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Clackamas County approves solid‑waste fee increases and 75% income‑qualified discount; haulers voice support
Summary
The board approved updated solid‑waste management fee schedules and implemented an income‑qualified residential reduced‑fee program that provides a 75% cost reduction to qualified participants; local haulers testified in support, citing financial stability and workforce considerations.
The Clackamas County Board approved adjustments to solid‑waste management fees and a new income‑qualified residential reduced‑fee program on June 17 that will provide a 75% discount to qualified participants.
Assistant Director Cheryl Bell (Transportation and Development) summarized the board’s earlier policy session and the solid‑waste commission’s recommended fee changes, saying the proposed fee increases provide a county composite operating margin of 8.12% (inside the target range of 8–12%). Staff also noted that without the proposed increases the estimated margin would fall to about 4.8% for some services.
Will Mathias, vice president of the Clackamas County Recycle and Refuse Association and CFO at B and B Leasing, testified at the public hearing in support of the rate adjustments. Mathias told the board the franchise haulers submit detailed financials to staff and that predictable rates are critical for maintaining equipment, safety and union‑backed jobs; he said stability in the franchise model supports continued service to residents and businesses.
A board order implementing the fee schedule and the residential reduced‑fee program was moved and approved 5–0.
Representative quote:
- Will Mathias: "We submit detailed financials, work closely with staff and the rate consultant, and rely on this partnership to continue delivering safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible service to Clackamas County residents and businesses."
Implementation notes: staff identified exhibits with detailed fee increases and said adopted changes will be effective July 1 as noted in the staff report; the residential reduced‑fee program will require an income‑qualification process and staff implementation to register participants.
