Yucaipa approves modest solid-waste rate increase; 14 protests not a majority

The Yucaipa City Council adopted new solid-waste rates on June 9 that will take effect July 1, approving a modest 1.9% increase for residential service levels after a public-hearing process required by Proposition 218.

Michael Heffman of Burtec (the city’s solid-waste contractor) presented the annual report and said the increase reflects the operator-fee adjustment (90% of the prior-year consumer-price-index change), program costs to meet state organics diversion requirements (SB 1383) and recycling/processing adjustments. Heffman noted the city reached its SB 1383 procurement target for recovered organic waste last year but that the program’s requirements increase this year.

Key numbers: Under the new rates, a 60-gallon residential service will increase by $0.80 to $43.03 per month, the 30-gallon rate will rise by $0.60 and the 15-gallon rate by $0.48. The SB 1383 administrative fee will increase from $0.75 to $0.90 per account to support procurement and program administration.

Protests and vote: The city clerk reported 14 valid written protests had been received but that those did not constitute a majority protest under the Prop. 218 process, allowing the council to vote on the rates. Council approved the ordinance setting the new rates in a roll-call vote: Bieber — yes; Miller — yes; Woolsey — yes; Venable — yes; Thorpe — yes.

Ending: Burtec staff said the company will continue outreach and education on correct recycling and organics separation, including school materials and compost giveaways for residents to support SB 1383 compliance.