Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utility Rates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves 15% rate increase for Molalla Sanitary Service citing sharp disposal cost jump
Summary
After Molalla Sanitary Service reported a near‑term ~30% rise in disposal costs and other inflationary pressures, the council approved a 15% rate increase (vote 6–0). Company representatives said the adjusted rates remain competitive with neighboring jurisdictions.
Molalla City Council voted Wednesday to approve a 15% rate increase for Molalla Sanitary Service after the company said disposal costs have risen sharply and other operating costs have increased.
Pam Bloom, owner of Molalla Sanitary Service, introduced the company’s request and Will Mathias, the company's CFO, explained the primary driver: the disposal site they use in Woodburn is increasing rates in two steps (July 1 and Jan. 1), producing a near‑term roughly 30% jump in disposal costs, which represent about a third of the company’s cost structure.
Mathias provided figures comparing recent years: "In 2022 our disposal cost was $607,000 for the year. In 2025 it'll be 736 approximately. And in 2026, with the full rollover of the July increase, it'll be $856,000," he said. He told council that Molalla Sanitary compared nearby rates and found their proposed customer charge for the common 35‑gallon cart (proposed $31.92) will remain below or near other rural comparators.
Councilor motioned to approve the 15% increase; the motion was seconded and the roll‑call vote was unanimous, 6–0.
What it means for residents: Mathias said most Molalla customers are in the 35‑gallon cart group and that the company’s new proposed rate will still be competitive relative to nearby rural rates. Bloom thanked council for the partnership and said the company has aimed to keep rates low historically.
Next steps: The rate change will be implemented according to the company's proposal and the service will continue to coordinate with the city on public help and spring cleanup events that Molalla Sanitary supports.
