Thurston County advisory committee backs tightening delinquent-account rules for solid-waste customers

Thurston County Solid Waste Advisory Committee members on Wednesday recommended the Board of County Commissioners consider amending Thurston County Ordinance 15.14 to shorten delinquency timelines and clarify enforcement at county solid-waste facilities.

The committee voted to forward a recommendation that the ordinance be revised so that a penalty and related restrictions apply sooner: under the change staff proposed, an account would be considered delinquent and subject to a penalty after 30 days past the customer's net-30 payment term (current language applies the penalty when an account is 60 days delinquent). The committee also recommended shortening the period after which the county may stop accepting charges on a delinquent account from 90 days to 60 days and adding a clearer statement that "no further disposal will be allowed until the balance of account is paid in full." Jeff, Thurston County Public Works staff presenting the item, said the changes are intended to limit the accumulation of large unpaid balances.

Why it matters: The changes would affect account…