Section 21-229 of the Billings, Montana City Code (BMCC) requires that the City Council annually adopt the Solid Waste collection and disposal charges and landfill fees by resolution.  The existing solid waste rates and fees are no longer adequate to provide for the operation and maintenance and capital investment necessary to continue providing service at the current level.  The proposed rate and fee adjustments include 2.5% increases for residential and mobile home collection, commercial collection, and drop box/roll off collection.  The rate adjustments also include a 5% increase in the landfill tipping fees and a 155% increase in the landfill tire rates to recover the cost of services.

The attached resolution specifies the proposed rates and fees for FY 2019.  A public hearing is required and if the proposed resolution is approved, rates will be effective July 1, 2018.

The Council must hold a public hearing and then may:

• approve the recommended resolution; or
• not approve a resolution.  If Council does not approve a resolution, an amended resolution to establish Solid Waste fees for FY 19 will need to be considered at a future City Council meeting. 

The proposed rate and fee adjustments will generate approximately $240,000 of collection revenues and $265,000 of landfill revenues for a total increase to the solid waste fund of $505,000 in fiscal year 2019.

Staff recommends that the City Council conduct a public hearing and approve the proposed resolution adopting collection, disposal, and landfill fees effective July 1, 2018.