HomeMy WebLinkAboutCONSENT Resolution re Solid Waste fee scheduleJefferson County
Board of Commissioners
Consent Agenda Request
To: Board of Commissioners
Josh Peters, County Administrator
From: Monte Reinders, Public Works Director/County Engineer
Agenda Date: November 24, 2025
Subject: Solid Waste Fee Revision Resolution
Statement of Issue: The annual 2.5% increase to the Solid Waste Division fee schedule and adjustments
to the 32-gallon container rate at the Quilcene Drop Box to accommodate continued recycling services
require the Board of County Commissioners' adoption by Resolution.
Analysis/Strategic Goals/Pro's& Con's: On July 3, 2023, by Resolution No. 28 23,the Board of
County Commissioners(BoCC)adopted two benchmarks for Solid Waste Enterprise Fund balances:
1) A projected year-end reserved capital fund balance of 25 percent of current capital replacement
value in equipment and buildings, excluding any GO bond funds, and
2) A projected year end reserved operations fund balance of 25 percent of the projected annual total
solid waste operation expenditure.
Resolution No. 28 23 also established an annual fee increase of 2.5%to achieve and maintain the above
benchmarks.
The 2.5% annual increase has shown itself to be marginally adequate to maintain the operations fund
benchmark but deficient in meeting the benchmark for the Capital fund. To achieve the Capital fund
benchmark a new "Capital Surcharge"of$15.00 per ton for transfer station transactions was adopted by
the BoCC on May 12, 2025, by Resolution No. 30- 0512- 25R.
Both fee schedule adjustments have improved the financial health of the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.
The projected year-end 2026 operations fund balance is slightly over the benchmark and the Capital fund
balance will have improved enough to position Public Works well for Public Works Board financing of
planned equipment repair and replacement in 2026.
As part of the public meetings leading up to the BoCC's adoption of a Level of Service Ordinance for
curbside recycling on November 3, 2025, by Resolution No. 10-1103-25, Public Works discussed
revisions to the fee schedule for the Quilcene Rural Drop Box to fund the proposed continuation of
recycling services at the facility. These revisions included the reinstatement of a popular single 32-gallon
container option with a fee of$10.00 and an increase to the two 32-gallon container rate to$20.00 with
both fees to include recycling drop-off service.
Fiscal Impact/Cost Benefit Analysis: The recommended fee revisions are projected to be adequate to
maintain and improve the financial health of the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund in calendar year 2026.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution Amending the Solid Waste Fee Schedule for 2026.
Attachments for reference:
Resolution No. 28 23
Resolution No. 30- 0512- 25R.
Department Contact: Al Cairns X213
Reviewed By:
Josh Peters,County Administrator Date
11/19/2025
STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
A Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule for
the Department of Public Works, RESOLUTION NO.
Solid Waste Division
WHEREAS, Jefferson County is a political subdivision of the state of Washington
as provided by Title 36 RCW and the Washington State Constitution Article 11, and may
impose fees to recoup the costs of providing services to the public; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners may impose fees charged by
the Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division ("Solid Waste Division") to
implement the code and statutory duties; and,
WHEREAS, JCC 3.80.020 authorizes the Solid Waste Division to request adoption
of its fee schedule by resolution; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a revised Solid Waste
Division fee schedule by Resolution 28 23 on July 3,2023 which established an annual increase
to the fee schedule of 2.5%to achieve adequate fund reserves; and,
WHEREAS,the Board of County Commissioners adopted a revised Solid Waste
Division fee schedule by Resolution 30-0512-25 on May 12,2025,establishing a Capital
Surcharge to adequately develop Capital fund reserves; and,
WHEREAS the revised fee schedule is largely improving the financial health of the
Solid Waste Enterprise Fund; and,
WHEREAS,as part of the public meetings leading up to the BoCC's adoption of a Level
of Service Ordinance for curbside recycling on November 3, 2025, by Resolution No. 10-1103-
25, Public Works discussed revisions to the fee schedule for the Quilcene Rural Drop Box; and,
WHEREAS, Public Works has recommended the reinstatement of a popular single 32-
gallon container option with a fee of$10.00 and an increase to the two 32-gallon container rate to
20.00 with both fees to include recycling drop-off service at the Quilcene Drop Box,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY,STATE OF WASHINGTON:
Section 1. Whereas Clauses Adopted as Findings of Fact. The Jefferson County Board of
Commissioners hereby adopts the above"Whereas"clauses as Findings of Fact.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is to:
1) Apply the annual 2.5%increase to the solid waste fee schedule
2) Revise the Quilcene Drop Box fee schedule to include a single 32-gallon container fee
with a pre-tax base fee of nine dollars and sixty-five cents($9.65)to include recycling
drop off service
3) Revise the Quilcene Drop Box fee schedule for two 32-gallon containers to a pre-tax base
fee of nineteen dollars and thirty-one cents($19.31)to include recycling drop off service
The effective revisions to the Public Works Solid Waste Division Fee Schedule are shown
highlighted in the attached Exhibit A.
Section 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause,phrase of this resolution or its
application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this resolution or its
application to other persons or circumstances shall be fully valid and shall not be affected.
Section 4. Effective Date. This resolution is effective upon August 1, 2025.
Section 5. SEPA Categorical Exemption. This resolution is categorically exempt from the State
Environmental Policy Act under WAC 197-11-800(19).
APPROVED and ADOPTED this day of 2025.
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
SEAL: COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Heidi Eisenhour, Chair
Greg Brotherton, Member
Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member
ATTEST:
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Date
Clerk of the Board
EXHIBIT A: 2026 SOLID WASTE FEE SCHEDULE
SOLID WASTE FEE SCHEDULE AUGUST 1,2025 FEES JANUARY 1,2026 FEES
Annual Increase
3.6% Fee before Rounded 3.6% Fee before Rounded
TRANSFER STATION FEE SCHEDULE BASE FEE TAX Rounding Rounding Fee with TAX BASE FEE TAX Rounding Rounding Fee with TAX
1 Solid Waste Disposal Rate per Ton 180.23 $ 6.49 $ 186.72 $ 0.28 $ 187.00 $184.74 $ 6.65 $ 191.39 $ (0.39) 191.00
2 Asbestos Disposal Rate Not accepted Not accepted
3 Refrigerator Environmental Fee 20.00 20.00 20.00 $ 20.00 20.00 20.00
4 Minimum Charge up to 2201bs 19.30 $ 0.69 $ 19.99 $ 0.01 $ 20.00 $ 19.30 $ 0.69 $ 19.99 $ 0.01 $20.00
5 Non-Disposal Weight Charge 20.50 20.50 $ 0.50 $ 21.00 $ 21.01 21.01 $ (0.01) $21.00
QUILCENE DROP BOX SITE
1 One 32 gal Container 9.65 $ 0.35 $ 10.00 $ - $10.00
2 Two 32 gal Containers 14.84 $ 0.53 $ 15.38 $ (0.38) $ 15.00 $ 19.31 $ 0.69 $ 20.00 $ - $20.00
3 Loose Garbage:
a) Load up to one cubic yard 35.62 $ 1.28 $ 36.90 $ 0.10 $ 37.00 $ 36.51 $ 1.31 $ 37.82 $ 0.18 $38.00
b)Each additional 1/2 cubic yard 17.80 $ 0.64 $ 18.45 $ (0.45) $ 18.00 $ 18.25 $ 0.66 $ 18.91 $ 0.09 $19.00
4 Automobile Tires(each) 6.93 $ 0.25 $ 7.18 $ (0.18) $7.00 $ 7.10 $ 0.26 $ 7.36 $ (0.36) $ 7.00
5 Truck Tires(each) 7.91 $ 0.28 $ 8.20 $ (0.20) $8.00 $ 8.11 $ 0.29 $ 8.40 $ (0.40) $ 8.00
6 Heavy Equipment Tires(each)17.80 $ 0.64 $ 18.45 $ (0.45) $ 18.00 $ 18.25 $ 0.66 $ 18.91 $ 0.09 $19.00
7 Large items not fitting in compactor(each) $ 17.80 $ 0.64 $ 18.45 $ (0.45) $ 18.00 $ 18.25 $ 0.66 $ 18.91 $ 0.09 $19.00
8 White goods(each)
1 $
17.80 $ 0.64 $ 18.45 $ (0.45) $ 18.00 $ 18.25 $ 0.66 $ 18.91 $ 0.09 $19.00
9 Refrigerators(each) 33.64 $ 1.21 $ 34.85 $ 0.15 $ 35.00 $ 34.48 $ 1.24 $ 35.72 $ 0.28 $36.00
STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
A Resolution Adopting a Fee Schedule for the
Department of Public Works, Solid Waste RESOLUTION NO. 28 23
Division
WHEREAS, Jefferson County is a political subdivision of the state of Washington as
provided by_title 36 RCW and the Washington State Constitution Article I1,and may impose fees
to recoup the costs of providing services to the public; and, 00
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners may impose fees charged by the
Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division ("Solid Waste Division") to implement the
code and statutory duties;and,
WHEREAS,JCC 3.80.020 authorizes the Solid Waste Division to request adoption of its
fee schedule by resolution;and,
WHEREAS,the Jefferson County Moderate Risk Waste Facility is no longer in operation;
and
WHEREAS,solid waste per ton fees have not been increased since 2019;and
WHEREAS, solid waste transaction minimum fees have not been increased since 2014;
and
WHEREAS,yard debris minimum transaction fees have not increased since 2014;and
WHEREAS, solid waste enterprise fund balances have been drawn down in order to
maintain the per ton fee since 2019;and
WHEREAS, solid waste enterprise fund balances are now reduced to minimum levels
consistent with prudent fiscal management;and
WHEREAS, transaction wait times for both solid waste and yard debris customers
continue to increase as service demand grows and site constraints at the transfer station limit
options for increasing capacity; and
WHEREAS, Solid Waste Division staff has completed an analysis of solid waste
operations,fund balances,projected costs and fees;and
WHEREAS, Solid Waste Division staff presented the findings of that analysis to the Board
of County Commissioners at a briefing that was duly-noticed and open to the public on April 17,
2023;and
WHEREAS, Solid Waste Division and City of Port Townsend staff briefed Port Townsend
City Council on recommended fee revisions on May 1, 2023 and that meeting was duly-noticed
and open to the public; and
1
WHEREAS, the City of Port Townsend has requested that the fee for yard debris
transactions be adopted under Port Townsend Code; and
WHEREAS, Solid Waste Division staff presented the analysis of solid waste operations,
fund balances, projected costs and fees to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee at a scheduled
meeting on May 25, 2023 and that meeting was duly-noticed and open to the public; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners considered a resolution revising solid
waste fees and an ordinance with recommended revisions to chapter 8.10 of the Jefferson County
Code related to solid waste fee policy and repealing Appendix Fee Schedules Section III, at a
briefing on June 5, 2023 that was duly-noticed and open to the public; and
WHEREAS,the Solid Waste Advisory Committee members conducted a poll of a quorum
of members on each of the Public Works-recommended revisions to the solid waste fee schedule
and other elements of a draft resolution at a special meeting on June 8, 2023 and said meeting was
duly-noticed and open to the public;and
WHEREAS, Solid Waste Division staff presented the results of the poll conducted by the
Solid Waste Committee on June 8, 2023 to the Board of County Commissioners at a briefing on
June 12, 2023 that was duly-noticed and open to the public; and
WHEREAS, public notice of a public hearing on the matter of solid waste fee increases
was published in the paper of record in the June 14, 2023 and June 21, 2023 editions; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners considered recommendations from
Solid Waste Division staff on revisions to Jefferson County Code, Appendix Fee Schedules
Section III, at a public hearing on June 26, 2023 that was duly-noticed and open to the public; and
WHEREAS, the proposed changes to the Jefferson County Code and in this resolution
implement new fee schedules for solid waste collected and managed at the Jefferson County
Transfer Station,and the Quilcene Drop Box Site.
NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The 2023 Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division Fee Schedule attached
in the Appendix is hereby adopted.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect sixty(60)days after adoption by the Board of County
Commissioners.
SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE)
2
yf
APPROVED and ADOPTED this 3 — day of . 2023.
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
COM ONERS
Greg Brotherton,Chair
Excused Absence
Ka Dean, Member
Ip11M11NM/N1,
a ei Isenhour, Member
eRSON ca'yr
SEAL: o,MisS o G
C.)
Z ,
tip
GCawASl442,
MMNuI I&l I
ATTEST:
A L1 14 7/3/2j
Carolyn llaway Date
Clerk of the Board
Approved as to form only:
1
Philip C. Hunsucker ate
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
3
APPENDIX
2023 FEE SCHEDULE FOR DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, SOLID WASTE
DIVISION
Section 1. Fee indexing.
The solid waste disposal fees established by this resolution, with the exception of the
environmental fee (Section 4 No. (3)) shall be adjusted on the first business day of 2025 and
annually thereafter by a percentage increase of two and one-half percent.Annual adjustments shall
be made until solid waste fund balances have met the benchmarks below. The percentage increase
of two and one-half percent is calculated to maintain minimum specified reserved balances in the
solid waste funds, measured by the following benchmarks:
l)A projected year-end reserved capital fund balance of 25 percent of current capital replacement
value in equipment and buildings,excluding any GO bond funds, and
2) A projected year end reserved operations fund balance of 25 percent of the projected annual
total solid waste operation expenditures.
An increase over the annual percentage rate fee increase of two and one-half percent that is
necessary for the fund reserved balances to meet the stated benchmarks shall be subject to review,
approval and adoption by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners.
Copies of the fee schedule shall be available to the public on the department of public works'
website, at the public works office, and on file at the board of county commissioners' office. The
fee schedule is available by mail or electronic mail to any member of the public upon request. The
adjusted fee schedule will show the prior year's fees and the new fees.
Section 2. Charges.
The Washington State solid waste collection tax shall be added to the adjusted base fees where
applicable and charges shall be rounded to the nearest whole dollar when scale software allows for
this function.
Section 3. Scale Transit Fee
A minimum fee of$20.00 shall be charged for each roundtrip transit of the scales at the transfer
station.
Section 4. Solid waste disposal—Transfer station commercial and noncommercial rates.
The Washington State solid waste collection tax,where applicable,will be added to fees as shown
in this Fee Schedule.The scale transit fee(Section 3)applies to solid waste load weights up to two
hundred and forty (240) pounds. The per ton fee applies to solid waste load weights above two
hundred and forty (240) pounds. The minimum weight may be adjusted upward at the discretion
of the Director of Public Works to approximate correct per ton charges.
4
2014 Base(pre-tax fee) 2023 Base Fee 2023 Fee with tax
pre-tax)rounded)
1) Solid waste disposal rate 439 001ton 161.20 167.00/ton
2) Asbestos disposal rate Not-accepted Not accepted Not accepted
3) Refrigerators 161.20/ton+ 167.00/ton+$20.00
20.00 environmental fee
4) Minimum charge(scale transit 945 1 9.30 20.00
fee)
5) Non-disposal weight charge 54k8 20.00 20.00
In the event the weight scales are inoperative, the rates for the solid waste disposal drop box site
listed in Section 4 shall apply to lose waste and other items; commercial compacted waste shall be
charged based on average load weights for each route (determined for the immediately preceding
calendar month),and by mutual agreement with the Washington State Utilities and Transportation
Commission-licensed hauler.
Section 5. Solid waste disposal drop box site(Quilcene).
The Washington State solid waste collection tax, where applicable, shall be added to the adjusted
base fees as shown below.
2014 Base Fee 2023 Base Fee 2023 Fee with tax
pre-tax)pre-tax) rounded)
1) Minimum fee(up to Two $549 14.48 15.00
32-gallon containers)
2) Loose garbage:
a)Load up to one cubic 30:89 34.75 36.00
yard
b)Each additional'/2 44 17.37 18.00
cubic yard
3) Automobile tires(each) 5 79 6.76 7.00
4) Truck tires(each)645 7.72 8.00
5) Heavy equipment tires 1-544 17.37 18.00
each)
6) Large items not fitting in $4-5 44 17.37 18.00
compactor(each)
5
2014 Base Fee 2023 Base Fee 2023 Fee with tax
pre-tax)pre-tax) rounded)
7) White goods(each) 15.14 17.37 18.00
8) Refrigerators(each) 28 96 32.82 34.00
6
1
e
STATE OF WASHINGTON CIi
County of Jefferson
A Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule for
the Department of Public Works,RESOLUTION NO. 30-0512-25R
Solid Waste Division
WHEREAS, Jefferson County is a political subdivision of the state of Washington
as provided by . . and the Washington State Constitution \rticle I , and may
impose fees to recoup the costs of providing services to the public; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners may impose fees charged by
the Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division ("Solid Waste Division") to
implement the code and statutory duties; and,
WHEREAS, JCC 3.80.020 authorizes the Solid Waste Division to request adoption
of its fee schedule by resolution; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a revised Solid Waste
Division fee schedule by Resolution 28 23 on July 3, 2023; and,
WHEREAS, Resolution 28 23 set a benchmark for a reserved capital fund balance of
25%of current capital replacement value; and,
WHEREAS,the projected year-end capital fund balance of$453,443 is an estimated
1.8M less than the fund benchmark; and,
WHEREAS,the projected year-end capital fund balance of$453,443 is an estimated
3.1 M less than the estimated cost of transfer station infrastructure repair and replacement
needs; and,
WHEREAS, failure to address critically needed transfer station infrastructure repair
and replacement will cause unplanned service interruptions; and,
WHEREAS, Solid Waste Division staff presented analysis and discussed these issues
with the Board of County Commissioners and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee on March 26,
2025, and again on April 29, 2025; and,
WHEREAS, Public Works staff has recommended the adoption of a"Capital Surcharge"
to be applied to the current per ton fee charged at the transfer station in order to fund transfer
station infrastructure repair and replacement,
4
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY,STATE OF WASHINGTON:
Section 1. Whereas Clauses Adopted as Findings of Fact. The Jefferson County Board of
Commissioners hereby adopts the above"Whereas"clauses as Findings of Fact.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is to:
1) revise the pre-tax base per ton fee for garbage disposal collected at the Transfer Station
scales from one hundred sixty-five dollars and twenty-three cents($165.23)to one
hundred eighty dollars and twenty-three cents($180.23)
2) reduce the minimum fee weight from two hundred forty (240)pounds to two hundred
twenty (220)pounds
3) set aside fifteen dollars and no cents($15.00)per ton of every municipal solid waste
transaction at the Transfer Station,excluding yard debris, in a separate Solid Waste
capital account to be used for facility and equipment capital purchases,repairs,
replacements, and/or improvements.
The revisions to the Public Works Solid Waste Division Fee Schedule are shown as follows:
SOLID WASTE FEE SCHEDULE JANUARY 1,202S FEES AUGUST 1,202S FEES
3.6% *Fee before Rounded 3.6% Fee before Rounded
TRANSFER STATION FEE SCHEDULE BASE FEE TAX Rounding Rounding Fee with TAX BASE FEE TAX Rounding Rounding Fee with TAX
1 Solid Waste Disposal Rate per Ton $ 165.23 5 5.95 $ 171.18 $ (0.18) 5 171.00 5180.23 S 649 5186.72 $ 0.28 $ 187.00
2 Asbestos Disposal Rate Not accepted Not accepted
3 Refrigerator Environmental Fee 20.00 20.00 5 20.00 $ 20.00 5 20.00 20.00
4 Minimum Charge up to 240 lb./2201bs $ 19.78 $ 0.71 $ 20.49 $ (0.49) 5 20.00 $ 19.30 $ Q69 $ 19.99 $ 0.01 $ 20.00
S Non-Disposal Weight Charge S 20.50 S 20.50 $ 0.50 S 21.00 $ 20.50 20.50 5 0.50 $ 21.00
QUILCENE DROP BOX SFTE
1 Minimum Fee(two 32gal Containers) $ 14.84 $ 0.53 $ 15.38 $ (0.38) $ 15.00 5 14.84 5 0.53 $ 15.38 $ (0.38) 5 15.00
2 Loose Garbage:
a)Load up to one cubic yard 35.62 $ 1.28 S 36.90 $ 0.10 $ 37.00 5 35.62 5 L28 5 36.90 5 0.10 5 37.00
b)Each additional 1/2 cubic yard 17.80 $ 0.64 $ 18.45 $ 10.45) 5 18.00 S 17.80 $ Q64 $ 18.45 $ (0.45) $ 18.00
3 Automobile Tires leach) 6.93 $ 0.25 $ 7.18 5 10.18) $ 7.00 5 6.93 5 0.25 $ 7.18 $ (0.18) $ 7.00
4 Truck Tires(each) 7.91 $ 0.28 $ 8.20 $ 10.20) 5 8.00 $ 7.91 5 1128 5 8.20 S (0.20) 5 8.00
5 Heavy Equipment Tires(each) 17.80 $ 0.64 $ 18.45 5 (0.45) S 18.00 $ 17.80 5 Q64 $ 18.45 $ (0.45) $ 18.00
6 Large items not fitting in compactor(each) $ 17.80 $ 0.64 $ 18.45 $ (0.45) 5 18.00 $ 17.80 S Q64 5 18.45 5 (0.45) 5 18.00
7 White goods(each) 5 17.80 5 0.64 $ 18.45 5 (0.45) $ 18.00 5 17.80 S Q64 5 18.45 5 (0.45) $ 18.00
8 Refrigerators leach) 5 33.64 $ 1.21 5 34.85 5 0.15 5 35.00 5 33.64 5 121 5 34.85 $ 0.15 $ 35.00
Section 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase of this resolution or its
application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this resolution or its
application to other persons or circumstances shall be fully valid and shall not be affected.
Section 4. Effective Date. This resolution is effective upon August 1, 2025.
Section 5. SEPA Categorical Exemption. This resolution is categorically exempt from the State
Environmental Policy Act under WAC 197-11-800(19).
r •
APPROVED and ADOPTED this /2 day of frictv ,2025.
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
SEAL:CO TY C MMMISSIONERS
d • Miss'' ei i Eis ,nhour, Chair
in
r ro rt ember
tipwwA SVA N t
4NM.w ea r udley-Nollette, Member
ATTES .
ac w " 1225
Caro Gallaway, CMC Date
Cler f the Board