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Chittenden Solid Waste District adopts FY2026 budget; board says additional $10/ton would be reserved for MRF
Summary
The board approved a FY2026 budget that staff said is balanced on the current $30/ton solid waste management fee; staff said if the $10/ton increase is enacted the extra revenue will go to a project fund for the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF).
The Chittenden Solid Waste District board of commissioners approved the FY2026 budget at its April 16 meeting, accepting a plan staff described as essentially balanced at the current $30 per ton solid waste management fee while showing how an additional $10 per ton would be earmarked for the MRF project reserve.
Finance and operations staff presented a budget that projects approximately $16.2 million in revenue, with tipping fees and the district’s solid waste management fee as the largest revenue sources. The presentation showed the operating budget close to break‑even; staff said the FY2026 budget as presented assumes the $30 per‑ton fee. “If approved, this is where 100% of that increase would then go…to a project fund,” staff said in the presentation, describing the additional $10 per ton as a direct transfer to the MRF project fund rather than to the district’s operating budget.
Presenters said the district faces a multi‑million dollar shortfall associated with the MRF project — staff estimates ranged from $3 million to $3.5 million — driven by an unanticipated land purchase, project delay costs and construction market escalation. Staff also noted an approximately $1.5 million grant from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources that will be applied toward the property purchase and project costs.
Commissioners asked detailed questions about exposure to commodity market tariffs, household impacts, and alternatives to raising the solid waste management fee. Sarah (executive director) told the board staff had reduced capital spending and deferred large projects — including postponing an $800,000 Milton drop‑off center renovation — to preserve reserves for the MRF. “We simply can't afford that $800,000 right now,” she said of the deferred renovation.
The finance committee chair, Paul Stabler, told the board the committee had reviewed department budgets and the operational adjustments staff proposed to help right‑size expenses; the final packet reflected those committee recommendations. After discussion, a motion to approve the FY2026 budget as presented was moved and seconded and passed on a roll call vote.
Staff will transmit the budget to member towns and cities for their review and the budget materials are scheduled to be presented at municipal meetings; staff said they will coordinate attendance so commissioners can speak directly to select boards and councils about the budget and any fee implications.
