Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sanitation Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission adopts revised solid‑waste fee schedule; commissioners and residents press for broader review
Summary
The commission repealed the prior solid-waste fee exhibit and adopted a revised fee schedule for special collections. Commissioners and members of the public argued for additional review and possible alternate approaches such as a small monthly surcharge or a once‑a‑year curbside pickup.
The commission approved a resolution repealing the prior Exhibit B (solid-waste fee schedule) and adopting a revised schedule for special collections and solid-waste fees.
Staff said the revised schedule reflects lower special-collection fees than those previously adopted by the commission. City staff, utility billing and sanitation personnel developed a detailed list of itemized charges (e.g., mattresses, appliances, furniture) to standardize special pickups and reduce uncertainty for customers. Staff said the revised charges have generated adequate revenue based on recent experience and will remain under review as part of longer-term sanitation strategy work.
Public comment and commissioners' remarks reflected a mixture of views. Some residents and commissioners argued the city should consider alternate approaches—charging a nominal monthly amount on utility bills for a more inclusive pickup service, offering an annual bulk collection day, or allowing private charitable organizations to collect reusable items. Several speakers worried higher fees would push illegal dumping and said metal items had historically been profitable to collect and resell. One commissioner suggested amending the proposed numbers immediately to reduce some charges while staff completes a broader strategy.
The commission approved the revised fee schedule by roll-call vote, 5–0. Staff said further sanitation policy and rate structure reviews could be scheduled in the strategic planning and upcoming budget process.
