Umatilla County commissioners approve 9% collection-rate increase for Humbert Refuse

Umatilla County commissioners on Aug. 20 voted to approve a 9% increase to Humbert Refuse’s collection-only rates, following a recommendation from the county Solid Waste Advisory Committee and a 14-day public notice period that produced no written remonstrances.

The Solid Waste Advisory Committee staff liaison, Gina Miller, told the board the committee “reviewed the application according to chapter 5 0.07 sub chapter d of the county code of ordinances” and that the company had returned with additional information requested by the committee; after reviewing that material the committee “unanimously voted to approve this proposal to you, the board of commissioners, for final approval.” Miller said the county published the notice in the East Oregonian on July 30 and the public comment period ended Aug. 14.

Brandon King, representing Humbert Refuse, told commissioners the request covers collection only: “We’re here for a 9% increase on our collection service only.” King said the company’s operating costs have risen due to longer routes caused by multiple road weight restrictions and detours, increased wear on trucks from gravel roads, higher fuel and maintenance costs, and additional miles required when bridges are closed. He said one cemetery bridge closure now adds 14 miles one way — 28 miles round-trip — to some routes and that the company estimates an extra $34,641 per year attributable to additional mileage and associated maintenance.

King gave additional operational details during the presentation, saying Humbert serves about 2,700 customer charge accounts (noting some accounts carry multiple charges for multiple services) and that the last county-approved rate increase for the company occurred in March 2024. He and Katie King said the company offers payment arrangements and other assistance to customers who cannot immediately pay higher bills.

A commissioner pressed the company on the size and frequency of recent increases, saying, “an 18% increase in 2 years, that’s a lot of increase,” and asked about impacts on low-income and elderly customers. King responded that the company works with vulnerable customers, offering extended collection arrangements and other accommodations.

Commissioner (mover) moved to “approve and adopt order BCC 2025-036.” The motion was seconded, and the board carried the measure by voice vote; commissioners voiced “aye” and the chair declared the motion passed. The order authorizes the 9% increase on collection-only charges; the meeting record does not show a roll-call tally or an effective date for the rate change.

Why it matters: the vote changes the fees residents pay for curbside collection across parts of Umatilla County; commissioners flagged concerns about impacts on households with limited incomes while allowing the county franchisee to raise rates to cover rising operating costs. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee’s unanimous recommendation and the lack of written remonstrances were cited by staff as factors supporting approval.

Details from the record: the county code provision cited during committee review was described in the meeting as “chapter 5 0.07 sub chapter d of the county code of ordinances.” The company reported 51% of roads in its service area are unpaved and detailed route distances (for example, a Monday route shown as roughly 41.6 miles to the furthest can and other route-specific mileage figures) and described equipment wear and driver turnover tied to gravel-road conditions. The company said it had previously negotiated a lower purchase price when it bought the business and that some cost pressures predated its ownership.

Next steps: the board adopted Order BCC 2025-036. The record does not specify an implementation timeline in the meeting transcript; the county or Humbert Refuse may provide further details through subsequent county communications or customer notices.