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Board approves 5.83% solid‑waste rate increase and contract amendment with Feather River Disposal to add recycling
Summary
After a public hearing, the board adopted a 5.83% residential and commercial rate increase for collection services in franchise area A and authorized an amendment with Feather River Disposal that restates the franchise agreement (including a recycling program and an option for a multi‑year extension).
The Plumas County Board of Supervisors reopened a previously delayed public hearing and approved a staff‑recommended rate adjustment and contract amendment with Feather River Disposal (doing business as USA Waste in California) on April 7.
County counsel and public works staff reviewed the legal and contract history, explaining that the county’s franchise agreement required negotiation but not mandatory extension and that a restatement was chosen (rather than a simple extension) to incorporate a recycling program and streamline future rate adjustments (tied to CPI). Staff noted that bringing Quincy customers into a single franchise zone required upfront investment (new trucks, bins and routes) and that spreading costs over a 5‑year contract would reduce immediate rate impact.
Representatives from the franchise contractor addressed the board and described local staffing and community service commitments. Public commenters generally supported the approach arguing that the five‑year term spreads costs for recycling implementation and avoids abrupt price shocks.
Supervisor McGowan moved to approve as presented; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote. The board also authorized the chair to sign Amendment No. 2 to USA Waste’s franchise agreement to formalize the restatement, subject to county council’s approval as to form.
Staff noted that if the board had chosen a one‑year option instead of the five‑year amortization, rates would have been substantially higher. The approvals put the recycling option and the revised rate schedule into effect for the franchise service area specified in the agenda.
