Columbia County hears proposed 2.2% transfer-station pass‑through; private haulers seek larger collection increases

Columbia County commissioners held a public hearing June 18 on proposed increases to transfer‑station and curbside collection rates in unincorporated areas of the county. Mike Russell, Public Works staff, said the county is proposing a 2.2% pass‑through increase to the transfer‑station tipping fee tied to the West Coast CPI and recommended by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC).

The recommendation follows the county’s rate review process and a Detailed Cost Review (DCR). ‘‘The overall impact is, the county will be increasing our transfer station tipping fee 2.2%, which is commensurate with the CPI West Coast as of March,’’ Mike Russell said. Jake (Solid Waste staff) told the board the DCR procedure uses an accepted operating ratio of 8%–14% and that the 2.2% figure is the CPI pass‑through calculated under that procedure.

If approved, the county’s commercial tipping fee would rise from $109.94 per ton to $112.36 per ton. Private haulers’ requests…