12/11/2007: "Public Hearing On Fee Increase For Garbage"

The County Council will hold a public hearing today (Tuesday, December 11th) at 1:30 p.m. to receive input on a proposal from Public Works for a 7.5% rate increase for solid waste Services, (e.g. garbage).

If approved, this will be the second increase voted in this year. The last fee increase took effect in April of this year, resulting in a 9% increase in fees to unload trash at the Public Works solid waste facilities.

According to Ed Hale of PW, the increase is necessary because there has been an increase in handling charges and contract costs. In addition, there has also been the traditional shift of money into the ER&R (Equipment Replacement & Repair) fund.

Under questioning by council members Alan Lichter and Rich Peterson, Mr. Hale said that if the increase was not approved, there would be a decrease in service levels.

Director Shannon had said that without the fee increase, there would be a negative balance of $130 thousand in the operation budget. In a letter to the SWAC (Solid Waste Advisory Committee), Mr., Hale said the “shift from operations to capital which is normally $125,000 to $200,000”, was not shown in a summary report for September.

Mr., Hale also reminded the SWAC that there was a $90,000 “shortfall” for 2006. In other words, 2007 began in the red, and that has carried over to the present

Back in December of 2006, the council members asked if the fees at that time had been sufficient to keep the program "in the black". Matt Zybas, manager of the program at the time, responded that so they have been, but "it has been close".

Expressing concern about the number of increases, the Council has asked for additional information, and County Administrator Pete Rose and PW Director Jon Shannon will present additional information to the Council at 10:15 a.m., prior to the public hearing at 1:30 a.m.