Smyth County raises solid‑waste tipping fee to $84/ton and adopts new water and sewer rates

The Smyth County Board of Supervisors on June 18 adopted a resolution raising the county’s solid‑waste tipping fee to $84.00 per ton and a $5.25 minimum transfer‑station fee. County Administrator Shawn Utt told the board the change would add approximately $40,000–$45,000 to the FY27 budget and Assistant County Administrator for Development Clegg Williams said the increase helps offset rising contractor fees; solid‑waste fees had not increased in the previous two years.

The board also adopted an ordinance setting new fixed charges and volume charges for water and sewer service, effective July 1, 2026. Appendix A to the ordinance (adopted as part of the record) lists residential water minimum bills and tiered per‑1,000‑gallon charges (residential: $28.96 minimum bill; $12.55 per 1,000 gallons for 1,001–6,000 gallons; $15.44 per 1,000 gallons for 6,001 and over) and comparable commercial and industrial schedules. Residential sewer minimums and tiered rates were also included in the ordinance and adopted unanimously by the board.

Park District Supervisor Kristopher S. Ratliff asked how much the solid‑waste fee increase adds to the FY27 budget; County Administrator Utt provided the approximate $40,000–$45,000 estimate. Board discussion also touched on amending convenience‑station hours and ensuring that convenience stations are used primarily by Smyth County residents.

Both the solid‑waste resolution and the water and sewer ordinance were approved by roll call vote with all supervisors voting in favor.