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Ely Council directs staff to study moving regional landfill fees onto county property tax bills
Summary
The council unanimously directed the city attorney and treasurer to evaluate whether landfill fees could be collected as a White Pine County special assessment on property tax bills, a move proponents say could improve collections; council members asked equity and jurisdictional questions before voting to evaluate feasibility.
The Ely City Council voted Nov. 13 to direct the city attorney and city treasurer to evaluate the feasibility of transferring collection of City of Ely Regional Landfill fees from city billing to a special assessment listed on White Pine County property tax bills.
Councilwoman Melody Van Camp, who disclosed a familial relationship with a county commissioner, said the city has a persistent problem with uncollected landfill fees and that including the fees on property tax bills could ensure broader and more reliable collection. Mayor Robertson and council members framed the motion as an evaluation step only; the report would assess legal, administrative, and equity implications and would return to both governing bodies for further action if feasible.
Councilman Dennis Perea asked whether billing the county’s property taxpayers for an assessment would raise issues because some county residents do not elect city officials; Mayor Robertson said the evaluation is intended to explore exactly those legal and policy questions. The motion to direct staff to evaluate feasibility passed unanimously.
Next steps: City Attorney Chris Arabia and City Treasurer Janette Trask will examine statutory authority, collection mechanics, potential equity concerns, and steps needed for county cooperation and will report back to council for further consideration.
