Clay County Council approves solid waste collection assessment remaining at $262

In a recent meeting held on August 26, 2025, the Clay County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) addressed key issues regarding solid waste management and associated costs for the upcoming fiscal year. The discussions centered around maintaining the current disposal rates and assessments for solid waste collection services, reflecting the county's commitment to managing expenses amid fluctuating economic conditions.

The board opened the public hearing to discuss the proposed solid waste disposal rate, which will remain at $96. After no public comments were received, the board swiftly moved to approve the rate, passing the motion unanimously with a 5-0 vote. This decision is significant as it indicates the county's effort to stabilize costs for residents while ensuring continued waste management services.

A critical aspect of the meeting involved the annual rate resolution for solid waste and recovered materials collection services for fiscal year 2025-2026. The proposed assessment for collection services is set to remain at $262, the same as the previous year. However, the board acknowledged that the contract with the service provider, FCC, includes a Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment, which could affect future rates. The CPI adjustment is anticipated to be around 2.7%, but the exact figure will depend on the CPI published in August. The board has budgeted conservatively, accounting for a potential increase of up to 3%.

Commissioners raised questions about the maximum cap on CPI adjustments, with discussions revealing that previous agreements had included caps to protect the county from excessive increases. The current agreement lacks such a cap, which could lead to higher costs in the future if inflation rates rise significantly.

The meeting concluded with a reminder to the public that the solid waste assessment on tax bills would not change from the previous year, providing some reassurance to residents concerned about rising costs. The board encouraged public engagement, inviting residents to submit questions or comments via email or in person.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's proactive approach to managing solid waste services while navigating the complexities of inflation and budgetary constraints. As the fiscal year progresses, residents will be closely watching how these decisions impact their community and finances.