Item - 2015.BU3.2

This report outlines the recommended 2015 Solid Waste rates and user fees arising from the concurrent adoption of the 2015 Solid Waste Management Services Recommended Operating and Capital Budgets.  A 3% (2.25% effective) increase is recommended on all Solid Waste rates and user fees beginning April 1, 2015, with minor exceptions noted in this report.

The revenue anticipated to be generated from the 3% increase on all Solid Waste Management Services fees is approximately $6.100 million.   The recommended 2015 rates balance fiscal constraints while maintaining critical progress on waste diversion initiatives, operational improvements, and capital investments in state of good repair and new infrastructure.

The 2015 proposed Operating Budget is $370.785 million and the Capital Budget is $76.006 million – comprised of $67.924 million in recommended new 2015 funding, as well as funding of $8.083 million carried forward from 2014 into 2015.   These combined budgets reflect the costs to maintain the Council approved service levels for Solid Waste Management Services, which includes: City Beautification; Collection and Transfer; Processing and Transport; Residual Management; and Education and Enforcement. 

A key priority for the Solid Waste Management Services for 2015 is the completion of the Long Term Waste Management Strategy, which includes ensuring long term sustainability of the solid waste utility.