Title
Resolution Regarding Solid Waste Business Refuse Cart Collection Fees
Body
Whereas, On May 18, 2020 City Council approved fee increases effective July 1, 2020 for the Public Services Area and the resolution included the sentence, "The increases generally range from 1% to 10% for the purposes of full cost recovery.";
Whereas, The fee increases for Business Refuse Cart Collection are 157.9%, 144.0%, and 140.1%, respectively, for one collection per week, three collections per week, and five collections per week;
Whereas, The resolution includes the following statement regarding Solid Waste increases "Increases are associated with full cost recovery for services rendered and will gradually be increased until achieved", but the increases for Business Refuse Cart Collection reflect immediate, not "gradual" cost recovery;
Whereas, The fee increases are projected to generate $88,238 in incremental annual revenue for the city;
Whereas, Local businesses are facing significant financial challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and these additional costs represent a significant hardship at an especially difficult time;
Whereas, Many businesses were unaware of the increases and have registered strong objections to the magnitude of the increases as well as the timing;
Whereas, There are concerns that the more than doubling of these fees will force customers to opt for less frequent collection which will exacerbate the waste problems that already exist in downtown alleys; and
Whereas, City Council does not believe it is appropriate to raise the Business Refuse Cart Collection fees at this time.
RESOLVED, That the fee increases for Business Refuse Cart Collection that became effective July 1, 2020 are immediately reversed and the rates as of June 30, 2020 remain in effect until revised by City Council;
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the City Administrator to provide City Council by September 30, 2020 a report related to these fees that include...
Click here for full text