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Lonsdale approves amendment allowing pass-through of Rice County landfill tipping fee increase
Summary
The City Council approved a first amendment to its refuse agreement with Dick's Sanitation Services to pass a Rice County tipping fee increase to customers; the change adds roughly $0.44 per month per household and an estimated $960 monthly citywide impact. The motion passed 5-0.
The Lonsdale City Council on April 9 approved a first amendment to its refuse, recycling, transportation and disposal agreement with Dick's Sanitation Services, Inc. (DSI) that passes a Rice County landfill tipping fee increase through to customers.
City Administrator Joel Erickson told the council the county had not raised its tipping fees since 2015 and that the newly enacted increase will amount to about $0.44 per month per customer, producing an estimated $960 monthly impact across the city. Erickson said the amendment is a pass-through of the county charge rather than a new city fee.
Jeff Weist, representing DSI, told the council the county issued notice in early December with a Jan. 1 effective date, leaving little time for haulers to adjust. He said regional disposal costs are rising and other counties are passing increases to haulers as well.
Councilmember Kari Miller said she was frustrated by the incremental increases, calling them “nickel and diming,” and asked whether the hauler participates in advocacy efforts. Weist responded that industry associations do advocate but that the increases largely reflect operational and capital costs. Councilmember James Vosejpka said the increase appeared reasonable given past contract changes and DSI’s prior acceptance of cost shifts.
Vosejpka moved to approve the memorandum of understanding; Wermerskirchen seconded. The motion carried 5-0.
The amendment is recorded in the meeting minutes as a Council action. The city estimated the citywide monthly impact and described the change as the most practicable option compared with pursuing alternative service arrangements.
Next steps: The amendment takes effect in line with the county’s rate change and will be reflected in future billing to customers under the DSI service agreement.
