Staff recommends that the City Council conduct a public hearing and approve the proposed resolution adopting collection, disposal, and landfill fees effective July 1, 2023.
 

Section 21-229 of the Billings, Montana city Code (BMCC) requires that the City Council adopt the Solid Waste collection and disposal charges and the 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 the following:

• $4.35 increase in residential collection fees;
• An increase of the charge for a second 96 gallon container to $4.50 and establishment of a $4.50 fee for a second green barrel container;
• $15.00 increase in dropbox/roll-off fee;
• 11% increase in commercial collection fees;
• Addition of a dry run fee for roll-off services;
• 10.6% increase in landfill fees;
• Revision of FOG fee from a fee per 1,000 gallons to a per ton fee and only accept FOG originating within Yellowstone County; and
• Establish parameters for clean soil.

The attached resolution specifies the proposed rates and fees for FY24. A public hearing is required and if the proposed resolution is approved, rates will be effective July 1, 2023.

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 FY24 will need to be considered at a future City Council meeting.

The proposed rate and fee adjustments will generate approximately $2,595,000 in collection revenues, $110,000 in roll-off revenues, and $660,000 in landfill revenues for a total increase to the solid waste fund of $3,365,000 for FY24.