Finance committee reviews FY25 solid‑waste report and proposes modest transfer‑station fee increases effective May 20, 2026

Finance and solid‑waste staff presented a FY25 operating review showing persistent operating deficits at the borough’s transfer stations and landfill and proposed modest fee increases intended to close part of the gap.

Staff reported the transfer stations are covering a small portion of operating costs — Campbell about 17% and Healy about 24% — while the landfill covered about 56% of operating costs in FY25. Staff recommended a policy target that transfer stations cover 25% of their costs and the landfill cover 50%. To move toward those targets, staff proposed raising certain tipping fees (examples discussed in the meeting): bagged refuse up to 32 gallons from $2 to $3; 32–50 gallon bagged waste from $4 to $5; and unbagged waste from $15 per cubic yard to $18. Staff said landfill tipping fees were adjusted in 2024 and no further landfill increases were recommended at this time.

The committee reviewed projected revenue impacts (Campbell +$6,200; Healy +$8,800 under FY25 activity at proposed rates) and discussed timing: staff proposed an effective date of May 20, 2026 to allow messaging and spring cleanup for residents. Members raised concerns about unintended consequences, including the potential for illegal dumping in remote areas, and suggested increased public messaging and exploring partnerships to reduce fees for hazardous electronics and fluorescent bulbs to encourage proper disposal. Staff emphasized continued recycling services and free household hazardous‑waste collection.

Next steps: staff will refine fee language and bring a formal fee schedule to the full assembly in January; implementation of approved changes is planned for May 20, 2026, with further monitoring and potential adjustment after year‑one data collection.