Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chatham solid-waste operations funded by a per-household fee; disposal contracts rising
Summary
Staff described the department’s enterprise funding model, a per-household solid-waste decal fee that generates most revenue, rising disposal costs and the budget lines that will affect near-term program choices.
Kevin Lindley explained that the county's solid-waste operations run as an enterprise fund rather than on general-fund revenue: residents in unincorporated Chatham pay a solid-waste fee (decals) that covers roughly 80–85% of departmental revenue. "Every residence is assessed a solid waste fee of $157," he said, and staff budget disposal, recycling revenue and transportation accordingly.
Lindley said the department’s disposal contract costs increased significantly when the county rebid services and that recycling revenue is volatile but currently positive because the county excludes glass and maintains low contamination rates through staffed collection centers. He added that the department budgets roughly $797,000 for disposal/transportation in a recent year and that the solid-waste budget and contract renewals will factor into near-term operational choices.
