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Hillsborough County approves 6.8% solid-waste rate plan to fund $77 million landfill expansion
Summary
The Board adopted Option 2 of the FY26 solid-waste assessment plan (6.8%), setting a total annual assessment of $510.77 per household to help fund a $77 million landfill expansion and cover contractual cost increases; the measure passed 6–1.
Hillsborough County commissioners on Aug. 6 approved a 6.8% adjustment to residential solid-waste assessments for fiscal year 2026, a change county staff says is needed to fund a projected $77 million landfill expansion and cover rising contractual costs.
Damien Trammell, director of the Solid Waste Management Department, told the board the system serves more than 325,000 customers and handles roughly 1.2 million tons of garbage per year. ‘‘We recommend a rate increase of 7.8% for the residential assessment in fiscal year 2026,’’ Trammell said, outlining staff’s preferred plan and the alternatives.
The board adopted Option 2, a reduced proposal that trims FY26 increases to 6.8% while slightly raising projected increases in FY27 and FY28. Under Option 2 staff reported the residential collection assessment will be $302.17 and the disposal assessment $208.60, for a total annual assessment of $510.77.
Trammell said the FY26 increase, combined with the use of reserves, would fully fund the landfill expansion over the next three years and allow reserves to be replenished by 2032. He also presented two mitigation ideas: applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) or other sources and pursuing a renewable natural gas project; staff said eligibility for CDBG assistance is uncertain.
During public comment, residents raised concerns about recycling markets and the local financial stewardship of the solid-waste department. Charles Johnson urged the board to ‘‘investigate the financial stewardship’’ of personnel and positions, saying rate increases should be tied to visible improvements.
Commission debate focused on balancing immediate rate relief with long-term capital needs. Commissioner [name withheld in audio for procedural vote references] said he supported a smaller, one-year change rather than a perpetual capital increment; Commissioner Cohen moved for Option 2 and Commissioner Myers seconded. The motion carried 6–1 with Commissioner Wolstel recorded as voting no.
The new rates will take effect Oct. 1. Staff said the board will revisit assessments annually and will pursue available grant or disaster-relief funding to reduce future increases if possible.
