Council discusses phased residential trash fee to fund landfill post‑closure; staff proposes discounts for seniors and west side

City Manager Ben Williamson and public works staff presented options for a residential trash fee during the July 11 budget workshop as part of long‑term planning for landfill closure and higher disposal costs.

Williamson said the current city policy provides residential trash service at no direct charge and that the practice is unsustainable long term. He proposed starting a modest fee now (staff discussed $5 per month as an illustrative starting point) and phasing increases over roughly two decades so the city reaches market rates gradually while avoiding a single large increase. "One of the things I was asked to consider with these ones is, could we do a certain rate at lower amount and increase it over 22, 23 years?" he said.

Staff also proposed targeted discounts. Because west‑side households currently receive once‑a‑week curbside pickup while most other households receive twice‑weekly service, staff suggested a lower fee for west‑side households to reflect a different service level. Council asked whether seniors should receive a discount; staff said it was feasible and would reduce revenue, and suggested exploring a senior discount rather than a full exemption.

Public works and finance staff provided background numbers: recent landfill revenue runs in the millions (staff reported budgeted landfill revenue about $6.8 million for the year) and independent estimates for eventual closure/post‑closure costs (presented in rough terms during the discussion) are large. Staff recommended prefunding the post‑closure account, continuing annual contributions (staff discussed moving $1 million at year end and budgeting $1 million next year), and adopting a phased fee to avoid large sudden charges for residents.

Council members signaled support for beginning the conversation with a low fee and a multi‑year escalator; several council members suggested $5 per month as a reasonable starting point and an annual escalator (for example, $1 per year) to reach market parity. Staff said they will prepare a model showing phased fee scenarios, senior and west‑side discount options, and estimated impacts on the post‑closure fund and general fund subsidy.