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Board confirms delinquent solid-waste charges, extends appeal window and authorizes tax-roll assessments
Summary
Monterey County extended the appeal deadline for disputed unpaid solid-waste fees to July 25, directed a two-step appeal review (Waste Management initial review; county independent review) and authorized unpaid hauling fees to be placed on the 2025-26 property tax roll if unresolved.
Monterey County supervisors voted July 8 to confirm a delinquency report for unpaid solid-waste hauling charges and authorized the county to collect unresolved fees through special assessments on the 2025-26 property tax roll, after extending the appeal window to July 25.
County environmental health staff and Waste Management presented the process for dispute resolution and a two-step appeal: Waste Management will perform an initial review of submitted disputes; Environmental Health will then conduct an independent review to ensure fairness. Staff said they extended the contest deadline to 5 p.m. July 25 to allow property owners more time to file appeals; the auditor-controller must receive finalized delinquency data in time for the tax-roll deadline.
Environmental Health said the agency will accept appeals by phone, e-mail or in person at the WM Castroville office and encouraged property owners to submit supporting documents. "Every case is reviewed on its own merits," staff told supervisors. If an appeal confirms a charge or no appeal is filed, the fee will become a special assessment on the property's 2025-26 tax bill; the county said it will require WM to refund any overcharge discovered later.
Supervisors and staff noted the county's prior efforts to reduce the total outstanding balance through reconciliation and outreach; Environmental Health said the delinquency total had fallen from about $3.5 million to about $1.25 million after previous steps. The board emphasized the importance of one-on-one outreach for residents who may have questions or language barriers.
Supervisor Alejo moved to confirm the delinquency report, authorize collection via special assessment, direct the clerk to transmit the final report to the auditor-controller, and continue working with WM to resolve post-submission issues; Supervisor Askew seconded. The motion passed by roll call (Alejo, Church, Askew, Daniels and Chair Lopez voting aye).
What property owners should do: If you received a notice, contact Waste Management (WM Castroville office or the county's Environmental Health Bureau) and submit any supporting documents before 5 p.m. July 25; staff said they will help review evidence and follow up with property owners, and will post verified results on the county website.
