The Redlands City Council adopted Resolution 87-27 on Oct. 7, 2025, confirming current solid-waste rates and directing staff to cease transfers of solid-waste revenues to the city’s PARS (pavement accelerated repair implementation strategy) program following the final court decision in Rogers et al. v. City of Redlands that found the PARS surcharge unlawful.

Why this matters

Staff told the council that the court’s ruling requires the city to stop using solid-waste utility rates to fund PARS. An updated 2025 rate analysis reflected the removal of the PARS transfer (about $1.9 million), accelerated vehicle replacement needs, and projected costs to comply with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Advanced Clean Vehicle Fleet rules for zero-emission collection vehicles and charging infrastructure.

Council action and vote

The council moved to adopt the resolution ceasing PARS transfers and affirming that current rates are necessary to fund operations and reserves against evolving costs. The motion passed on a 4–1 vote: Councilmember Barich voted no; Councilmembers Tejeda and Davis and Mayor Pro Tem Shaw voted yes; Mayor Salcedo voted yes.

Public comment and concerns

Members of the public urged the council to reimburse ratepayers for prior PARS surcharges and criticized the city's past management of the solid-waste fund. Speakers said ratepayers had been overcharged and urged the council to reconsider refunding past revenues; staff noted that the court denied a request for reimbursements and that the updated rate study incorporates state vehicle mandates and other cost drivers.

Next steps and budgetary impact

Staff’s updated analysis includes CARB compliance costs (zero-emission vehicles roughly double the cost of conventional trucks) and a revised vehicle replacement schedule. The council’s resolution directs staff to implement the change in transfers. Further financial planning will follow as details of vehicle purchases and infrastructure costs are developed.