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Laguna Woods authorizes amendment to CR&R franchise as county landfill fees rise

Laguna Woods City Council · March 19, 2026

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Summary

Facing county landfill gate‑fee increases that staff said will raise per‑ton disposal costs about 53% on July 1 and cumulatively about 85% through 2028, Laguna Woods council approved waiving the franchise discretionary processing fee and adopted a resolution authorizing a sixth amendment to the CR&R solid‑waste agreement to permit higher maximum customer rates.

City staff told the Laguna Woods City Council on March 18 that the County of Orange will raise landfill disposal (tipping) fees, which are passed to customers through franchisee CR&R. Staff said the county's per‑ton charge will increase about 53% on July 1, with further increases on July 1, 2027 and July 1, 2028, totaling roughly an 85% increase from current gate fees by 2028. The council approved staff recommendations to waive the usual $5,000 discretionary‑adjustment processing fee and to adopt a resolution authorizing the sixth amendment to the agreement with CR&R to adjust maximum rates accordingly.

City Manager Chris Macon explained the franchise agreement sets maximum customer rates and that CR&R passes landfill gate fees through to customers as part of billing. He emphasized this is a county decision, not a company request, and staff recommended waiving the $5,000 fee because CR&R's request responds to a third‑party action outside its control.

Council members asked when higher charges would appear on residents' billing; staff said mutuals (Laguna Woods Village) pay the waste provider and are responsible for passing costs through to residents, with the increased rates effective for mutual payments starting July 1. Staff has shared proposed maximum rates with VMS and expects varying impacts depending on customer service levels.

The council voted to waive the processing fee and adopt the amendment authorizing increased maximum rates; staff said they had consulted VMS staff and had provided background materials.