Columbia County board adopts modest increase to solid-waste assessment; residents press for details
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Summary
Commissioners approved a study-based solid-waste assessment increase of $12.09 per dwelling unit (to $210.15) to cover landfill and curbside costs; residents asked why the county’s assessment differs from neighboring counties’ curbside costs and whether the advertised maximum matched the adopted rate.
Columbia County commissioners voted to adopt a revised solid‑waste assessment that increases the annual per‑dwelling charge by $12.09, raising the proposed total to $210.15 per dwelling unit.
Staff summary and rationale County staff said the figure comes from a solid‑waste study that estimates the total cost of landfill operations and curbside pickup contracts, less tippage revenue. Staff reported estimated revenue from the assessment of $4,423,905 in the coming year. In explaining the calculation, staff said the county’s landfill enterprise is unique in the region and that the study divided the net operating costs by the number of residential units to derive the per‑unit charge.
Public comment and points of contention Members of the public compared the county assessment to neighboring counties’ curbside pickup fees and noted differences in service models: Columbia County residents generally use drop‑off sites rather than universal curbside pickup, while other counties’ budgets include contractor curbside pickup costs. A resident who identified himself as “the mayor of the Rochester” asked whether the advertised maximum rate matched the number in notices; staff said $210.15 was the maximum advertised and that commissioners intentionally limited the increase to the smallest reasonable amount.
Board action After the public hearing, a motion to adopt the solid‑waste assessment was made, seconded and approved by the board.
What to watch next Staff and the landfill enterprise will finalize the roll and collect the assessment under the adopted rate. Citizens with technical questions about the rate calculation were advised to contact the county’s solid‑waste staff or the landfill enterprise for the study methodology and underlying line items.