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Board adopts modest solid-waste and tipping-fee increases and retools Isa Vista rates
Summary
After a presentation and one protest, the board adopted updated solid-waste tipping fees and maximum franchise collection rates for FY 2026–27 (overall increases around 3–4%), including a restructured rate schedule for Isa Vista that adds services like weekly recycling and auto-enrolled backyard service for some customers.
Public Works presented the county’s proposed FY 2026–27 solid waste and disposal rates to the Board on June 9, and supervisors adopted the staff recommendations after a public protest hearing that produced a single written protest.
Staff said the recommended changes are driven by cost-recovery needs at county facilities and by externally set landfill tipping fees. The package includes facility tipping‑fee adjustments and a maximum franchise-hauler rate schedule. Staff estimated combined residential and commercial rate increases averaging about 3.38%–3.91% across the county’s zones.
Zone 5 increases were larger in part because the Santa Maria City Council raised its landfill tipping fee for unincorporated waste deliveries; staff said continuing to use the Santa Maria landfill remains the least-expensive in-county option for those customers. For many other zones, tipping-fee adjustments track modest CPI and contractual changes.
Isa Vista received focused attention: the board approved a restructured maximum rate schedule to support mandatory consolidated waste service and add benefits for residents. Staff said restructured rates will phase out 32‑gallon cans in favor of carts, provide weekly recycling service for some bundled rates, ensure access to bulky-item pickups and daily move-out pickups during move-out periods, and auto-enroll small single-family units in backyard service (with an option to opt out before July 1).
Public Works recommended no change to the Quiamama Valley parcel fee ($77 per single-family dwelling), but staff flagged a future fee study for FY 2027–28 to ensure the fee aligns with costs.
Board action and protests: The clerk recorded a single countywide protest; staff treated the hearing as required by Proposition 218 and the board approved resolutions adopting the fee schedules and the Isa Vista restructuring.
Why it matters: The changes are intended to preserve operational capacity and meeting contractual obligations while improving service delivery in key areas like Isa Vista. Zone-specific increases (and the larger change in zone 5) reflect external landfill pricing and long-term franchise agreements.
Next steps: Staff will notify affected customers of rate adjustments and program changes, send letters to Isa Vista households about cart swaps and opt-out instructions, and proceed with implementation on July 1.
