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Grand Rapids officials weigh single-hauler option and small fixed fee in waste-rate study
Summary
City staff and a consultant presented a materials-management rate study that modeled a 10% recent rate change, a potential city-exclusive residential hauler, and a modest "readiness-to-serve" fee (~$3.60/customer) to stabilize finances amid possible 25% disposal-cost increases; commissioners asked for hybrid options to protect low-income residents.
A consultant and public works staff on Sept. 24 presented a detailed materials-management overview and rate study that lays out options to keep Grand Rapids' refuse and recycling services financially sustainable as disposal costs rise and service expectations grow.
Vida Quinn of SES (the consulting team) told commissioners the study uses a revenue-sufficiency model and a cost-of-service allocation across 17 functions — refuse collection, curbside recycling, yard waste, composting and associated programs — to show how different billing structures affect long-term fund balance. The study modeled a near-term scenario that includes the 10% cart-rate increase the city adopted earlier this year and a hypothetical 25% rise in disposal costs tied to county facility changes. Under that pressure, Quinn said the existing structure could still hold within a multi-year plan…
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