HomeMy WebLinkAbout102025 email - RE_ Solid Waste - Public Hearing Fiscal ImpactHi Jim,
Good catch. The difference is in applying the recycling program cost burden to just the customer base in the +220 lb. category. This shifts the cost burden to a smaller group of customers
so the fee increase is naturally larger. The other funding scenario in the BoCC agenda request shows the cost burden shouldered across all municipal solid waste transaction types (Low-Income
Discount, Minimum Fee, +220 lbs.).
My recollection from the meeting that you and Heidi and myself had following the Quilcene Community meeting was that you suggested applying the cost burden to just the +220 lb. customers.
We covered a lot of ground in that hour and a half meeting so if I misunderstood what you were suggesting I apologize.
To be clear, Public Works is not recommending either of the funding scenarios presented in the BoCC agenda request. These were included in an attempt to be responsive to the comments
submitted by yourself and others and to be responsive to the request from the BoCC for an estimate of the program cost after the current contract expires should the program continue
in it’s current model.
At the Public Hearing, Public Works will continue to recommend that we shift the point of payment for the service from the current arrangement where Public Works acts as the proverbial
“middle-man” to a system where the fee is paid directly to the service provider. Admittedly, the use of the word “privatization” has proven problematic since the County’s recycling
program has, since its inception in the late 1980’s, been a function carried out by the private sector and it has never been “free” but, rather, funded through the tipping fee with
the additional charge largely unknown to garbage customers.
Public Works will address the comments submitted by yourself and other community members at the Nov. 3 Public Hearing so that the larger community can benefit from both your comments
and staff’s responses. We look forward to that opportunity and thank you for your engagement on this topic.
Al Cairns
Solid Waste Manager
Jefferson County Department of Public Works
acairns@co.jefferson.wa.us <mailto:acairns@co.jefferson.wa.us>
(360)385-9213
From: James Friedman <jfriedman123@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2025 10:43 AM
To: jeffbocc <jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Josh D. Peters <JDPeters@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Al Cairns <ACairns@co.jefferson.wa.us>
Subject: Solid Waste - Public Hearing Fiscal Impact
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Regarding Slide 17 - "Hidden Charge - Per Ton Rate Customers" - Recycling Program Public Hearing
I have addressed this comment to both the SWAC and now the BoCC and have not received a response. The fiscal impact being presented inorder to sustain the status quo is an increase
of $24. I believe this number is closer to $6. Would it be possible to review/confirm the numbers being presented are accurate as there is a significant difference between these numbers?
What am I missing from below?
Thank you,
Jim Friedman
813-810-4012
2024/2025
2026
Total Recycling Subsidy
$326,000
$485,164
Per Ton Tipping Fee Subsidy**
$13
$19
Increase from Previous Year
---
$6
** Assuming each $1 added to the tipping fee provides a $25,076 subsidy. This is an estimate from the presented 2024/2025 numbers.