Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Intergovernmental Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County rate change could shift solid‑waste costs to Edwardsville; commissioner pledges advocacy
Summary
At‑large District 2 Commissioner Andrew told the council a Unified Government decision to end a small per‑resident subsidy will result in municipalities being billed for actual user costs starting in 2027; he estimated per‑user billing could be roughly $300 and said he will push to preserve county funding for a local program he called the 'sci fi program.'
At‑large District 2 Commissioner Andrew (self‑identified) told the Edwardsville City Council that the Unified Government recently changed its solid‑waste rate approach and will stop the small per‑resident subsidy that historically reduced municipal billing for dumpster days and hazardous waste services. He said the UG intends to bill municipalities for actual per‑user costs beginning in 2027 and that, in his view, the per‑user charge could be about $300.
Commissioner Andrew said he did not support the rate change at the commission level and pledged to press the county to consult Edwardsville before billing begins. He told council, “I will not approve a budget that doesn't fund the sci fi program,” and asked the county administrator to engage with city staff so the city can understand how the change will affect municipal budgets. During Q&A council members raised concerns about fairness and asked whether the UG staff would communicate user counts and billing mechanics; the commissioner said the UG plans to bill based on actual counted users and would provide data to municipalities.
Council members also discussed options if the county does not continue the subsidy, including encouraging residents to use alternative disposal services or negotiating pilot arrangements. The commissioner agreed to follow up with county staff and to advocate for Edwardsville’s interests as the UG finalizes billing details.
