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Board approves 5% hike to solid‑waste fees after debate over cross‑county loads and station hours
Summary
Smyth County voted to raise solid waste fees by about 5%, increasing the tipping fee and minimum charge; commissioners discussed cross‑county dumping, hours at convenience stations and estimated additional revenue of roughly $40,000–$45,000 annually.
County staff presented a 5% proposed increase to solid‑waste fees, shifting the tipping fee from about $80 a ton to $84 and raising the minimum fee from $5.00 to $5.25. Staff said the revenue gain from the adjustment would be small—roughly $40,000 to $50,000 annually—enough to offset contract index increases the county has been absorbing.
Commissioners pressed staff on whether the county receives waste from outside jurisdictions (for example, from neighboring Washington County) and discussed operational hours at convenience stations and whether some underutilized stations could have reduced hours to cut costs. Staff noted it is difficult to police origin of waste without stickers and that differing operating hours on border stations drive additional traffic. The board moved and approved the rate change to reflect contract increases and cover operating costs.
"It's just us keeping us with good calls," one commissioner said while explaining the increase is intended to reflect the landfill contract's indexed cost increases. Staff provided an estimated annual revenue impact in the low five‑figures. Board members also asked staff to examine station hours and cross‑county arrangements as part of broader budget planning.
