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Council flags solid‑waste fund losses and debates consultant work for enterprise funds
Summary
Finance staff said the solid‑waste fund is operating at a net loss on accrual statements and council discussed options — privately contracting service, transferring assets, or hiring consultants to review enterprise rates and indirect allocations — cautioning such work can take a year or more.
Deb told council that the solid‑waste utility is operating at a net loss on an accrual basis and that cash balances are declining as projects and depreciation costs are realized. She said unwinding or restructuring a utility is complicated: the city would face questions about asset disposition, who pays for remaining infrastructure and what obligations would transfer to users. "If we choose not to be in the solid waste, and that's if, if we choose not to be in the solid waste business, how do we down unwind a utility?" the mayor said, voicing the practical and legal complications.
Council and staff also debated hiring outside consultants to review enterprise funds, indirect allocations and right‑sizing utility rates; some council members urged including consultant capacity in the 2025 budget process while staff recommended waiting until functional plans and comp‑plan updates are further along. Council members warned the work is long‑running and could take a year or more to reach implementable recommendations.
