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Josephine County approves rate increase for Kerby Transfer Station after multi‑year losses
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners voted 3-0 March 11 to raise rates at the Kerby Transfer Station after staff presented multi-year operating losses averaging roughly -30% and recommended combining gate-rate increases with a residential subsidy to reduce the deficit.
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners on March 11 approved a motion to raise gate rates at the Kerby Transfer Station and apply a residential subsidy after staff presented multi-year financial losses and recommended a combined approach to close the funding gap.
Trent Carpenter, presenting on behalf of Southern Oregon Sanitation and in coordination with the Solid Waste Agency, told the board that Kerby Transfer Station has suffered significant losses over multiple years, totaling about $571,000 over the last three years and averaging roughly -30% profitability. Exhibit materials provided two‑year average figures showing revenue of $419,077 versus expenses of $610,259 and identified about $259,500 per year needed to meet franchise requirements.
Carpenter said the Solid Waste Agency recommended a mix of a gate-rate increase and a targeted subsidy for residential customers as the most balanced option. Staff outlined alternative choices for the board, including taking no action (which would allow the default recommendation to take effect), adjusting subsidy levels or the rate structure, or pursuing other funding mechanisms.
Commissioners discussed operational options to reduce the gap, including shortening operating days, preserving service for Illinois Valley residents, and balancing the subsidy burden across customers. Exhibit slides also showed sample surcharge scenarios and monthly impacts for customers at 10%, 20%, 40% and 60% increase levels.
Several members of the public addressed the board on related matters during the public-comment period. Connor Kirkpatrick pressed for geographic equity in how subsidies would affect different service areas; Victor from Grants Pass raised questions about costs tied to the county's clear-bag policy; and Jason Kennedy of the City of Grants Pass/Solid Waste Agency clarified that the recommended rate approach was temporary while the agency continues evaluation.
Commissioner Gary Richardson moved to approve the recommended Kerby Transfer Station rate increase; Commissioner Colene Martin seconded. The board recorded roll-call votes of Richardson — yes; Martin — yes; Ron Smith — yes, and the motion carried 3-0.
Next procedural steps noted in the record include the 60-day window associated with the Solid Waste Agency notification and the board's option to modify the adopted methodology; staff did not record a new effective date in the meeting minutes. The board record indicates the vote authorized the change as presented.
