Perris council places delinquent trash charges on tax roll, approves 6.18% CR&R rate increase amid resident complaints

The Perris City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to place delinquent solid-waste balances managed by franchise hauler CR&R on the Riverside County property tax roll and to adopt an annual rate increase CR&R requested for fiscal 2025–26.

The council adopted a resolution approving placement of delinquent CR&R trash accounts on the county tax roll after a presentation from Matthew Schenck, the city’s director of finance, and Barbara Jimenez, a senior sustainability manager with CR&R. The council later approved a separate resolution authorizing a 6.18% rate increase for refuse service — a combined 2.88% pass-through county disposal charge plus a 3.3% consumer price index adjustment — also supported in presentation materials from CR&R. Both council votes were 5–0.

Why this matters: The actions allow the city to recover unpaid trash charges by placing them on property tax bills and raise residential costs to cover higher disposal and operating expenses. At the same time, several property owners told the council the placement process and customer service at CR&R have left owners unexpectedly liable for tenants’ unpaid accounts.

What the council enacted and why The council adopted the tax‑roll placement after staff explained the city’s standing contract with CR&R permits unpaid trash balances to be placed on the property’s tax bill as an annual collection tool. Schenck introduced the item and Jimenez explained the collection process and deadlines; she told council that accounts may be removed from the tax roll if the delinquency is satisfied before the July 20 deadline.

Council discussion emphasized outreach and ways to reduce future delinquencies. Councilmembers urged owners to place trash charges in lease agreements and for CR&R to provide clearer owner contact data on accounts.

Public testimony and complaints Six residents spoke during the public hearing and public comment, saying they received delinquency notices for bills they said were owed by prior tenants or account holders. Speakers who identified themselves included Alfredo Gomez, Violet Ortega, Antonio Chua, Hernando Gallano and Janice Randall. Their complaints were consistent: they said they either never received prior notices, could not reach CR&R by phone, or could not resolve tenant‑charged balances through customer service. Several asked the city to require CR&R to remove carts from vacant properties and to give property owners better access to account information.

Barbara Jimenez told the council CR&R maintains an account record showing both the occupant (service address) and the billed party (owner or tenant). She said owners can be listed on accounts and that customer service is available through an 800 number that routes callers to corporate departments. Jimenez acknowledged staffing and service disruptions during and after the COVID period but said company staffing and truck availability have improved.

Council directions and follow-ups Councilmembers asked staff and CR&R to work on clearer outreach to absentee owners, options for smaller carts, and potential senior discounts. Councilmembers also asked staff to follow up on vehicle and street‑sweeper fleet status and to coordinate a notice campaign to property owners explaining how to avoid tax‑roll placement.

Votes at a glance - Resolution approving placement of CR&R delinquent balances on the Riverside County property tax roll: motion by Councilmember Corona, second by Mayor Pro Tem (unspecified). Vote: 5–0 (aye: Mayor Vargas; Mayor Pro Tem; Councilmembers Vallejo, Nava, Corona). - Resolution amending rubbish collection charges (CR&R) for FY2025–26: motion by Councilmember Corona, second by Mayor Pro Tem (unspecified). Vote: 5–0 (aye: Mayor Vargas; Mayor Pro Tem; Councilmembers Vallejo, Nava, Corona).

Clarifying details - CR&R deadline to remove an account from the tax roll if the delinquency is paid: July 20 (as stated by Jimenez). - Rate increase composition: 2.88% county disposal pass‑through + 3.3% CPI = 6.18% total increase for FY2025–26. - CR&R corporate contact: general 800 number routed to corporate departments (as stated by Jimenez).

Community impact and next steps Councilmembers asked staff to coordinate with CR&R on outreach to absentee property owners, consider options for smaller (60/90‑gallon) carts for households with lower volumes, and explore a senior discount. Several residents were advised to follow up with Barbara Jimenez after the meeting for account‑level assistance. The council approved both actions, and staff said it will pursue further contact with CR&R leadership about service and fleet issues.