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Longmont staff outlines $2.96 commercial waste fee and options including a $0.10 residential bump or program cuts
Summary
Council reviewed staff analysis of proposed waste-management changes: a proposed new commercial fee of $2.96 per month, options to raise the residential fee by $0.10 (to $3.06), potential $700,000 program cuts, and an opt‑out composting model. Staff said the fee would fund roughly $106,163,000 in needs as discussed in the meeting and noted three
Staff and council discussed proposed changes to the city’s waste‑management and composting programs. Staff presented two principal options to cover an estimated funding need (discussed in the meeting as "$106,163,000" in total need): (1) a new commercial fee of $2.96 per month, or (2) raise the residential fee by $0.10 (from $2.96 to $3.06) to share costs across households. Staff said an increase of $0.10 on residential accounts could raise enough incremental revenue to help fund operations; staff also presented the alternative of identifying roughly $700,000 in program reductions.
Council members raised fairness concerns: several said it is a double burden for business owners who live in town (they would pay both residential and commercial fees), and others said the fee should reflect clear benefits. Staff noted businesses that pay the commercial fee would gain access to certain drop‑off services (e.g., bulky recycling, periodic shredding events) and that city marketing should clarify those benefits. Staff said businesses that pay commercial waste fees may also be eligible for services and that some businesses already qualify to use drop‑off sites as customers.
Composting was discussed separately. Staff noted tipping, salaries and truck operations compose about 55% of composting costs; a council member suggested switching to an opt‑out composting model to raise participation, and staff said opt‑out would require additional trucks and operational changes that would raise start‑up costs.
Council asked staff to return a clear list of fees and the exact items being recommended at the next meeting’s packet so council and the public can review specific dollar amounts and options. No fee increase or ordinance was adopted at the pre‑session.
Ending: Staff will prepare a packet with fee options, calculations and service clarifications for council review; council asked staff to ensure communications clarify benefits for businesses that pay the fee and to consider program alternatives (e.g., opt‑out composting) and financing tools for upgrades.
