City staff proposes shifting solid waste to enterprise fund; first‑year equivalent change about $1.9–$2 per household

City staff proposed converting the city's solid‑waste operation back to an enterprise fund and described near‑term capital and operational changes tied to a planned transfer station.

Staff said the transfer station permit should be in hand by about Oct. 30 and that the transfer station and related operational changes will reduce fleet needs and recurring maintenance headaches. The manager said moving solid waste to an enterprise fund cleans the general fund accounting and aligns rate‑supported services so they pay for themselves rather than relying on general tax revenue.

Staff provided a rough fiscal example of the enterprise conversion's first‑year effect: "As a rate equivalent, that would be about $2 residential... Current number I've got is, like, a dollar 91," staff said, while noting the distribution of that impact between residential, commercial and landfill fees could be adjusted. Staff also highlighted potential revenue opportunities from serving regional customers at the regional landfill and from more efficient operations over time.

Council members asked whether private commercial haulers pay landfill dumping fees and whether charges could be phased in; staff said private haulers already pay the same in‑town tipping rate and that any franchise or pilot fees would have to be studied and structured carefully so the public sees net service improvements. No final decision was made; staff will return with models showing the timing and distribution of any rate changes and options for phased implementation.