Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Bend council approves sanitation rate increase after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing Oct. 14, the North Bend City Council approved Resolution 3374 authorizing a franchise sanitation rate increase (company requested 3.2% citing >10% cost increases). Public commenters raised concerns about notice and alternative waste processing ideas.
The North Bend City Council voted Oct. 14 to approve Resolution 3374, authorizing a rate increase for the sanitation franchise operator. City staff told the council the franchise agreement permits the operator to request a rate increase when costs rise; staff reported the company said many of its costs had increased more than 10% and requested a 3.2% increase in its rates.
During the public hearing, residents asked questions about notification and disposal practices. One commenter, who identified himself as Elder, said many residents lacked notice of earlier changes and asked where the additional revenue would go. Elder also described local experiments he has pursued to convert plastics into fuel and urged the city to give the public more information about service changes and disposal costs.
Councilor Slater moved to approve the requested fee increases as outlined in Resolution 3374; councilor Schultz seconded the motion. The council voted and the motion carried.
The city did not identify any changes to the franchise agreement at the meeting; staff said the resolution implements the operator’s requested rate adjustments under the existing contract. Council discussion emphasized the broader fiscal pressures cities face, including property tax constraints and reliance on temporary grants.
Next steps: staff will finalize the resolution paperwork and the published rate schedule.
