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Board approves 2026 interim rate increases for South Tahoe Refuse; residents and businesses raise affordability concerns
Summary
After a public hearing and a Crowe LLP independent review, the board approved a 5.1% interim 2026 rate increase for South Tahoe Refuse franchise areas A and B; Area A also carries a deferred SB 1383 adjustment (5.08%) that together yields a cumulative roughly 10.18% increase for Area A. The measure passed 4-1 amid concerns about cost burden on fixed‑income and part‑time residents.
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 9 authorized interim 2026 solid‑waste rate increases for South Tahoe Refuse franchise areas A and B after an independent review by Crowe LLP recommended a 5.1% formula adjustment tied largely to CPI and landfill tipping fees.
Director Jeff Whiting and consultant Eric Nylund presented the formula that drives interim years: an 85% weighting to the garbage/trash CPI and a landfill tipping‑fee component that explains roughly 7% of the change. Nylund said the calculation produced a 5.1% increase for both franchise areas; Area A also carries a deferred 5.08% change related to SB 1383 implementation, producing a cumulative 10.18% effective change for Area A over two years.
Key numbers and examples: staff cited the combined impact on a common residential account rising from $47.87 to $52.55 per month for unlimited service in Area A. Senior discounts (the county/STR CARE/Liberty program) were described: the program rate would change to $34.25 monthly for eligible customers.
Public concerns: 29 written protests were received and dozens of residents spoke during the hearing. Critics said service levels have not improved in step with repeated rate increases, asked whether fuel cost declines should translate to rate relief, and asked about opt‑outs for second homes and bear‑resistant cart costs in wildfire‑prone areas. Several residents asked that STR bills be collected via property tax rather than monthly invoicing to reduce delinquencies and liens.
Board decision and vote: following Q&A with STR and CRO representatives about program requirements under SB 1383 (organics collection, three‑cart systems, possible elevation waivers), the board approved the interim rate resolution. The motion passed 4-1, with Supervisor Chermbu recorded as the lone no vote.
What happens next: staff said the 2027 base year will reset rates after a full review of revenues and expenses, so the SB 1383–related surcharge is not intended to repeat beyond implementation years. STR confirmed a low‑income/senior CARE rate exists; staff said they would work with the JPA and county counsel on questions about property‑tax collection and opt‑out feasibility.
Why it matters: the decision affects households and businesses in the South Lake Tahoe franchise area and raises ongoing questions about affordability, wildlife‑resilient containers, and the ongoing cost of state recycling/organics mandates.
