“The economics of the current system have failed,” said Solid Waste Subcommittee Chair Patty Miller. “The council is asking voters to decide which system is most closely aligned with their values and needs environmentally, economically and for convenience.”
Public records officer Stan Matthews said “Plan A” places on the ballot a new annual charge on developed property, with reduced tipping fees for both garbage and recycling and a “gate” fee at county solid waste facilities. The fees would maintain the current three-facility system and reinstate some services historically provided to the outer islands.
If plan A is voted down, the council says it will turn to “Plan B”: the system would continue to operate on volume-based revenue, primarily with roadside collection of garbage and recycling by a certified hauler.
“The council has agreed to make county facilities available for lease to a private enterprise if one wanted to provide drop off services,” said Matthews.
Miller said both options would achieve the council’s primary goal: ensuring a reliable means of disposing of waste and recyclables.
County solid waste expenditures have exceeded revenue by more than $1 million during the past three years, despite cuts in staff and service hours. The red ink is partly due to a steady and significant decline in the volume of solid waste brought to county facilities, which is down almost 50 percent from five years ago.
Over the next few weeks the county will offer more details about each option and council members will host public meetings to foster discussion.
“The council urges voters to read the articles, attend the public meetings and cast an informed vote in November,” said Matthews.
