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Council hears annual report on delinquent waste bills; staff says most accounts can arrange payment before tax‑roll transfer
Summary
Staff reported that 858 accounts were notified of delinquent waste disposal charges and that 772 remained delinquent as of May 14; staff said many account holders choose to pay via property tax roll and that Palm Springs Disposal will work with customers to resolve balances and grant exemptions for long‑term vacancies.
City staff presented the annual delinquent waste‑disposal collection process and asked the council to conduct the required public hearing before transferring unresolved delinquent balances to the county property tax roll.
Staff from the sustainability department and Palm Springs Disposal Services (PSDS) explained the city sent notices to 858 accounts in mid‑April and that, as of May 14, 772 accounts remained showing delinquent balances. Staff noted roughly 5% of accounts typically become delinquent each year and said about 90% of the accounts subject to the process historically pay through the property‑tax transfer rather than settle earlier. Staff emphasized PSDS is willing to work with property owners, tenants and managers to resolve disputes, process exemptions for properties vacant more than six months and pause a transfer when documentation is pending.
One speaker, Najib Anwar, asked for relief after a months‑long unlawful‑detainer situation prevented access to a newly purchased property; staff said PSDS would work with him and review court documents and other evidence to resolve whether the city should waive or adjust charges. Councilmembers asked about the mix of account types; staff said letters go to the property owner if the account is on a property and reiterated that some commercial accounts appeared on the list because of ownership or management changes.
Council did not record any vote on policy changes; the meeting included the required public hearing and staff noted the clerk will proceed with the administrative steps to transfer any remaining unresolved balances to the tax roll after follow‑up with account holders who contact PSDS.
