San Bernardino council approves modest solid-waste rate increase after public hearing

The San Bernardino City Council voted unanimously July 2 to adopt a third amendment to the city's refuse franchise agreement and raise the maximum permitted residential solid-waste rate from $26.42 to $27.75 per month.

The council conducted a Prop 218 public hearing to consider Virtek Waste Industries' submitted rate adjustments before acting. "This public hearing was set in compliance with proposition 218," the City Attorney told the council, describing the notice and protest-process requirements under state law.

The hearing drew three in-person speakers and 13 written protests submitted before the close of the hearing. City Clerk tabulation showed 13 valid written protests; the threshold for a majority protest in San Bernardino was 20,638 parcels/customers, so "a majority protest does not exist," the clerk said. With no majority protest, the council proceeded to consider the resolution to approve the amendment and rate schedule.

Why it matters: the increase is small in dollar terms but reflects higher operating and compliance costs for modern refuse operations. The rate change incorporates the annual CPI adjustment and a partial pass-through of costs tied to SB 1383, California's law requiring recycling and organics collection and associated reporting and outreach.

Key details and council discussion

- Current single-family monthly charge: $26.42. The proposed maximum permitted rate the council approved is $27.75 per month. - CPI component: staff reported a CPI increase of 2.61 percent (roughly $0.68 per month). - SB 1383 compliance costs: Virtek and staff said the law imposes additional audit, education and container-labeling work estimated at about $2.60 per month per account; the company and city negotiated to pass through only a portion this year — roughly $0.68 — with the remainder to be addressed later. "We have negotiated with staff to bring that down even further for this year," Mike Aragon of Virtek said, adding the company is passing through only part of the SB 1383-related expense this year. - Commercial rates: staff presented a detailed table showing variable increases by bin size and service frequency; typical commercial service (3-yard bin, 3 times weekly) was shown moving from about $4.39 to $4.69 per service unit in the staff materials. - Customers affected: staff said roughly 41,000 residential customers are in the city service roll that could be counted for Prop 218 purposes.

Public testimony and council responses

Three people addressed the council during the hearing. Local resident Junior Carrillo said the increase amounts to "a dollar 33¢ a month" (about $2.66 per billing cycle) and urged recognition of Virtek's community services such as free cleanup days and bulky-item collection. Carrillo said seniors who qualify for the company's discount would more than offset the increase.

Other residents raised affordability concerns and asked for clearer notice about available options. Council members pressed Virtek and staff on discounts and service options: Virtek confirmed a 10 percent senior discount in place since last year and said a smaller 35-gallon container has been introduced for households that generate less trash. The company also confirmed two bulky-item collections per year (up to five items per collection) at no additional city charge.

Council action and vote

Councilmember Theodore Sanchez moved adoption of the resolution to approve the third amendment and revised rates; it was seconded by Councilmember Knauss. The council then took a voice vote; all members present voted yes and the motion passed unanimously.

Formal action recorded

- Action: Adopt third amendment to the franchise agreement and approve increases to the city's maximum permitted solid-waste service rates. - Outcome: approved (unanimous voice vote). - Protest tally: 13 written protests received; majority-protest threshold = 20,638; majority protest not met.

What the city and Virtek said about next steps

City staff said they will include customer education materials with upcoming mailings and promoted bilingual outreach. Virtek said it will continue container swaps, labeling and outreach tied to SB 1383 compliance and will work with staff on future cost recovery options if additional pass-throughs become necessary.

The council's action sets the new maximum permitted residential rate at $27.75 and approves the companion commercial schedule included in the packet. The amendment also preserves Virtek's ongoing franchise obligations, including street sweeping, right-of-way cleanup and specified no-cost city service units listed in the agreement.

Ending

The council's adoption makes the revised maximum rates effective per the franchise schedule; staff and the franchisee will carry out outreach explaining discounts, smaller-container options and the state's SB 1383 compliance requirements to residents.