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Merced County opens public hearing on refuse-collection rate increases tied to SB 1383; residents submit protests
Summary
The Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing on proposed refuse-collection rate increases for eight franchise areas in unincorporated Merced County. Multiple residents from Delhi and Winton testified in opposition, organizers presented more than 150 signatures, and the board accepted written protests and paused to count ballots.
The Merced County Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing on proposed changes to refuse-collection rates for solid-waste franchise areas 1 through 8 in the unincorporated county, tied to services required by SB 1383.
Assistant Director of Public Works Lindsey Johnson told the board the proposed ordinance would amend Chapter 5.9 of the Merced County Code to increase refuse-service fees because haulers must add mandatory organic-waste collection services. Johnson said the proposed rates would not take effect until July 1, 2025, and that updated franchise agreements were not yet ready for board approval.
Public commenters said the proposed increases would harm low-income and fixed-income residents. Cecilia Cervantes, representing the community of Delhi, told the board she had collected "over 150 signatures" from residents opposed to the increase and said many residents were "deeply concerned" about the economic impact. John Cherro of Winton presented copies of his recent bill and said the mailed notice and proposed rates were inaccurate; he told the board haulers had presented what he characterized as steep percentage increases for larger carts.
Several speakers from Delhi asked the board to reject or mitigate the increases. Blanca Lucrecia Lozano Davila, who identified herself as a Delhi municipal advisory council member and organizer, said seniors and low-income residents would be harmed and urged the board to show compassion. Heidi Sanchez of Delhi also said she is low-income and opposed the increases.
Chairman Pedroza told attendees the board would accept written protests until the close of the public hearing and that protests must be submitted in writing on forms available at the meeting. After public comment the board paused to count protest ballots; the transcript ends with the board taking a short break to count ballots and does not record a final vote on the proposed rates.
Several supervisors and members of the public raised enforcement and education ideas aimed at reducing illegal dumping and increasing use of free bulky-item drop-off services, including a suggestion from Supervisor Pereira that the county provide a coupon or ticket to ratepayers allowing bulky-item pickup to encourage compliance.
The hearing record shows the county has been conducting outreach on SB 1383 and that residents may file formal written protests; the transcript does not include the boards final decision on the proposed refuse-collection rate ordinance.
