HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo from Ted Hutchison
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
DATE:
DA VB NEAL, DIRECTOR
/í~
1ED HUfCJiINSON, SaUD WAS1E PLANNER Jß -
LANDFILL TIPPING FEES
REC.EIVED
JUN 2 0 2005
To.
FROM:
6/17/2005
City of Meridian
City Clerk Office
HISTORY OF RATES AND RATE CHANGE REQEUSTS
Dave: As per your request, I have researched our files regarding landfill tipping fees and the incidence of
the department's requests to the Board of Ada County Commissioners for changes in those fees since 2000.
Following is a summary of the file infonnation and copies of correspondence between the department and
the Board.
June 2000: Department recommended increase in tipping fees. In a letter to the Board, the department
outlined the need for increased fees based on on-going project costs, unexpected expenses, and future needs.
The Board responded to this request in October 2000 with a favorable response. However, because of a
multitude of issues facing the Board, formal action and adoption of the proposed rates was put on hold.
March 2001:Following the election in the fall of 2000, no action was taken on the department's
recommendation. In early March, the department once again recommended that the Board increase tipping
fees. However, on March 21, 2001, the Board voted to deny the recommended changes to the fee schedule.
The fee schedule recommended in March was actually lov.rer than the recommendation made in June 2000.
After the Board's action, the issue of a fee increase was not formally raised again until May 2004.
May 2004: The department recommends changes to the tipping fee schedule based on the impacts that
subsidized programs, such as household hazardous waste management and organics recycling, have had on
the overall budget and the department's ability to increase the reserve fund for future obligations. In 2002,
Ada County began managing electronic devices containing cathode ray tubes (picture tubes in televisions and
computer monitors) as hazardous waste. The impact of this single waste-stream item was to increase the cost
of the household hazardous material management program two-fold.
October 2004: In late 2004, the Board asked for information on the landfill tipping fees and revenue
projections and an estimate of anticipated expenditures, including the costs of program subsidies. The
department put together a letter to the Board laying out some rough estimates based on historical infonnation
and projections. By January 2005, the adverse impacts of subsidized programs on the department's financial
health became strikingly apparent.
January 2005: Supplementing the information given the Board in October 2004, the department further
outlined the need for a rate increase. In the January 25, 2005, letter to the Board, the department included
infonnation on the impact of a rate increase on rates paid by residential customers. The department estimated
that residential trash rates would rise by roughly 7% if the Board adopted the proposed rate change.
May2005: The Board adopts Resolution 1314, changing the landfill tipping fees. The effective date of the
change is July 1,2005. This was the first major change in tipping fees since 1998.
I hope this is infonnation meets your needs.
Ted
Attachments
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RESOLUTION NO. 1314
AT A MEETING OF THE BOARD ~OUNTY COMMISSIONERS, STATE OF
IDAHO, ON THE 'B DAY OF 2005, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION
WAS UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED, TO WI : "
WHEJ,mAS, the last resolution setting tipping fees was adopted on Au~t 1'7, 1998
(Resolution #548-3w98); and
WHEREAS, a resolution initiating a $10.00 disposal fee for each cathode ray tube
(CRT) was adopted on May 14, 2002 (Resolution #1137); and
WHEREAS, in order to offset the increased costs incurred for hazardous waste
management and wood waste recycling at the Ada County landfill, an amended fee schedule
needs to be adopted; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to Ada County Code Section
5-2-4, the following fee schedule identified as Exhibit "A" to this Resolution for Ada County
Solid Waste Management Department, shall be effective on the 1 st day of July, 2005:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Resolution #548w3-98 is hereby repealed in its
entirety.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Resolution #1137 is hereby repealed in its entirety.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this~ day of
?1J~
, 2005.
Board of Ada County Commissioners
By:
~
Rick Yzaguirre, ai an
By:
~ "" "'t: AI .¡J, IVU ,,- ¿Jp..ll" /
udy Pea éywDérr, Conuftissioner
By:
i~]~~. )
Fred Tilman, Commissioner
A TrEST:
RESOLUTION NO. 1314 - PAGE 1 of2
z:\commissioncr\cocurrcDt\resolutions 2005\resolution no. 1314 - landfilll fee increase. doc
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4-
EXHIBIT" A"
Material
TiDDing Fee
','
Minimum Charge
Compacted Waste
Construction Debris! Appliances
Non-compacted Waste
Wood Wastel
Refriferation Units2
Tires
Asbestos (minimum, including disposal certificate)
. Asbestos
Disposal Certification
Fee Reduction/W aiver4
$ 6.00 ,
$ p.OO per cubic yard
$ 6.00 per cubic yard
$ 3.00 per cubic yard
$ 1.50 per cubic yard
$i2.00 each
$ 2.00 each
$ 50.00
$25.00 per cubic yard
$15.00
-0-
1.
Recyclable wood loads must contain only wood waste. Individuals depositing loads
containing other waste materials (mixed waste) will not receive the recyclable wood
rate. Wood waste will include structural lumber, plywood, siding, pallets, utility
spools, brush, and limbs. Maximum Length - 8', Maximum Diameter - 20".
2.
Includes all units with refrigerant and compressors (i.e." refrigerators, freezers, and
air conditioners). Limit - 2 per household per year. No commercial loads accepted.
3.
Limit - 4 tires per vehicle per visit, cannot exceed 17" rim diameter
4.
The Board of Ada County Commissioners may, from time to time, under circum-
stances deemed appropriate, authorize a fee reduction or fee waiver.
"
RESOLUTION NO. 1314 - PAGE 2 of 2
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General Landfill Expenses
Ada County Solid Waste Management Department
Handout May 2005
-' The last adjustment of landfill tipping fees (the fee charged at the landfill gate) was August 17,
1998. Since that time, there have been significant changes in circumstances involving
environmental programs paid for by tipping fees. Among the programs funded by tipping fees
are the household hazardous materials program, and the wood-recycling program. Other landfill
activities, such as environmental controls systems, property acquisition for landfill buffer areas
and expansion of recreational opportunities, and repair of the cover at the old Seaman's Gulch
Landfill have created demands on the Solid Waste Management Department's budget which
were unforeseen in earlier budget cycles.
The following table compares the costs for the environmental programs conducted by the
department. The household hazardous materials program is the most costly and has seen the
greatest increase in cost since 1998. The next largest cost is the wood-recycling program.
:Y-~~~~~~~~T~~~ ~!.- ~~!.~::J~ T.,CJ~~,,6(p_:~!~ ! ,,11~~"~u n!""~~"@~:::i~ ~~~"Ou~t£.~~r'~r-- -R ã~¡;=: ~-:--~~..:::,,:~ - --_.,,-,~,C="=~=::=:====::,
" ": "I I ICo\eron¡ , ,
, I , : ! ' !: Old I Ii: i
, ¡ , i i ¡ : Iii . ,
, : i : Household I I : ! i i Seaman's I ",
-"~----,,-,,....._¡~;¥~~2~L:__,,~~;ri~,___¡J~~o~~;:~;a'__L"i A:~~~~_I_"~~~~fi~,_,,L!_~~~,~J:__,,_:_._,,-- "---""1
:"-""-""-~bÕci;"""-;~~i:~~~¡"_¡'-' -~ ~:~Õb~ ggõr¡-'--~~Öo:"õóõr-~--""~~~Õ~Õ~~+'" ""'-",, - -""'r-~-~~~~~~~~~~ +-."""-- --""--;",,--,,--,,.,.'
C,,:,,-"'::_-'::-~~ Ò_~)"-'.:, ~:~~~~~8i;=:' "=-J!~~~9.~,,.9.9 6:"=~=: -==-Æ~~Q :"QQ~::::: ¡ -~-"J~~~:Õ~~]:::=:==[! -"'~~~ 6"58, 9 B.!"...,,=== i =:--=,,:==:
¡ 2008! $938,131 i I $1,600,000¡" $1,000,000;" IT1 $450,000; I $3,988,131" I :
==:,:_==r:::=::"-:.".:.".::L=.=..=.-.::.,,".:",,=,-=ct",,,,'::===,:=~~:~~=C:l::=::=:="" -"" ....::',=~~:"=.;::C-==.=,~.:=!_,,-~=~,=_r:.,:::::",,--=::
*Customers taking advantage of the wood recycling program pay tipping fees approximately
equal to one-half (Y2) of the cost of the wood recycling program.
**Environmental controls at the Hidden Hollow Sanitary Landfill include:
.
A groundwater remediation system that is cleaning contaminants from the groundwater
flowing away from the landfill (the contaminants have been identified as being from
landfill gas). The system is a pump-and-treat to strip the volatile organic compounds
from the groundwater.
A landfill gas extraction system consisting of 52 gas extraction wells and an enclosed
utility flare (Ada County is examining the possibility of landfill gas to energy).
A surface water control and management system that keeps surface water on-site for
evaporation or percolation.
.
.
ADA COUNTY
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
200 West Front Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
(208) 577-4725; FAX: (208) 577-4729
"
January 25, 2005
Board of Ada County Commissioners
200 West Front Street
Boise, Idaho 83702
Re:
Landfill Tipping Fee Rate Increase Request
Dear Commissioners,
Attached you will find a chart containing information regarding requested rate changes for
the Solid Waste Management Department. Included on this chart are the waste types,
current tipping fees, year of last increase, and the anticipated revenue generation for Fiscal
Year 2005 (pro-rated for a portion of the year) and for Fiscal Year 2006.
This letter and chart supplements and slightly alters information contained in a letter dated
October 14, 2004, in which the department laid out justifications and revenue effects of
the rate increase. One issue not addressed in that letter was the effect on the average
residential trash bill. Residential trash bills should increase about 7% per month because
of this rate change,
Should the Commission agree with this request for a rate increase of landfill tipping fees,
the department recommends the rate increase take effect on May 1, 2005. Thank you for
your consideration of this information and request. If the Commission has questions
regarding this matter, please call me at 577-4725,
Respectfully,
Dave Neal, Director
Ada County Solid Waste Management Department
'.
Attachments
r.
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ADA COUNTY
SO LID WASTE MAN A G EMENT D EP AR TMENT
200 West Front Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
(208) 577-4725; FAX: (208) 853-0253
\,
October 14, 2004
Board of Ada County Commissioners
200 West Front Street
Boise, Idaho 83702
Re:
Solid Waste Tipping Fees and Revenue Projections
Dear Commissioners:
As requested by the Commissioners, the Solid Waste Department has examined the current
landfill tipping fees and revenue. Because the department operates as an Enterprise Fund,
no tax dollars are used for any departmental expenses. In preparation for each budget year,
the department prepares an estimate of anticipated revenues and expenses. When revenues
exceed expenses, the proceeds are placed in a reserve account to cover the department's
financial obligations. When expenses exceed revenues, the funds are removed from the
reserve account to cover the difference.
Over the years, the department has been successful at maintaining an appropriate reserve
fund balance to meet long-term obligations and extra-ordinary expenses, such as major
construction proj ects, final cover and landfill gas system installation. The department has
also been able to fund a number of programs, including household hazardous materials
collection and organics recycling. As additional items (electronics and refrigeration units)
are included in the household hazardous material management program, the costs of the
program have risen substantially. Presently, just under 10% of the department's operating
budget pays program subsidies. This amount is expected to increase due to the program's
popularity and as more and more material enters the managed waste stream. The
department has also seen an increase in the popularity of the organics recycling program.
Increasing p'rogram costs, increases in operating costs, unanticipated one-time expenses,
operation and maintenance costs for the landfill gas system, and preparation for final
closure of the current landfill have placed considerable stress on the department's budget
and its ability to maintain the reserve fund. Contracts covering landfill operations are
renewed annually. Each year, the costs associated with operations have increased. One-
time unanticipated expenses include repairing the cover of the old Seaman's Gulch
landfill, acquisition 'of property for the new landfill site and buffer and, purchase of a
X:\MyFiles\ADMIN\Landfill Tipping Fees\BOCC Rate Increase Comparison,doc
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privately held 7-acre parcel within the b'Jl1ndaries of the landfill property. In April 2004,
the department began operating a landfj i! gas system installed in an older part of the
landfill. Between the years 2010 and 20 ¡ :;, the current landfill will reach its capacity and
the final cap and landfill ga"s system ins1 ~1 ¡ led.
Repairing the old Seaman's Gulch landfi II cover will cost between $250,000 and
$500,000, depending on the amount of so i I needed. Expanding the landfill proøerty and
buffer area involves purchasing up to 240 acres on the north side of the landfill property.
Expenses for operating the landfill gas system are new to the department. Annual
maintenance and operating expenses for the landfill gas system are estimated to be in the
$125,000 to $150,000 range. These COSh will continue into the foreseeable future. The
household hazardous material managem.:nt program, before 1998, cost the department
roughly $150,000 per year. For fiscal year 2004-2005, the department will expend
$1,050,000 to manage this waste stream, This increase is due to the growth of the
programs and the 1998 construction ofthl? permanent household hazardous materials
collection facility. Estimated construction costs for final closure, including expansion of
the landfill gas extraction system and post-closure care, are $18 million.
Due to these increases in expenses - - normal operating expenses, long-term obligations,
and one-time outlays, the Solid Waste Management Department's ability to generate
reserve funds is very limited. By raising the landfill tipping fees, these budgetary
shortfalls can be addressed. Table 1 pro.! eets the department's reserve fund balance to the
year 2010 if the Commissioners approve 111e department's recommended rate increase.
This table includes proj ected revenues, C\ penses, and investment interest.
Year
Table 1 FY'O5 - FY'10 50lid Waste Management Department
Revenue. Expendit II r~s & Enter rise Fund Balance
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
, -,_._...._,,-----'
2010
----
Current Funds
Rewnue
Subtotal
Expenditures
Subtotal
Interest.
Enterprise
Fund
Balance
$19,500,000
$7,703,298
$27,203,298
($10,400,000)
$16,803,298
$323,480
$17,126,778
$8,782,709
$25,909,487
($18,600,000)
$7,309,487
$113,603
$7,423,090 $10,103,915
58,782,709 $8,782,709
$16,205,799 $18,886,624
\$6,300,000) ($9,600,000)
$9,905,799 $9,286,624
$198,116 $185,732
$9,472,356
$8,782,709
$18,255,065
($4,000,000)
$14,255,065
$285,101
$14,540,167
$8,782,709
$23,322,876
($4,000,000)
$19,322,876
$386,458
...".,,--,
"-'---"
.,-~.
$17,126,778 $7,423,090 $10,103,915 $9,472,356 $14,540,167 $19,709,333
.,--,,--,
I I I
,-------, ---- ~-~-,----_., ,-_."._--+--,_.,....".....,.-,----1,-,,---'--";
.Anticipated interest ea.med calculated at 2%... ."." L-"--.-,-,,..j-_._.~J
I
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Table 2 provides the current fee structure; revenue accrued during FY'04, a proposed fee
structure, and a projection for FY'05 and FY'06 revenues. The FY'05 figures are based on
a fee increase taking effect April 1, 2005 (midway through the current fiscal year). This
date will allow contracted trash haulers SLl t'ficient time to negotiate rate adjustments with
the political subdivisions with whom th(v contract services.
X:\MyFiles\ADMIN\Landfill Tipping Fees\BOCC Rate Inc'" case Comparison.doc
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,",
Material
Table 2 Tipping Fee Recommended Increase & Revenue Projections
Current
Tipping Fee
(per cubic yard)
$25.00
$5.50
FY'04
Revenue
Proj ected Proj ected
FY'05 FY'06
Revenue Revenue
$11,925\ $11,925
$63 $66
i¡';:~{o):;f$'1' ','9S:6,"':'ii,'$11,986
$6.00 f',:$4~lÔ9:932':,i$4:931 700
$3.00 $1,064,971 $1,195,938
$11,925
$60
Proposed
Tipping Fee
(per cubic yard)
$25.00
$6.00
"" ,,""" "" ""C'\"~1~"'~ff..aJ
L:,j ~.... ';:;!L~1!~
E.:;;~l~K\2;;:i§i~SJ
$4.00
$2.50
$934,004
$5.00
$51,365
$5.00 $51,365 $51,365
"$í 116;33'(j "$1,247,303
$6.00 $2,100,106 $2,200,212
$5.00 $33,255 $33,255
~J~!i$S.g5i¡3,69 ,
$5.50 $2000,000
$5.00 $33,255
Varies by
width
$7,318
$7,318
$7,318
The Solid Waste Management Department strives to provide environmentally sound solid
waste management solutions for the residents, businesses and institutions of Ada County
at the lowest reasonable cost. The last increase of landfill tipping fees occurred in 1998.
The recommended adjustment maintains the department's ability to continue its directed
mission. '
Thank you for your consideration of this information. If the Commissioners have
questions, please call me at 577-4725. If the Commissioners agree with this request, the
department asks that the rate increase become effective April 1, 2005.
Respectfully,
Dave Neal, Director
Ada County Solid Waste Management Department
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ADA COUNTY
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
200 West Front Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
(208) 853-1297; FAX: (208) 853-0253
May 25, 2004
Board of Ada County Commissioners
200 West Front Street
Boise, Idaho 83702
Re:
Solid Waste Management Department Revenue and Expenditure Issues
Dear Members of the Board:
As we enter the budget cycle for the next fiscal year, the Solid Waste Management
Department took a look at the department's revenue and landfill programs subsidized by
landfill tipping fees (fees collected at the landfill gate). The department's budget is set
based on a reasonable estimate of anticipated revenue and expenditure. We are able to
detennine how well we estimated as the fiscal year progresses and we compare our
estimate with reality. We have done very well with two exceptions - investment interest
and electronics waste management.
The Solid Waste Management Department operates as an Enterprise Fund. As such,
revenue that exceeds expenditure is placed into a reserve account to cover long-term
financial obligations for maintenance of the County's solid waste system. Presently, the
reserve fund has a balance of roughly $20 million. Historically, the Ada County
Treasurer's investment of this reserve fund has earned this department an interest rate of
4% to 5% per annum. However, recent interest rates have been very low - approximately
2% per annum. This low interest rate results in a significant loss of projected revenue
($400,000 vs. $800,000 to $1,000,000 per annum).
For several years, Ada County has promoted programs at the landfill, including wood
waste recycling, household hazardous material management, refrigeration unit
management, waste tire disposal, and most recently, electronics waste (e-waste) recycling.
Some of these programs have a co-pay to off-set some of the management cost, such as
refrigeration unit management, wood waste recycling, and waste tire disposal. The fastest
growing subsidy is the e-waste recycling.
The e-waste management program was initially set up as a co-pay program where the
generator of the e-waste paid a portion of the cost of processing the material. However,
this caused considerable problems for electronics repair shops and non-profit charitable
X:\MyFilcs\ADMIN\Landfill Tipping Fees\Program Subsidies BOCC.doc
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organizations who were used as illegal dumping grounds. In response to this problem, the
Board waived the co-pay for this program.
We knew there was a mass of outdated electronics (i.e., computers, monitors, televisions)
being stored in the community. However, we underestimated the response to the.
electronics waste management program. The response to this program has been nothing
less than stupendous. ;
To put this information into perspective, we have put together information regarding the
department's revenue and the amount spent on program subsidies. The information
reviews FY - 99 through FY 03. During this period, the Solid Waste Management
Department took in $36,160,344 while paying out $3,349,401 for subsidized programs.
Following is a year-to-year breakdown of revenue and subsidies.
Fiscal Year Revenue Subsidies Subsidy as % of Revenue
1999 $6,632,554 $636,554 9.6%
2000 $7,207,452 $523,266 7.3%
2001 $7,685,435 $594,501 7.7%
2002 $7,473,015 $714,380 9.6%
2003 $7,161,888 $880,700 12.3%
Totals: $36,160,344 $3,349,401 9.2%
As shown in this table, there is a significant increase in the percentage of the department's
revenue being consumed by program subsidies. We should note the decreasing revenue
since 2002. The decreases are primarily due to low interest rates paid on the solid waste
reserve fund and to the pilot diversion project where a small percentage of Ada County's
waste is diverted to the Idaho Waste Systems, Inc. landfill in Elmore County.
We anticipate that this trend will continue. The following table shows the projected effects
for FY 04 and FY 05.
Fiscal Year Revenue Subsidies Subsidy as % of Revenue
(Projected)
2004 $6,529,177 $990,143 15.1%
2005* $6,400,000 $1,400,000 21.8%
Totals: $12,929,177 $2,390,143 18.5%
.lfthe Board agrees with this request for a rate increase, the projected revenue for FY 05 is $7.600. ODD,
This would decrease the subsidy percentage to 18.4%for FY 05.
As stated previously, the fastest growing segment of the subsidized programs is
electronics waste management. Response to this program has been quite surprising.
However, we are seeing increased participation in the other programs as well. These are
important programs and integral parts of Ada County's solid waste management system.
When one examines 'the intent of these programs, one can measure their success by their
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popularity and rates of growth. However, these increases are causing a significant drain on
the department's ability to put money into the reserve fund for financial assurance, long-
range planning, closure and post-closure care of the existing landfill, and development of
a new disposal facility. This brings us to the hard part - the need to adjust the landfill
tipping fees to off-set some of the increased subsidies and decreased interest income.
At this time, the Solid Waste Management Department asks the Board to consider an
adjustment to the tipping fee for compacted waste. Our recommended adjustment is $1.50
per compacted cubic yard. Presently the fee is $4.00 per cubic yard. The increase would
raise the fee to $5.50 per cubic yard. This increase would generate additional revenue of
approximately $1,200,000 per year. Although significant, this amount does not completely
cover subsidized program costs.
Thank you for your consideration of this request. If there are questions, please call me at
853-1297. If the Board agrees with this request, this department asks that the rate increase
become effective October 1, 2004.
Respectfully,
Dave Neal, Director
Ada County Solid Waste Management Department
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ADA COUNTY
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
650 Main Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
(208) 853w1297; FAX: (208) 853-0253
March 16, 2001
ADA Cov ty ,
Belird of Comrr ~sloners
RE:
Landfill Tipping Fees
01' ADA COUNTY C()MMI88IONEA8
,.. 0IIr
( (~
) ~)
( ) Yi
Board of Ada County Commissioners
650 Main Street
Boise, Idaho 83702
Dear Members of the Board:
To ensure the Solid Waste Management Department can meet the demands of current and
future operations, this department reviewed the landfill tipping fee schedule and
compared it with departmental operating costs. The department examined costs for the
following:
.
current operations;
projected landfill closure;
new landfill opening;
existing and upcoming environmental control systems; and,
household hazardous material collection and disposal.
.
.
.
.
We are also watching the horizon for new state and federal environmental and solid waste
regulations.
The Solid Waste Management Department is committed to providing the best service for
the lowest cost to the public. We must, however, ensure that the rates charged our
, customers cover all costs associated with current and future solid waste disposal and
hazardous waste management. Therefore, this department is seeking a rate increase to
meet anticipated financial obligations.
In October 1998, the Board adopted the present landfill tipping fee schedule. Since then,
the Solid Waste Management Department's consulting engineer, CH2MHill, has
completed a re-examination of the landfill's capacity. Factoring in rate of fill, waste
diversion programs,' landfill cell construction, and other associated issues, CH2MHill
determined that the landfill's capacity was less than originally estimated. Closure for the
Hidden Hollow Landfill will occur around the year 2009 instead of the year 2013.
To establish that the Solid Waste Management Department is on-track with revenue and cost
projections, AI Associates, Inc., reviewed the department's financial status. AJ Associates
has experience in landfill operation, engineering, and financial management. J;'ased on the
landfill's projected life-span, revenue and costs, AJ Associates found that revenue generated
by this proposed fee increase will aid the County in meeting its regulatory requirements for
closure and post-closure care and in meeting its current and foreseeable obligations.
Some of the current, on~going projects that are funded through landfill tipping fees are:
.
Collection and disposal of household hazardous materials;
Operation of the groundwater remediation equipment;
Planning for landfill gas control system, i.e., extraction and flaring;
Acquisition of80 acres of Bureau of Land Management land;
Wood scrap recycling program~
Education and outreach programs;
Personnel training;
Daily operations and maintenance.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Some projects are ongoing expenditures; some are one-time outlays.
Because no tax money is spent for operation of the Solid Waste Management Department,
we must meet all financial obligations through user generated revenue - - the landfill tipping
fees. Less capacity than projected has shortened the time allowed for generation of funds
needed to cover long-term obligations, such as closure and post-closure care.
Each year, Ada County must prove to the State that the County can meet its obligations
regarding closure, post-closure (30 years beyond closure date) and corrective action costs for
the landfill. Groundwater remediation and landfill gas extraction and treatment are part of the
corrective action costs for which the County must prove its capability. These corrective
action costs increase the County's long-term liability for landfill care. The Solid Waste
Management Department is working to ensure that it can meet these obligations. However,
analysis of current revenue sources reveals that meeting the long-term financial obligations of
the department requires a tipping fee increase. Attached is a chart showing our existing rates,
proposed rates, and anticipated revenues from the proposed change.
The Solid Waste Management Department recommends that the Board adopt the proposed
fee schedule effective October 1. 2001. Adoption of this fee schedule will ensure that the
County can meet its commitments to environmentally sound solid waste disposal and
hazardous waste management. If there are questions regarding this request, please call me at
853~1297.
~ect~,
" d-,
e Neal. Dir tor
Ada County Solid Waste Management Department
Attachment
PROPOSED LANDFILL TIPPING FEE INCREASE (10/01/01)
PROJECTED REVENUE INCREASE
Anticipated Revenue
Current Proposed Increase
"
1. Minimum 5.00 6.00 $30,000
2. Recyclable wood 1.25 1.50 $25,000
3, Non~compacted waste 2.50 3.00 $180,000
4. Compacted waste 4,00 5.00 $700,000
5. Urban Rubble! Appliances 5.50 6,50 $375,000
6. Asbestos (minimum) 50.00 50.00 0
7. Asbestos 25,00 25.00 0
8. Tires 1.50 1.50 0
9. Remgeration units 10.00 10.00 0
10. Disposal certification 15.00
$1,310,000
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
RECOMMENDED LANDFILL TIPPING FEES
EFFECTIVE DATE - OCTOBER 1, 2001
Minimum fee
Recyclable woodl(a)
$6.00
1.50
Non-compacted wastel
Compacted wastel
Urban rubblel/appliances
3.00
5.00
6.50
50.00
Asbestos (minimum)
Asbestosl(b)
25.00
1.50
Whole tires(c)
Refrigeration units(d)
10.00
11.
Disposal certification(e)
Fee reduction/waiver<t)
15.00
lCharges are based upon cubic yards.
(a~ecyclable wood loads must contain only wood waste, brush and limbs, structural lumber,
plywood, siding, pallets, and utility spools. To receive this rate, the load must be placed in the
wood recycling area.
(b)Charge includes fee for disposal certification.
(c>r.imit offour (4) passenger car tires per vehicle per visit. Cannot have a rim diameter larger than
sixteen inches «16"). '
(d)¡.¡ousehold refrigeration units and compressors (i.e., refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners).
Limit of two per household per year. No commercial units accepted.
("When desired by the hauler or required by law, Solid Waste Management Department staff will
watch to ensure that a load has been destroyed and buried. This fee covers the additional cost of
having staff certify the disposal.
(f}¡-he Board of Ada County Commissioners may, fÌ'om time to time, under circumstances deemed
appropriate, authorize a fee reduction or fee waiver.
ADA COUNTY
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
~" f ~
Comm. 0181. No.'/ - -YU-
Comm. Dill No.
~. DItt. No. -~
'.
650 Main Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
208.853.1297; fax 208.853-0253
e-mail: adaswm(åJmicron.net
,~& h»t I'
< DO
~/O77
~ ~ ~J2~ ~ ~
June 13, 2000
RE:
Landfill Tipping Fees
ADA County ~
~mlTli8Ðjoner$
--------
Board of Ada County Commis 1
650 Main Street
Boise, Idaho 83702
Dear Members of the Board:
To ensure the Solid Waste Management Department can meet the demands of.current and
future operations, this department reviewed the landfill tipping fee schedule and compared
it with departmental operating costs. The department examined costs for the following:
.
current operations;
projected landfill closure;
new landfill opening;
existing and upcoming environmental control systems; and,
household hazardous material collection and disposal.
.
.
.
.
We are also watching the horizon for new state and federal environmental and solid waste
regulations. '
The Solid Waste Management Department is committed to providing the best service for
the lowest cost to the public. We must, however, ensure that the rates charged our
customers cover all costs associated with current and future solid waste disposal and
hazardous waste management. Therefore, this department is seeking a rate increase to
meet anticipated financial obligations.
In October 1998, the Board adopted the present landfill tipping fee schedule. Since then,
the Solid Waste Management Department's consulting engineer, CH2MHill, has
completed a re-examination of the landfill's capacity. Factoring in rate of fill, waste
diversion programs, landfill cell construction, and other associated issues, CH2MHill
detennined that the landfill's capacity was less than originally estimated. Closure for the
Hidden Hollow Landfill will occur around the year 2009 instead of the year 2013.
To establish that the Solid Waste Management Department is on-track with revenue and
cost projections, AJ Associates, Inc., reviewed the department's financial status. Al
Associates has experience in landfill operation, engineering, and financial management.
Based on the landfill's projected life-span, revenue and costs, AJ Associates found that
revenue generated by this proposed fee increase will aid the County in meeting its
regulatory requirements for closure and post-closure care and in meeting its current and
foreseeable obligations.
Some of the current, on-going projects that are funded through landfill tippi~g fees are:
.
Collection and disposal of household hazardous materials;
Operation of the groundwater remediation equipment;
Planning for landfill gas control system, i.e., extraction and flaring;
Acquisition of 80 acres of Bureau of Land Management land;
Wood scrap recycling program; .
Education and outreach programs;
:personnel training;
Daily operations and maintenance.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Some projects are ongoing expenditures; some are one-time outlays.
Because no tax money is spent for operation of the Solid Waste Management
Department, we must meet all financial obligations through user generated revenue - - the
landfill tipping fees. Less capacity than projected has shortened the time allowed for
generation of funds needed to cover long-term obligations, such as closure and post-
closure care.
Each year, Ada County must prove to the State that the County can meet its obligations
regarding closure, postwclosure (30 years beyond closure date) and corrective action costs
for the landfill. Groundwater remediation and landfill gas extraction and treatment are part
of the corrective action costs for which the County must prove its capability. These
corrective action costs increase the County's long-term liability for landfill care. The Solid
Waste Management Department is working to ensure that it can meet these obligations.
However, analysis of current revenue sources reveals that meeting the long-term fmancial
obligations of the department requires a tipping fee increase. Attached is a chart showing
our existing rates, proposed rates, and anticipated revenues from the proposed change.
The Solid Waste Management Department recommends that the Board adopt the
proposed fee schedule effective January 1, 2001. Adoption of this fee schedule will ensure
that the County can meet its commitments to environmentally sound solid waste disposal
and hazardous waste management. If there are questions regarding this request, please
call me at, 853-1297.
Respectfully,
j f¡'", '71 tld-
~ n:e'cti;^ C
Ada County Solid Waste Management Department
Attachment
.
PROPOSED LANDFILL TIPPING FEE INCREASE (1/1/01)
PROJECTED REVENUE INCREASE
Anticipated Revenue
Increase FY '98-'99
Current Proposed " ,
1. Minimum 5.00 7.00 $60,000
2. Recyclable wood 1.25 1.50 $25,000
3. Nonwcompacted waste 2.50 3.00 $180,000
4. Compacted waste . 4.00 4,80 $560,000
5. Urban Rubble/Appliances 5.50 6.60 $400,000
6. Asbestos (minimum) 50.00 50.00 0
7. Asbestos 25.00 25.00 0
8. Tires 1.50 1.50 0
9. Remgeration units 10.00 10.00 0
~
10. Disposal certification 15.00
$1.225 000
" ..
RECOMMENDED LANDFILL TIPPING FEES
EFFECTIVE DATE - JANUARY 1, 2001
1. Minimum fee $7.00
2. Recyclable woodl(a) . 1.50
3. Non-compacted waste I 3.00
4. Compacted wastel 4.80
5. Urban rubblel/appliances 6.60
6. Asbestos (minimum) 50.00
7. Asbestosl(b) 25.00
8. Whole tires(c) 1.50
9. Remgeration unitS(d) 10.00
,
10. Disposal certification(c) 15.00
11. Fee reductionlwaiver't}
ICharges are based upon cubic yards.
('>Recyclable wood loads must contain only wood waste, brush and limbs, structural lumber,
plywood, siding, pallets, and utility spools. To receive this rate, the load must be placed in the
wood recycling area.
(b>Charge includes fee for disposal certification.
(c>¡'imit of four (4) passenger car tires per vehicle per visit. Cannot have a rim diameter larger than
sixteen inches «16").
(d>fIousehold remgeration units and compressors (i.e." refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners).
Limit of two per household per year. No commercial uruts accepted.
(e>when desired by the hauler or required by law, Solid Waste Management Department staffwill
watch to ensure that a load has been destroyed and buried. This fee covers the additional cost of
having staff certify the disposal. '
(f>Jbe Board of Ada County Commissioners may, from time to time, under circumstances deemed
appropriate, authorize a fee reduction or fee waiver.
Ada County
Solid Waste Mapagem~nt Department
" """",:;:.-":,, ,'.. """""'".-.-J"">:",
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DAVE NEAL
DIRECTOR
, ..,
1j;MCt~EST FRONT STREET
,,:::ïJöii:íi;'IoAHO 83702
..',',:(208')'577 -4725
?FÀx (208) 577-4729
E-MAIL: dneal@adaweb.net