Commissioners add full-time solid-waste enforcement and another household collection day; fee rises to $1.96

Beaufort County commissioners voted to convert a proposed part-time solid-waste enforcement role to a full-time position and to add another household hazardous-waste collection day. County staff said the two changes together would raise the annual household solid-waste fee from $1.93 to $1.96.

Staff explained the full-time enforcement post would expand responsibilities previously envisioned for a part-time officer and would support new enforcement tools approved in the solid-waste ordinance (abandoned mobile homes, junk vehicle enforcement, additional collection days). One commissioner said a dedicated enforcement resource was necessary to address frequent citizen complaints about illegal dumping on rural roads.

County finance staff estimated each $1 change in the fee yields roughly $27,000 annually given about 27,000 billed accounts, and staff said the combined package equated to an increase of $0.03 per account to $1.96.

Why it matters: The action funds enforcement capacity and expanded collection services intended to address recurring public complaints about illegal dumping and household hazardous waste disposal, shifting a small recurring cost to ratepayers.

Discussion vs. decision: The board approved the change and raised the fee; staff said the increase would be recurring and described potential offsets from increased compliance and revenue.

Ending: The change was included in the draft budget for the public hearing; staff said the full ordinance language and fee schedule will be included in final adoption materials.