Ross approves 3.61% rate adjustment for Marin Sanitary Service, effective Jan. 1, 2025

The Ross Town Council on Dec. 12 adopted Resolution 2442, authorizing maximum customer rates for Marin Sanitary Service (MSS) effective Jan. 1, 2025, following a staff presentation and a review by R3 Consulting.

Town Manager Krista Johnson told the council the action before it was to conduct a public hearing and adopt rates calculated under the town—ranchise methodology. She said the rate-setting process is governed by the franchise agreement and that several Marin jurisdictions coordinate review through an informal franchisers group.

R3 Consulting senior managing consultant Jim Howison explained the methodology and said the primary drivers of rate differences across jurisdictions are territory, road difficulty and the types of services provided. Howison told the council the R3 review found a 3.61% rate adjustment to be appropriate under the agreed methodology.

Patty, representing Marin Sanitary Service, described company operations and outreach and noted MSS ctivities such as customer-appreciation events and educational programs. Patty said the 3.61% adjustment translates to a $1.77 monthly increase for a residential 32-gallon cart, raising the monthly charge for that service to $50.88; staff noted the previous year djustment had been 6.39%.

A councilmember moved to adopt Resolution 2442; after a second, the council approved the measure by a 5-0 roll-call vote. Council and staff noted customers can reduce rates by downsizing containers and that recycling is included in accounts. The resolution also determined that the town—ranchise fee is justified by the town—osts for providing solid-waste services and that the franchise fee complies with Proposition 26.