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Commission approves residential trash fee increase amid complaints about customer service
Summary
The Board approved a residential solid-waste fee increase tied to contract CPI adjustments and program costs; commissioners and staff discussed customer-service problems and committed to exploring contract options and billing changes.
Bernalillo County commissioners approved an increase in residential solid-waste fees on a 4-1 vote after hearings in which commissioners raised concerns about customer-service access and recycling contamination.
The nut graf: O&M Director Antonio Jaramillo presented the second reading of the proposed fee increase tied to the vendor contract’s CPI adjustment and county program costs. He said the annual formula yielded a 4.8 percent change and staff recommended a 5.5 percent increase to cover program needs and absorbed prior increases. The quarterly residential collection charge rises by $3.24.
Jaramillo said customer-service contact information will be published on the county website and on billing materials, and he provided a direct number for residents (224-1639) and a Waste Management line (892-1200). Commissioners recounted residents’ frustrations getting through to the vendor and called for better public notice and faster response handling. Commissioner Benson described repeated bills triggered by contaminants in recycling bins and said residents are effectively paying extra to recycle.
County Manager Cindy Chavez and Assistant County leaders said staff are reviewing contract-renewal options and whether to bring billing administration in-house. Finance staff told commissioners the county has the option of a four‑year extension with the current vendor; staff said they will study shorter renewal terms, the possibility of insourcing billing and collection, or different contract structures to reduce hidden county subsidies. Commissioner Frank Buck, who had criticized the item at a previous meeting, said he was able to reach customer service in a few minutes during a follow-up test and urged staff to publicize the number widely.
The motion to approve the fee change passed 4-1. The dissenting vote was recorded by commissioners as expressed during voice roll call; staff said the vote outcome means the fee increase will be implemented in the county’s billing cycle and the vendor will receive adjusted reimbursement under the existing contract terms.
