Auburn council postpones decision on solid-waste rate increase to June

The Auburn City Council on May 6 held a first reading on a proposed increase to solid-waste collection rates but postponed a final decision until its June meeting, Mayor Ron Anders said.

The proposal drew continued review after the city—s finance department and a third-party consultant concluded the solid-waste enterprise fund is not collecting sufficient revenue to cover current collection services. "The rates have not been raised in over 10 years," Mayor Ron Anders said, and the council moved the matter to the June agenda to allow additional information to be provided.

The delay follows several work sessions over the past year, including one meeting in April, where staff and the consultant presented financial data and options for adjustments to rates and service. Anders said the city would publish additional materials ahead of the June meeting so residents can "make your own informed decision." He also praised collections staff: "We do a great job. Our staff does a wonderful job picking up your garbage each and every week."

Council did not adopt a rate increase at the May meeting. The item was treated as a first reading and the council deferred a final vote until it receives supplemental information. Anders told residents the city will provide more details in the near future and encouraged public input before the June meeting.

Details provided at the May 6 meeting identified the underlying concern as a shortfall in the enterprise fund that pays for collections and related services; no new rate schedule or final vote totals were announced at the meeting.

For now, current collection schedules and service levels remain in place. The council—s staff materials and the full May 6 agenda packet contain the financial exhibits and consultant reports referenced by the mayor.