Allen County commissioners table proposed in-district tipping fee increase, ask for partner input

The Allen County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on May 29 to table consideration of a proposed increase in in-district solid-waste tipping fees for up to 60 days after a public hearing where county staff explained the need for higher revenue.

Stacie Hubbert, director of the Allen County Department of Environmental Management, told commissioners that tipping fees — not property taxes — fund ACDEM programs and staff payroll, including household hazardous-waste collection, battery and bulb recycling, tire and electronics recycling, and disposal of lithium batteries and vapes. "Fees have been in place since 1993 at $1.35 per ton for in-district and $2.50 per ton for out of district dumping," Hubbert said, and she proposed raising the in-district fee to $2.50 per ton to cover inflation and program growth.

Private-sector and municipal partners raised concerns about the timing and consumer impact. Brian Easley, general manager of Republic Services, asked the board to delay a decision so his company could notify customers, saying they "needed time to notify consumers, who will absorb the increase" and noting the change represented an 85% increase from the current in-district rate. Matt Gratz, manager of the Fort Wayne Solid Waste District, said the proposed change would translate to about $100,000 in additional annual costs for his district.

Commissioner Therese M. Brown moved to open the public hearing at 10:02 AM and later moved to table the tipping-fee decision for 30 days; Commissioner Ronald W. Turpin seconded and amended the tabling to allow up to 60 days. Both motions passed unanimously, 3-0. Brown subsequently moved to close the public hearing at 10:35 AM; the motion passed 3-0.

Next steps: staff from ACDEM will consult affected partners during the table period and return with recommendations and any revised proposals for the board to consider before taking a final vote.