Hampton staff propose $7.25 solid-waste rate to cover FY20 shortfall; council weighing service tradeoffs

Zandi Moore, chief fiscal lead in Public Works, told council that projected FY20 expenses for solid waste are $15.6 million against projected collections of about $12.125 million, producing an estimated $2.3 million shortfall. To maintain current services — including weekly bulk collection and disability pickup — staff proposed a residential rate of $7.25 per billing period (the presentation noted the current rate at $6.10).

Moore emphasized that Hampton is unique in the region in offering once‑a‑week bulk pickup and disability collection: "Hampton is the only full service locality in Hampton Roads," she said, and explained that some neighboring localities limit bulk pickups or require scheduling. Staff presented two alternatives to reduce the revenue need: (1) reduce bulk collections to every other week, which staff warned would force residents to store yard and bulk waste and could create ordinance‑enforcement needs; or (2) end the recycling program — which would forgo the reuse of roughly 6,000 tons of materials and could reduce landfill life.

Moore said the proposed $7.25 rate would still be below Newport News' current rate cited in staff materials, and staff offered phased options and public education as mitigation strategies. Manager Bunting said the city will convene public 'I value' input sessions and online polling in March to solicit resident preferences on the tradeoffs before staff makes final budget recommendations.

Council did not vote on rates at the work session; staff will include these options in upcoming public engagement and return to council with public input.