Council approves special assessments to collect delinquent solid‑waste charges

Albany City Council voted unanimously July 8 to authorize special assessments for a list of properties with unpaid residential solid‑waste accounts, sending the amounts to the county tax roll for collection.

The council adopted Resolution 2025‑51 after a public hearing in which staff outlined the city’s role handling delinquencies under the waste‑management franchise. Community Development Director Jeff Bond said the ordinance authorizing the practice and the franchise agreement require the city to assist in collection by placing unpaid balances as special assessments on property tax bills.

"Those properties would each be assessed the amount due plus $50 for city costs fee city fee for the processing of the special assessment," Bond said, summarizing the staff recommendation. He said Waste Management mailed multiple notices to account holders and the city sent a final letter before the public hearing.

Why it matters: The assessment process provides a mechanism for the private hauler to keep providing weekly service while ensuring unpaid balances are ultimately billed to property owners through the county tax system.

Public and council discussion

A council member asked whether the $50 administrative fee was the maximum the city could legally charge; Bond said he did not know the legal maximum but that $50 was the city’s longstanding practice to cover staff processing costs. A council member noted staff had worked to make the process efficient and that the fee historically covered modest processing expenses.

Council action and vote

A council member moved adoption of Resolution 2025‑51 and the measure passed by unanimous roll call. The clerk recorded votes of yes from Mayor Robin Lopez, Vice Mayor McQuay, Council member Hans(on) Romero, Council member Jordan and Council member Mickey.

Implementation

Following the council action, staff will forward the assessment list to the county for placement on the next property‑tax roll. The county will deduct its own collection fees; the city will deduct the $50 per parcel processing fee and remit the balance to Waste Management for reconciliation of accounts.

The resolution itself lists parcel numbers and amounts; staff said notices and multiple prior mailings had been sent to affected property owners and tenants.