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Council approves one-year refuse rate increase after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing and receipt of eight written protests (far short of the 336 needed for a majority), the Rolling Hills City Council adopted Resolution No. 14-14 to raise refuse service rates for one year; staff said the increase reflects a 4.9% CPI adjustment and will raise the per-parcel assessment from $1,503.72 to $1,577.37.
The Rolling Hills City Council on Tuesday adopted Resolution No. 14-14 to increase the city's refuse service rate for one year.
Staff explained the rise stems from a contract provision tied to an industry-specific consumer price index. As staff put it during the meeting, "the CPI factor was 4.9%," which the city said translates into about $50,000 in higher annual contract costs and raises the per-parcel assessment from $1,503.72 to $1,577.37 for the coming year. The city relies on the county to add the assessment to the property tax roll, with billing split in December and April.
The public hearing was held under the written-protest procedures of Proposition 218. The city clerk reported eight valid written protests had been received; the number required for a majority was 336 parcels, so "a majority of protests do not exist at this time." With that tabulation, the council proceeded to a motion, which passed on a voice vote with no opposition.
Residents who spoke during the hearing raised service concerns even as some accepted the need for higher rates. Rommel Echan of Portuguese Bend Road said Republic Services has missed green-waste pickups and urged residents to report missed service so the city can press the contractor. "They miss my green waste pickup... It's gotten worse," Echan said during public comment.
Staff confirmed the increases apply only for the next year; earlier notices in the packet had referenced future automatic increases, but staff clarified the resolution on the table covered a single-year adjustment. The council voted to adopt the resolution at the meeting and thanked staff for the report.
The resolution takes effect as provided in its text and the city will continue to accept written protests only up to the close of the public hearing, per state law.
