Nash County proposes solid waste fee hike to balance budget and update plans

On April 19, 2025, the Nash County Commissioners convened to discuss the county's budget, focusing on solid waste management and public utilities. The meeting highlighted significant financial challenges and proposed fee adjustments aimed at addressing deficits while maintaining essential services for residents.

A primary topic of discussion was the proposed increase in solid waste fees. The recommendation was to raise the tipping fee by $6, bringing the total to $64 for construction and demolition (C&D) waste and $58 for yard waste. This adjustment is expected to eliminate the landfill deficit and facilitate an update to the county's ten-year solid waste plan. The convenience center budget currently faces a deficit of $514,867, prompting the need for fee increases to sustain operations.

Several options for increasing the solid waste fee were presented, ranging from a $10 to a $30 annual increase. The most favored option among commissioners was to raise the fee to $150, a $25 increase, which would generate approximately $505,950 in revenue while discontinuing C&D collection at convenience centers. This approach aims to balance the budget without significantly reducing services, which many commissioners expressed concern over, particularly given the reliance on C&D services by local contractors and residents.

In addition to solid waste management, the commissioners addressed the financial status of the county's water and sewer systems. Both systems are projected to show deficits in the upcoming fiscal year, primarily due to an increase in wholesale purchase rates from the city of Rocky Mount. Proposed solutions included raising the water base rate and usage rates, with various options presented to balance the budget while minimizing the impact on residents.

The commissioners ultimately recommended Option 2 for public utilities, which would increase the average water bill by $4.20 and the average sewer bill by $14.50. This option aims to ensure that the costs of service are covered while maintaining affordability for residents.

The discussions during this budget session underscore the ongoing financial pressures faced by Nash County and the importance of strategic fee adjustments to sustain essential services. As the county moves forward, the decisions made in this meeting will play a crucial role in shaping the fiscal landscape and service availability for residents in the coming years.