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Merced County adopts SB 1383 implementation and raises refuse rates after public hearings and protests
Summary
After three public hearings and a tally of mailed and in‑person protests, the Board adopted SB 1383 implementation measures and adjusted refuse service fees for franchise areas; haulers will add organics collection and new services July 1, 2025, and the county reported 234 protests (66 valid), below the threshold to block adoption.
The Merced County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 28 adopted a set of ordinances and rate adjustments to implement California’s Senate Bill 1383 organic waste reduction requirements and to increase refuse collection fees countywide.
Assistant Director of Public Works Lindsey Johnson explained the ordinances amend Merced County Code Chapter 9.06 (organic waste disposal) and Chapter 5.9 (refuse service fees) to add mandatory organics collection and to allow franchise haulers to recover the additional costs. County staff said haulers requested rate adjustments covering higher operating and processing costs tied to full‑spectrum organics processing, new containers and additional trucks.
Jilton Solid Waste representatives said Jilton customers had not received a rate increase since February 2013 and requested an interim 21.44% increase for franchise areas 6 and 7; Savannah Jilton and controller Robert Pritchard explained fuel, labor, insurance and equipment costs and said the requested adjustment would be effective July 1, 2025. “This is the first rate adjustment since 02/2013,” Savannah Jilton said.
County consultant Philip Meinolfi (HF&H) summarized SB 1383’s timeline and obligations, including waivers for very low‑density census tracts and potential state fines for noncompliance. He said the county and its cities are negotiating franchise hauler agreements and that the county is building a long‑term organics processing capacity in coordination with regional partners.
Dahlia Cost (Merced County Executive Office) outlined community outreach efforts, including a dedicated program website, mailed notices, a virtual meeting and multilingual flyers. The board heard dozens of public comments, many from Delhi and Winton residents who said fixed‑income households would be hurt by the increases; speakers delivered petitions and said they preferred state investment in waste‑reduction programs over higher rates.
Staff reported protest counts: prior to the meeting, 42 protests were submitted (33 valid); during the hearing staff received 92 additional protests (33 valid). The total protests received were 234 with 66 valid—below the 10,910 signatures required to constitute a majority protest for the county’s affected parcels—so the board proceeded to adopt the ordinances and rate adjustments.
Votes: the board approved Jilton’s interim rate adjustment (motion and vote), adopted the SB 1383 implementation ordinance and then adopted countywide refuse rate updates; vote counts were recorded as motions carried (some votes were unanimous; one SB 1383‑related motion passed 4–1). The board noted the increases are driven by the state mandate and staff urged continued outreach and technical assistance to minimize illegal dumping and to help low‑income customers understand available waivers.
What’s next: Rates and service changes are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2025. Staff said they will continue mailing notices and providing hauler‑led education and customer support; they also suggested coupon or outreach options for bulky item pickups to reduce illegal dumping.
