SAN JUAN COUNTY SOLID WASTE

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No garbage rate increase, for now

posted 10/09/02
A tipping rate increase for garbage is not in the Solid Waste Division's 2003 proposed budget. Solid Waste Manager Jon Shannon said, "With good luck we might be able to get through next year without going into the red without increasing rates."

The budget was discussed at the Board of County Commissioners October 8, 2002 meeting. Commissioner John Evans complimented Shannon on the work he has done to turn around the solid waste division. "I'd strongly recommend, to keep that momentum going, you begin work now on evaluating the rate increase we would need (to stay in the black)."He noted it takes time to hold the hearings and notify the commercial haulers and other customers "if and when we need to adjust rates."

Commissioner Rhea Miller said, "I don't see a reason to increase rates, we got out of $100,000 in debt in a year. The garbage rates are formidable."

The county does not charge for recycling. The new system of commingled recycling allows residents to divert more waste from the garbage bins. Evans said, "The comments I'm getting is this is a boon for people. The more recycling we do with no revenue coming in, the more cost for garbage."

Shannon said the commissioners may be surprised with some of the ideas he has about options for rate increase. He had planned to present it to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee in a work session before presenting it to the BOCC.

Commissioner Nielsen said, "I hope we can avoid a rate increase, but I am very fearful about where ferry fares are headed." Shannon should present the rate increase ideas to SWAC she said.

Solid Waste to ask for tipping fee increase

posted 09/17/02
Solid Waste Manager Jon Shannon will recommend two tipping fee increases even though San Juan Solid Waste Division just began operating in the black for the first time in six years. "We barely inched into the black," he told the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) Monday, September 16, 2002. "If we don't do it (increase the fees) we will be back in the red."

Shannon will recommend an interim increase for 2003 while a rate study is conducted. He cited significant labor costs, the rise in ferry fares and the new bond debt to pay for the purchase of the Sutton Road property as the reasons the increase is needed. The county recently agreed to pay the Town of Friday Harbor $750,000 for the transfer station site.

The current fees are listed on this chart.