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Bonner County commissioners consider changes to $194 annual waste fee and sticker policy
Summary
Commissioners discussed the $194 annual residential solid waste fee, sticker distribution and limits, and potential program changes including charging fees at building permit issuance; staff will return with cost data and a proposed fee schedule for a hearing.
Bonner County commissioners and solid waste staff on Oct. 5 discussed possible changes to the county’s $194 annual residential solid-waste fee, the rules for sticker distribution, and limits on extra stickers amid concerns that out-of-county and commercial users are increasing system costs.
The discussion matters because commissioners said misuse of sticker privileges and out-of-county dumping shift costs onto local residents who pay the flat residential fee.
Melissa Galt, operations manager, described current practice: properties with a home-assessed value are charged a $194 annual solid waste fee; residential customers without a home assessment may either pay the annual fee or pay at the gate ($5 for the first 3 yards, $20 per additional yard). Galt said the office mails two stickers to each assessed home; extra stickers are available with proof of residency and currently cost $5 each. Galt said the department keeps a log of undeliverable mail and records every sticker sold.
Commissioners pressed staff on whether to continue allowing extra stickers and on how to handle lost-in-mail or vehicle-accident situations. Commissioners expressed support for tightening the extra-sticker policy: multiple commissioners favored eliminating extra stickers or allowing only one replacement under stricter verification and at a higher fee (suggested $20) or requiring purchase of a full annual fee ($194) for additional coverage. One commissioner recommended a four-week window for clients to request a replacement sticker after mailing.
The board also discussed a previously raised administrative change: charging the solid waste fee at time of building-location permit issuance so new-build owners receive sticker coverage up front. Staff said legal counsel indicated that would be an “easy ordinance change”; commissioners discussed prorating on existing July 1 practice for partial-year ownership.
No fee changes were adopted at the workshop. Commissioners directed staff to provide requested cost breakdowns, usage data and a proposed fee schedule; staff will schedule another workshop and prepare a public hearing on any fee amendments. The department also said it must order sticker stock soon to meet mailing timelines for January distribution, which may require a special meeting if staff cannot complete analysis in time.
Commissioners asked staff to return with clearer definitions of “household” versus non-household materials, more precise tracking on sticker usage, and recommendations for exception documentation (lost mail, vehicle accidents) to prevent abuse.
