To haul or not to haul.

That was the main question at a March 10 town hall meeting led by Orcas county council members Patty Miller and Richard Fralick.

The transfer stations are dependent on tipping fees, the price one pays to drop off garbage and recyclables. Despite raising rates, the stations are losing money every month. In 2007, nearly 13,000 tons of garbage were collected; in 2011 that number is projected to be down to 8,000. In the past four years, solid waste has lost close to $1.3 million.

The council plans to put a measure before voters in November 2011. It will either be a parcel fee or levy to pay for the current level of solid waste services. If the initiative is not approved, the transfer stations will be closed and household garbage will be picked up by a franchise hauler contracted by the county.

Audience member Steve Henigson said the push for “reducing the waste stream” means less profit for solid waste and therefore more cost to the individual. He asked the council members how much curbside pick-up would cost.

“Maintaining three solid waste facilities includes capital, equipment, and staff costs, which curbside will not have,” Miller said. “Even with curbside including recycling, we don’t expect to see an increase in cost.”

Joe Cohen wondered why the council was presenting a tax for such “an expensive service” when using a franchise hauler was more cost effective.

“Many people are concerned about the proliferation of cans and not having the convenience of a facility to haul garbage and go to the Exchange,” Miller said.

Add Fralick, “Self-haul is very important to some members of the community.”

Miller said the county is estimating around 90 percent of San Juan County residents will be accommodated with at-home garbage pick-up, but an official assessment will be done soon.

Bob Gamble asked how curbside would affect the outer islands, particularly for those residents who currently bring their garbage to the Orcas transfer station.

“I am also deeply worried that without the transfer station, the Exchange will not survive,” he said.

Fralick and Miller acknowledged that his points were valid, and said no one on the council wants to see the Exchange or Lopez Island’s Take it or Leave it shut down.

The Exchange currently generates between $400-$500 a month that it donates to island charities. Some citizens have previously expressed concern that foot traffic will decrease if most residents switch to curbside pick-up.

Paul Kamin asked the council if it could explain which option is greener before putting the measure before voters.

“I’d pay more if it was better for the environment,” he said.

Sadie Bailey asked if the council was considering a different long-haul service. It is currently handled by Waste Management, which takes the tonnage to Southern Oregon. The contract is up in 2012 and the county is planning to reexamine its options.

This past December, the council approved a three-tiered package of recycling charges – $5, $25, $50 – to bolster the bottom line of the solid waste division. It has also raised tipping fees incrementally. They are currently $12 for one can or $18 for two.

Some at the town hall meeting wondered why the county is presenting a tax instead of continuing to increase fees.

“The higher you increase the fees, the more you reduce your volume,” Miller said. “We’re at the breaking point for fees.”