Commission advances first reading of higher door-to-door trash fees; public works committee backs dumpster rental fee

The County Commission approved the first reading of Ordinance 3-19-2025-06, a measure that increases door-to-door trash fees for residential and small-business customers, during its regular meeting.

Commissioner David Thomas led committee-level explanations that the measure reflects a needed revenue adjustment after landfill disposal costs rose from $37 per ton to $50 per ton. Committee discussion recommended a $5 increase for residential door-to-door service and a separate $100 annual rental fee for county-provided dumpsters used by some businesses. Commissioner Gulley noted the increase is intended to help replace aging collection cans and cover rising disposal and replacement costs.

The public-works committee also told commissioners it had adopted a 15% across-the-board increase for dumpster pickup rates, intended to spread but not fully cover the 26% rise in disposal costs so private haulers would not be disproportionately favored. Committee members said the $100 dumpster rental fee reflects growing maintenance costs for county-owned dumpsters that are rusting out faster than in previous years. The committee recorded that the last county-wide increase in door-to-door fees occurred in 2017.

The ordinance went to an electronic vote for its first reading and passed 19-1. Commissioners discussed separating the dumpster-rate adjustments (a committee action) from the countywide ordinance. Commissioners said dumpster-rate changes were being implemented by public works staff under committee direction and would not come before the full commission as part of this ordinance.

Public-works staff also reported a generator procurement issue: a vendor notified the county that tariffs and lead times had raised their price by about $15,000 and lengthened delivery. The committee recommended selecting an alternative vendor, Capital Electric, whose bid was roughly $6,000 lower and maintained the same lead time; committee members said they may request a small budget amendment later if needed to cover residual differences.

Clarifying details: the county reported current disposal costs rising from $37/ton to $50/ton; the ordinance establishes a $5 increase for residential door-to-door service; the committee recommended a 15% increase for dumpster pickup rates; a $100 annual dumpster rental fee was proposed for commercial dumpsters; the generator vendor change was chosen to avoid additional tariff costs and to save about $6,000 on the purchase. The first reading of Ordinance 3-19-2025-06 passed 19–1.

Next steps: the ordinance will return for additional readings as required by county rules. Committee-led dumpster-rate changes will be implemented by public-works staff and may be revisited in future budget sessions.