Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Board approves collections change order; commissioners cite CPI indexing concerns
Loading...
Summary
Del Norte Solid Waste Management Board approved a collections change order that raises collection rates about 3–3.5%, citing higher processing and vehicle costs; commissioners expressed concern about affordability and illegal dumping.
The Del Norte Solid Waste Management Board approved a collections change order that updates customer collection rates to reflect increased recycling processing fees, higher disposal and brush rates, and Recology Del Norte’s vehicle purchases required for California Air Resources Board compliance.
Ken Ward, director, told the board the change order (presented as change order 24) results in an approximate 3 to 3.5% increase in each collection rate and reflects higher processing fees for recyclables, increased brush and disposal rates, and collection and transport cost increases tied to Recology’s purchase of new vehicles.
Commissioners raised affordability concerns. One commissioner said they worried higher rates could encourage illegal dumping in a county with high poverty rates. Ward and other board members noted Recology customers receive two free bulky-item collections included with service and said enforcement tools exist for illegal dumping.
Chair Wilson and Commissioners Tompkins, Short, Wright and Tinkler voted to approve the change order; the motion carried unanimously. Staff said the change is consistent with the contract and annual CPI‑based adjustments commonly applied under the agreements and that staff track longer‑term rate changes year‑over‑year.
Board members directed staff to monitor impacts on illegal dumping and to provide historical data on rate changes over the prior decade when available.
