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Merced County moves to implement SB 1383, introduces refuse-rate increases and schedules Jan. 28 public hearings
Summary
Merced County staff introduced three ordinances to implement state-mandated SB 1383 organic-waste rules and to raise refuse service rates across franchise areas; Jilton Solid Waste requested a 21.4% rate adjustment. Public hearings are set for Jan. 28 and new services/rates would take effect July 1, 2025 or 30 days after adoption.
Merced County officials on Jan. 14 introduced three ordinances to amend local code and adjust refuse service rates as the county prepares to implement California’s SB 1383 organic-waste requirements.
Assistant Public Works Director Lindsey Johnson told the board that ordinances for items 20, 21 and 22 would be presented for public hearing on Jan. 28 and, if adopted, would alter chapters 5.9 and 9.6 of the Merced County Code to add mandatory organic waste collection services and allow rate increases to offset hauler costs. Johnson said franchise haulers completed negotiations and that the county mailed Proposition 218 notices to affected ratepayers and set a protest deadline for the Jan. 28 hearing.
Johnson said one franchisee, Jilton Solid Waste Management, has requested a 21.4% rate adjustment citing increased operating costs; she said a separate set of rates tied to SB 1383 services would become effective July 1, 2025, while other rate changes tied to franchise agreements would take effect 30 days after adoption.
Supervisors Darren McDaniel and Silvera expressed strong reservations about implementing SB 1383 in rural areas. McDaniel called it “an unfunded mandate” from Sacramento that will raise costs for consumers and increase truck traffic and road wear. Silvera said the policy imposes unintended consequences in rural communities, noted potential county fines for noncompliance “up to $10,000 a day,” and urged continuing negotiations with haulers and broader advocacy against unfunded mandates.
The board opened and closed public comment on the Public Works items and adopted the introductions to the ordinances on a board vote; public hearings on the ordinances and the proposed rates are scheduled for the Jan. 28 meeting, at which time the board will consider protests and final adoption.
If the ordinances are adopted on Jan. 28, the record and staff say the timeline would put SB 1383-related services into place July 1, 2025, and other rate changes into effect 30 days after adoption. The county provided Proposition 218 mailings notifying ratepayers of the increases and how to submit protests ahead of the hearing.
The board did not adopt final rates at the Jan. 14 meeting; it scheduled public hearings and set the process for protests and further presentations, including a planned presentation from Jilton representatives at the Jan. 28 hearing.
