Public works outlines full-service solid waste operation and growing budget gap; staff proposes phased fee approach to reduce general-fund subsidy

Dave Derek, director of public works, told Greenville City Council the city provides a high level of solid waste services — weekly curbside trash, recycling, yard waste, bulk pickup and drop-off centers — and outlined proposals to reduce an enlarging general-fund subsidy.

Derek said the department’s total operating cost for solid waste is about $8.9 million. “About $4.3 [million] comes from the rate payers and $4.4 [million] from the general fund,” he told council, adding that the transfer from the general fund is “growing every year.”

Why it matters: Council members and staff framed the item as a service-level and budget-structure question: whether to continue city-funded subsidies that keep resident fees low or to pursue a combination of modest rate increases and operational efficiencies that would make the solid waste fund more self-sufficient.

Key points from the presentation

- Service profile: Derek said the city serves roughly 17,000 residential customers…