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Board approves increases to solid‑waste, water and sewer rates; county cites contract and operational costs
Summary
Smyth County approved a 5% solid‑waste tipping fee increase (from $80 to $84 per ton, minimum fee to $5.25), a 5% water rate increase and a 10% sewer rate increase, with staff saying the waste increase reflects a contract index and sewer needs larger increases to address a deficit.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors voted to raise several user fees: the solid‑waste tipping fee will increase 5% (from $80 to $84 per ton) and the minimum fee will move from $5.00 to $5.25; the board also approved a 5% water rate increase and a 10% sewer rate increase.
County staff explained the waste rate change as a response to an automatic contract cost index and said the adjustment would roughly offset the contractor's price increases. Staff estimated the solid waste adjustment would raise county revenue from tipping fees by approximately 5% (in the $40,000–$50,000 annual range based on current tonnage figures).
Supervisors discussed cross‑county use of convenience stations, hours of operation and whether non‑resident loads are routinely accepted; staff said policing origin is difficult without county sticker controls. Several supervisors suggested reviewing hours and utilization at lower‑traffic convenience stations and exploring signage and outreach to increase efficiency.
On utilities, staff said the water increase will help the system remain near break‑even while the 10% sewer increase addresses a more significant shortfall; the board approved both changes unanimously. Officials said the county will need to plan for future capital needs so the utilities can move toward a pay‑as‑you‑go model and avoid borrowing.
The board approved the fee and rate changes as part of its regular agenda votes.
