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Wheeler council adopts 3.9% Recology rate increase after company presentation
Summary
After a Recology presentation on costs and recycling options, Wheeler’s council adopted Resolution 2024-16 approving a 3.9% solid-waste rate increase (roughly $1.09/month for a 32-gallon weekly service), citing CPI-driven expense pressures and franchise agreement operating-ratio limits.
Wheeler — The Wheeler City Council approved a 3.9% increase in solid-waste collection rates at its June 18 meeting after a presentation from Recology representatives about costs, recycling options and compliance with the state Recycling Modernization Act.
Recology officials told the council the proposed adjustment tracks the consumer price index and supports a modest operating margin used to fund living-wage pay increases for drivers, equipment maintenance and fleet investments. The company said the change would raise a typical 32-gallon weekly residential service bill by about $1.09 per month.
Councilors and residents asked how recycling might be introduced without doubling rates in small towns. Recology said curbside recycling depends on population density and suggested coordinated programs across nearby communities (Manzanita and others) or a depot model until ridership supports a curbside route. The company also noted state-level RMA (Recycling Modernization Act) funding could help subsidize program start-up costs in roughly eight months.
The council moved and seconded Resolution 2024-16 (approving solid-waste collection rate changes) and adopted it during the meeting; the transcript records the motion and second and indicates the council accepted the resolution. The council plans to publish rate tables and effective dates (the company said rates are generally effective July 1).
