29, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
New scam targets homeowners in trouble with their loans
Source: ABC 15 NEWS Click Here for full Article
PHOENIX -- A new home loan scam is expected to hit the Valley.
It's called a forensic loan audit and it's pitched to homeowners as something that will give them leverage or help speed up the loan modification process.
Posted at 08:00AM Mar 29, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
City of Phoenix Hazardous Waste Collections and Disposal
Phoenix residents can dispose of common household hazardous waste and other items at collections from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
April 15, 16 and 17 at North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., and May 13, 14 and 15 at Desert West Sports Complex, 6602 W. Encanto Blvd.
A current municipal services bill showing solid waste fees and a matching photo I.D. with the same address are required. The events accept batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, pesticides, pool chemicals, computers, and household appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and heat pumps.
They do not accept commercial loads and large residential loads (more than five car or pickup tires per household, 20 gallons of paint or five gallons of other types of hazardous fluids).
The city will pick up household appliances at your home for a fee. Call for a collection appointment. Residents also may call for information about the availability and distribution of recycled paint. For more information, call customer service at 602-262-7251 or visit phoenix.gov/publicworks.
Posted at 07:00AM Mar 29, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
Cave Creek Named Arizona's top affordable suburb
Source: AZCentral.com
With its Wild West legacy and open parks, Cave Creek has earned the title of Arizona's "best 
affordable suburb" in a 2010 report by Bloomberg BusinessWeek.
Cave Creek unseated Fountain Hills, which won the award last year. The magazine focused on communities where families "live well for less and enjoy good schools, low crime and reasonable commutes." Affordability and quality of living were taken into account. Cave Creek was mentioned for its cowboy cookouts, rodeos, horseback riding and 2,922-acre Cave Creek Regional Park. "I think Cave Creek combines a Thoreau type of living and nature setting along with conveniences of a modern world," Cave Creek Mayor Vincent Francia said. Francia said Cave Creek has a "very reasonable" commute and affordable living cost.
The median home price in 2009 was $325,000, according to an analysis by The Arizona Republic using data from Information Market.
Phoenix and Scottsdale median home prices last year were $90,000 and $399,000, respectively.
BusinessWeek defines suburbs as being within 25 miles of the most populated city in each state and have populations of 5,000 to 60,000, median family incomes of $51,000 to $120,000 and lower-than-average crime rates.
Other factors included low pollution, green space, well-educated residents, high family income and cost of expenditures, with affordability most heavily weighed. Places were penalized for poor weather, few children, lack of racial diversity and higher divorce rates.
Factors were measured using information from New York-based real-estate data company Onboard Informatics, according to BusinessWeek.
Cave Creek, with a population of 5,000 people, was the smallest community on the list. Francia said its Western heritage "is a moniker of Cave Creek and has been ever since its founding in 1870."
Communities can be awarded more than once, BusinessWeek spokeswoman Patti Straus said. Fountain Hills was awarded last year for its natural beauty, proximity to the McDowell Mountains and outdoor activities.
Posted at 10:00AM Mar 27, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in Real Estate | Comments[0]
Interest Rates Climbing Soon
Interest rates are most likely on their way up the beginning of next month. The biggest factor in what has kept rates this low for this long has been the government’s mortgage backed security (MBS) purchase program. The government has been purchasing mortgage backed securities at very low rates which in turn causes our mortgage rates to maintain their low levels. This program ends in 19 days which many believe will cause rates to jump up .25% to .5% immediately after it ends.
Follow this link to read more about the MBS purchase program ending:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/26/business/moneywatch/main6247255.shtml
Posted at 08:00AM Mar 26, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
2010 Census & Maricopa County Census Population Growths by Decade
The 2010 census in underway and I'm sure you're starting to see the questionnaires appearing in your mail boxes.
The 2010 Census form is just 10 questions, such as:
- Name
- Sex
- Age
- Date of birth
- Hispanic origin
- Race
- Household relationship
- If you own or rent
The census DOES NOT ask about the legal status of respondents or their Social Security numbers.
The mailing package from the Census Bureau consists of:
- The 10-question form
- A postage-paid envelope, Front | Back
In areas served by the United States Postal Service, postal workers will deliver the initial mailing in mid-March 2010. In all other areas, census takers will deliver the form packages between March 1 and April 30, 2010.
Once you get your form in the mail, fill it in and mail it back in the postage-paid envelope provided.
The Census Bureau does not send out any confirmations that your form was received.
Any request for census information from the Census Bureau will be clearly identified as coming from the U.S. Census Bureau and as OFFICIAL BUSINESS of the United States. It is a federal offense for anyone to pretend they represent the Census Bureau. Before your household receives a mailed form, a phone call or a visit from the Census Bureau, you will be given a few days notice with a letter from the Census Bureau Director.
Participation isn't just important—it's mandatory.
We have put the Populations of Maricopa County Together by decade to show the increase each year since 1920. You can view the form by clicking here.
Also, check out the projected population in 2025 by the Census Bureau
http://www.phoenixhomesaz.com/files/411983/Maricopa%20County%20Census.pdf
Posted at 10:00AM Mar 20, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
SHREDDING EVENT- Protect your Identity!
|
FREE SHRED EVENT |
 Friends and Clients!Help save our planet while protecting your personal information from identity thieves!
This is a FREE shredding event to help the local community securely dispose of confidential information. bring your old documents and help the environment as all paper items shredded during this event will be 100% recycled.
When: Saturday March 27th 2010 @ 9:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Bank of America - Desert Ridge
21001 Tatum Blvd Phoenix, AZ 85050
(Tatum Blvd/Loop 101)
Click HERE for a Flier with More Information
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Posted at 12:00AM Mar 17, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
Feds offer help Thursday to homeowners facing foreclosure
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Housing counselors and representatives from lenders will be available to help homeowners facing foreclosure at an event in Glendale on Thursday.
The federal government's Making Home Affordable program is sponsoring the event at the Glendale Civic Center. It runs from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Read More Here: http://www.yourwestvalley.com/news/help-13815-ariz-homeowners.html
Posted at 11:56AM Mar 15, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
Client Appreciation Night! This Thursday at Golfsmith!
| Client Appreciation Night |
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This event will be held at the Scottsdale location @
There will be contests, prizes, and it will be catered by Mortons Steakhouse! Best of all... It is FREE!
Please let us know if you plan to attend.
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Posted at 10:18AM Mar 09, 2010 by Louisa Ward & Robyn Viktor in General | Comments[0]
