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Billings council adopts FY27 solid‑waste fee increases citing landfill cell construction
Summary
The council approved recommended FY27 solid‑waste collection and landfill fee increases, including a $1.25 bump for 96‑gallon residential service and a 10.4% increase to the landfill gate fee to $35.15 per ton; staff said Cell 6 construction and personnel/equipment costs are primary drivers.
The Billings City Council approved a resolution setting FY27 solid‑waste collection, disposal and landfill fees after staff said the increases are needed to cover personnel cost increases, equipment purchases and the planned construction of Cell 6 at the landfill.
Staff recommended a $1.25 increase for the 96‑gallon residential container and a $0.90 increase for the 64‑gallon container, a 7% increase for commercial rates and a 10% increase for roll‑off rates. The recommended landfill tipping (gate) fee increase of 10.4% would raise the city rate to $35.15 per ton. Staff presented a cost‑of‑service figure of $21.84 and said the recommended residential rate of $15.75 continues a roughly 28% subsidy.
"We do have the addition of a half $1,000,000 truck for a new route for the commercial line of business, and a $150,000 for additional litter screens at the landfill," staff said during the presentation, noting the landfill cell construction was the largest rate driver and that the city plans to bond most of the construction.
Council opened a public hearing on the item and, seeing no public comments, moved to approve the recommended rates. The motion was made by Council member Mike Boyett and seconded; the resolution passed with Council member Bill Kennedy recorded in opposition.
Staff said the city will continue the residential subsidy structure and will present related cardboard‑collection options at an upcoming meeting; officials also said the landfill produces gas revenue sold to a utility that flows to the general fund.
