Residents urge Chesterfield County Council to rethink $38 solid-waste fee
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Summary
At a Nov. 5 council meeting, multiple residents told the Chesterfield County Council the proposed $38-per-household solid waste fee unfairly burdens seniors and households that already pay private pickup; petitioners say the fee would generate roughly $5 million a year and urged opt-in, voucher or rebate alternatives.
Dozens of residents told the Chesterfield County Council on Nov. 5 they oppose a proposed $38 annual solid waste fee, arguing it would be an unfair burden for seniors and households that already pay for private trash pickup.
"I saw it on Facebook that we were being assessed $38 per county member," resident Sherry Porter said, describing seniors in her neighborhood who lack transportation to bring trash to county dumpsters. "My car is not a trash truck." Porter urged the council to consider residents without cars and to provide alternatives for seniors.
Kirby Hughes said he has collected 1,236 signatures opposing the fee and presented estimates of the program’s revenue. "If you're charging $38 per household, the new fee totals approximately $5,000,000 a year in revenue for the county," Hughes said, and proposed options including an opt‑in usage fee for county disposal sites, pay‑as‑you‑use vouchers, proximity‑based fees, or a property tax rebate for households with private service.
Other speakers raised enforcement and education suggestions. "Put it in the papers every week," said Mister Plyler, urging the county to publicize that convenience centers are free and suggesting cameras at sites to discourage roadside dumping.
A sharp, personal accusation also surfaced during public comment. Andrew Williams, who identified himself with the local group Concerned Citizens of Chesterfield County, criticized Council member Ethan Ford and said, according to a referenced police report, Ford shot into a fleeing vehicle. Williams did not produce a council response during the meeting; the claim was not addressed on the record and remains unresolved.
Council members did not debate or vote on the solid waste fee at the meeting. Chair and staff reiterated that public comments would be collected and that council members or staff would follow up individually with speakers. The meeting record indicates the council intends further study and public engagement on countywide issues including waste service delivery and potential exemptions for specific groups.
