Staff recommends that the City Council conduct a public hearing and approve the proposed resolution adopting collection, disposal, and landfill fees effective July 1, 2021.

Section 21-229 of the Billings, Montana City Code (BMCC) requires that the City Council adopt the Solid Waste collection and disposal charges and landfill fees annually by resolution. The existing solid waste rates and fees are not adequate for the operation and maintenance and capital investment necessary to continue providing service at the current level. The proposed rate and fee adjustments include a 2.5% increase in residential and commercial collections and a 6.8% increase in dropbox/roll-off collection rates. The rate adjustments also include increased landfill tipping fees for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Construction and Demolition (C&D), and other miscellaneous fees. Landfill fees for MSW and C&D for the City of Billings will increase 5.6%, other towns and counties rates will increase 9.9%, and outside Montana rates will increase 15%. 

The attached resolution specifies the proposed rates and fees for fiscal year 2022. A public hearing is required and if the proposed resolution is approved, rates will be effective July 1, 2021.

City Council may:

• Approve the recommended resolution; or,
• Not approve the resolution. If Council does not approve the resolution, the amended resolution to establish Solid Waste fees for fiscal year 2022 will need to be considered at a future City Council meeting.

The proposed rate and fee adjustments will generate approximately $256,000 in residential and commercial collection revenues, $61,000 in roll-off revenues, and $330,000 in landfill revenues for a total increase to the solid waste fund of $647,000 for fiscal year 2022.