During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the financial implications of waste management services for the upcoming years, highlighting concerns over rising costs and the structure of billing. The current total charge for residential waste management stands at $1,794, with $1,501 allocated to waste management services. This figure is set to increase to $1,604 in 2025, reflecting a small but significant rise that officials noted could impact the budget.

Commissioners raised questions about additional charges for hazardous waste, arguing that since it is collected in the same manner as regular waste, the extra fees should be scrutinized. The discussion revealed a discrepancy of nearly $3 between what residents are charged and the actual cost incurred by waste management, prompting calls for a review of these fees.

The CFO clarified that the base rate for waste management is locked in by contract and calculated annually, with increases tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This means that while the base rate is predetermined, additional costs for services like hazardous waste pickups and special collections remain variable and subject to review.

Officials also touched on the funding for community services such as dumpster days and recycling programs, which are partially supported by the extra charges collected from residents. The meeting concluded with a consensus to further analyze the waste management contract and explore potential adjustments to the billing structure, ensuring that residents are not unduly burdened by rising costs.