Council approves bundled solid‑waste rate increases after public hearing; 12 written protests recorded

Deputy Public Works Director Dave Staub presented a May 20 public hearing on proposed FY25–26 solid‑waste rates for bundled residential cart service and bin service for multifamily/commercial customers. Staub said the primary drivers of the proposed rate increases are contractually obligated cost‑of‑living adjustments for the city’s three franchise contractors (Mission Trail Waste Systems, GreenWaste Recovery, Recology) and a substantially higher cost for yard‑trimmings processing following a competitive procurement.

Staub described the proposed municipal rate changes broken down by cart size and townhouse vs single‑family billing. He noted the city’s townhouse customers do not pay for yard‑trimmings service (they pay a lower ‘‘townhouse’’ bundled rate). Staff said the yard‑trimmings processing rate will rise from about $48.37 per ton under a prior long‑term contract to $68 per ton under a new contract; Newby Island’s alternative bid was higher. R3 Consulting prepared the rate study and confirmed the rates are set for cost recovery and to preserve equity among customer classes.

At the public hearing staff reported that 35,911 property owners received mailed notices and that 12 written protests had been submitted before the close of the hearing; under Proposition 218 a majority protest (more than 50% of parcels) would prevent the proposed fee from being imposed. Members of the public and several councilmembers asked questions about options to reduce residential costs (e.g., outreach to encourage smaller carts, bag‑tag programs, increased compost giveaways, biweekly organics collection), and staff said the city offers a low‑income discount ($10/month via Silicon Valley Power LIHEAP‑style qualification) funded partly by Mission Trail and partly by the general fund.

Following public comment the council voted on the resolution to set the FY25–26 rates. The resolution passed 5–2; the city clerk reported the written protests did not approach a majority of affected parcel owners. The new rates are effective for utility bills issued for services rendered on or after July 1, 2025; staff said monthly billing notices will include information about getting smaller carts and the availability of extra bag tags and compost giveaways.

Staub said the city will continue to monitor uptake, service overflow issues and will pursue enhanced enforcement and truck‑camera documentation to address overflowing bins at multifamily properties if needed.