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Sumner approves Murray's Disposal rate increase tied to inflation and landfill fee changes
Summary
The Sumner City Council adopted Resolution 1712 on Feb. 3 approving Murray's Disposal's annual franchise rate increase. The adjustment combines 80% of local inflation (2.36%) and a landfill tip‑fee pass‑through; the average residential bill is expected to rise by about $30 annually.
Sumner City Council on Feb. 3 adopted Resolution 1712, approving an annual rate increase for the city's franchised solid-waste hauler, Murray's Disposal, that will take effect March 1.
Deputy City Administrator Jeff Stephens told the council the franchise agreement calls for an annual rate adjustment made up of two components: 80% of the previous year's local inflation rate (this year equal to 2.36%) and a pass‑through of the landfill tip fee charged to Murray's. Stephens said the landfill rate is increasing from $174.84 per ton to $184.99 per ton, effective March 1. He also said Murray's will pass through the carbon fee tied to Washington’s Climate Commitment Act; Stephens said that fee will decrease by about 13.4% compared with last year.
Stephens estimated the combined effect would raise the average residential service that includes a 65‑gallon container, recycling and yard waste by roughly $30 per year. If adopted, the new rates take effect March 1.
Council member Reinke moved to adopt Resolution 1712; the motion was seconded and passed on a council roll call. There were no public comments on the rate change during the meeting.
During council reports that followed, one member thanked Murray's for transparency in showing the carbon fee as a distinct line item; another council member noted regional economic forecasts and cost pressures facing local governments.
