At its meeting on June 11, 2012, the City Council conducted a public hearing regarding a resolution establishing Solid Waste fees and charges for FY 2013 and delayed action on the resolution until the final reading of the Ordinance to Amend City Code Article 21 could be approved at the June 25, 2012 meeting.  The ordinance amends City Code by providing the option to bill for the costs of refuse collections and disposal with the monthly utility bills. 

Section 21-229 of the Billings Montana City Code requires that the City Council annually adopt the Solid Waste collection and disposal charges by resolution.  Solid Waste rates and fees were increased for the previous three years.  However, Staff recommends no increase for FY 13 if the ordinance providing the option to bill for the costs of refuse collections and disposal with the monthly utility bills is approved by Council.  If this ordinance is approved, the operating reserve could be reduced by more than $1.5 million and there will be sufficient cash flow to operate.  Consequently, Staff recommends deferring a rate increase until the Solid Waste master plan and rate study are completed in FY 13.  The attached resolution establishes Solid Waste fees and charges effective July 1, 2012 with no increase in fees and has been revised to reflect a monthly billing rather than an annual assessment for the collection and disposal fees.  

The City Council may:

• approve the resolution establishing Solid Waste fees for FY 2013; or 
• not approve the resolution.  If Council does not approve the resolution, an amended resolution to increase Solid Waste fees for FY 2013 will need to be considered at a future City Council meeting. 

If the attached resolution is approved, there will be no increase in Solid Waste rates and fees for FY 2013 and no significant financial impact.

Staff recommends Council approve the proposed resolution establishing collection, disposal, and landfill fees for FY 2013.