HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution re Solid Waste low income discount Department of Public Works
O BoCC Regular Agenda
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Jefferson County
Board of Commissioners
Agenda Request
To: Board of Commissioners
Mark McCauley, County Administrator
From: Monte Reinders, Public Works Director/County Engineer ,(/J ,
Agenda Date: August 7, 2023
Subject: Solid Waste Division Minimum Fee Low-Income Discount
Statement of Issue: The Board of County Commissioners adopted a new fee schedule for the
Jefferson County Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division on July 3r1, 2023 which
included a rate adjustment for the minimum charge for all transactions at the transfer station
and a minimum charge at the Quilcene rural drop box for up to two each thirty-two (32)
gallon containers. Staff were asked to consider implementing a low-income discount rate to
address the potential negative effect of the minimum charge on low-income residents.
Analysis/Strategic Goals/Pro's Et Con's: Staff found one other low-income discount rate in
King County and has modeled a program based on discussions with staff from King County, the
City of Port Townsend, Olympic Community Action Programs, and the Washington State
Department of Social and Health Services. A low-income discount rate for residential self-
haul minimum fee customers could be implemented as part of the new fee schedule on
September 4, 2023.
Fiscal Impact/Cost Benefit Analysis:
The financial impact and cost benefit analysis will not be known until at least six months
after implementation in order to draw from sufficient data.
Recommendation:
Public Works recommends adoption of the attached Resolution and scheduling a workshop
with the Board of County Commissioners in February, 2024 to report on the financial impact
and cost benefit analysis. Staff recommends waiting until after a six month review of the
low-income discount program to consider including the low-income discount fee in a revised
fee schedule.
Department Contact: Al Cairns X213
Reviewed By:
.e /
Mark McCain County Administrator ate
STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
A Resolution Adopting a Low-Income
Minimum Fee Discount Pilot Program for RESOLUTION NO.
the Department of Public Works, 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 fee
schedule by resolution on July 3id, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the adjustment to the minimum fee may negatively impact low income
residents and discourage proper solid waste disposal, and
WHEREAS, a low-income discount for qualifying residential self-haul minimum fee
customers would address this impact; and
WHEREAS, the City of Port Townsend has requested that a low-income discount be
applied to residential self-haul minimum fee yard debris customers; and
WHEREAS, State issued forms of identification such as Electronic Benefits Transfer,
Apple Health, and Provider One cards could be used to determine low-income minimum fee
discount eligibility,
NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY:
1) Upon proof of eligibility by showing a form of identification approved by the Public Works
Director, a residential minimum fee self-haul customer shall be charged at the rate of 50%
of the minimum fee to include disposal of municipal solid waste, yard debris and one
refrigerated appliance per transaction.
2) Public Works shall advertise the availability of the low-income minimum fee discount to
local and State agencies that provide services to low-income residents.
3) Public Works shall track the number of customers charged at the low-income minimum
fee discount rate for a period of six (6) months and report these findings to the Board of
County Commissioners.
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(SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE
APPROVED and ADOPTED this day of 12023.
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
Greg Brotherton, Chair
Kate Dean, Member
Heidi Eisenhour, Member
SEAL:
ATTEST:
Carolyn Gallaway Date
Clerk of the Board
Approved as to form only:
0.
149 July 26, 2023
Philip C. Hunsucker Date
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
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