Raleigh council approves administrative solid-waste fee increase, removes appeals route to manager and council

Raleigh City Council approved a consent-agenda change to the city’s solid-waste code that converts certain enforcement penalties to an administrative fee, increases that fee and removes the option to appeal those administrative fees to the city manager and the full council.

Councilor Jones raised the item during the consent discussion and asked how often appeals had reached the city manager or council. Gregory Jenkins, interim director of solid waste, said the department had received “two to four complaints” in the last year and that none he was aware of had gone up to the city manager’s office. Jenkins described the change as streamlining the process: “As we have transitioned that over to an administrative fee, that’s more consistent with how our practices are. It stays in house,” Jenkins said.

The council discussion clarified the scale of the fee increase. Jenkins confirmed the past administrative fee had been $250 and that the proposed fee would be $500. Councilor Jones asked staff to “daylight” the increase for the public because it represents “a big charge that’s being added.”

Councilors also asked whether removing the solid-waste collection design manual from the code meant the city would no longer use those standards; Jenkins said the manual would remain an internal, administrative tool but would no longer be codified. Jenkins said the city is coordinating with planning staff to keep the manual flexible as zoning and collection practices evolve.

Councilors asked how many residents receive the city’s backyard pickup service. Jenkins said the program — labeled a “need assistance” program — covers roughly 5,000 residents and that enrollment is by application. Councilor Jones said the figure was important context for residents who will face higher fees.

The motion to approve was made as part of the consent agenda, seconded and approved by voice vote.