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Waste Connections franchise seeks 14% rate increase; commissioners press for independent audit
Summary
Waste Connections and Sanitary Disposal representatives told the Umatilla County board they need a 14% collections increase to reach a reasonable rate of return; commissioners questioned past increases, discussed a modest interim rise plus an independent audit, and deferred any final decision to a future board meeting.
Representatives for the county’s franchisee for collection and transfer services appeared at the Umatilla County Board of Commissioners’ July 13 work session to discuss a proposed 14% increase in collection rates.
Kevin Miracle (speaker 9), identified in the transcript as representing Sanitary Disposal, told commissioners his company had credited back 54 customers after an earlier charge that some participants described as a drive‑in fee. "We've credited back the 54 customers," he said, and added the company would not charge that fee moving forward.
Derek Ranta (speaker 10), identified in the record as representing Wave/ Waste Connections, said the company previously sought a larger increase and received a 15% adjustment last year but still required a further increase to reach a contract‑defined reasonable rate of return. "The 14% that we're asking for this year is close to that 15%... we did tell you... we were probably gonna be back next year requesting the 15%," Ranta said, arguing the request reflects the company's updated financial model.
County staff (speaker 7) and company representatives said the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) reviewed the request and made a recommendation in favor; staff confirmed required newspaper notice had been published and that no remonstrances were received to date.
Several commissioners pressed for detailed financial transparency and context. The chair (speaker 1) and other commissioners recounted multiple previous increases since the franchise purchase, saying cumulative increases in recent years have been substantial and making it difficult to justify another large jump without independent verification. "We're trying to justify to the constituents in Umatilla County these large increases... that is extremely tough to do," the chair said.
One commissioner proposed granting a modest interim increase (he suggested 3%) and commissioning an independent third‑party audit to analyze the franchisee's books and the rate model. The board discussed possible timelines for such an audit: industry specialists could complete a targeted review in one to two months, while general auditors might take six months to a year.
Company representatives urged timely action, saying their target was a sustainable margin and that a 14% increase would average roughly $4 per month for the typical 90‑gallon customer. Commissioners emphasized the need for an apples‑to‑apples comparison across service areas and consistency in franchise practices (drive‑in vs. walk‑in fees), and staff suggested SWAC could consider standardized terminology for consistency across franchises.
No vote occurred at the work session. The chair said the 14% request remains on the agenda for the upcoming board meeting and that the board will continue its discussion there; commissioners signaled interest in either a third‑party audit or a smaller interim increase before approving a larger long‑term adjustment.
