Fountain Valley joins county WISE agreement, authorizes Prop 218 notice as landfill fees rise

During the regular meeting Public Works Director Scott Smith presented the Waste Infrastructure Siting Enterprise (WISE) agreement and explained the county landfill disposal fee increases set to take effect July 1, 2026. Smith told council the WISE agreement sets a contract disposal rate at least 10% below non‑contract customers and includes negotiated protections such as a blended CPI index and removal of language that would make cities financially responsible for hauler non‑payment. He said the first-year contract disposal rate would be about $67 per ton and that the counties and cities negotiated phased increases over several years rather than an immediate jump to higher figures.

Smith stressed the rates are set and the council's choice is whether to execute the WISE agreement to secure contract pricing or pursue other disposal options that would raise costs; "The trash rates are increasing," he said, noting that the agreement includes an annual true-up process to guard against over-collection.

Council members asked about landfill capacity and importation of out‑of‑county waste; staff explained the agreement anticipates importation with revenue-sharing caps and that some landfills (San Juan Capistrano, Irvine) have long-term capacity but importation policies and caps are county-managed. After discussion Councilmember [mover recorded in minutes] moved approval of alternative #1 to approve the 10‑year WISE agreement and authorize mailing a five‑year Proposition 218 notice; the motion passed unanimously (5–0).

Staff said the Prop 218 notice would permit the city to place either a one‑year or five‑year rate schedule before ratepayers, and recommended the five‑year notice so residents see a single consolidated increase tied to the county tipping‑fee schedule.