Yavapai County eyes higher transfer-station fees, expects boost from ADEQ tire-fee increase

Yavapai County Public Works told the Board of Supervisors on April 29 that county transfer-station fees are outdated (last adjusted about 2004) and that staff plan to raise disposal fees to reduce the general‑fund subsidy for residential drop-offs.

Public Works Director Roger McCormick said residential transfer-station revenue currently covers about 45% of operating costs, leaving the general fund to pay the difference. McCormick said staff will propose changes this summer; tentative implementation would begin June 1 with a public notice period and a board hearing on the adjustments.

ADEQ tire fee change and program funding

A separate change already effective April 1 comes from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, which increased its statewide tire-disposal fee from $2.00 to $4.66. McCormick told the board the county expects the higher ADEQ tire fee to generate about $620,000 for the county tire program in FY26; those funds can be used to operate tire yards and support equipment and staff for tire handling.

Why it matters: Public Works said transfer-station fees have been 20 years without a substantive update, and household drop-off remains a commonly used public service. County staff argued a more frequent, modest annual adjustment to fees would avoid large one‑time increases and align fees with program cost.

Operational impacts and equipment requests

Public Works officials told the board that the solid-waste program is under strain from higher volumes of green‑waste and "slash" material. The department operates two grinders and a single grinding crew that travels among eight transfer stations; the crew is frequently diverted to cover staff absences at transfer stations, reducing grinding throughput and creating large slash piles in some locations. McCormick warned such piles can become a fire risk and cited a recent incident in Camp Verde.

To address operations the FY26 recommended or requested items include: a second field supervisor to oversee transfer-station operations and crews; a service truck outfitted with lifting equipment for grinder maintenance; and a front‑loader and other equipment (some funded through the tire program). County staff said those investments would reduce staff time spent moving material, improve safety when crews replace grinder screens and improve the program's ability to handle seasonal surges.

Next steps and public notice

Public Works said staff will publish proposed transfer-station fee changes on the county website, proceed with public notice and then bring the proposed fee changes to the board for a hearing. McCormick and transfer‑station staff said the county will continue a limited number of scheduled "free slash" collection days each year so residents who cannot afford disposal remain able to use the program.

Ending: The board asked staff for details on projected revenue changes and public outreach. Public Works said it will return with a schedule of proposed fees, expected impacts on revenue and an implementation timeline.