Please place on the May 4, 2022 City Commission agenda a referral to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (the “Committee”) to consider the City establishing a maximum fee for waste hauler services for multi-family dwellings of less than twenty-five (25) units.
The City’s regulations for waste haulers are set forth in Chapter 90 of the City Code. The City Code establishes the fee for single-family residential waste services, as well as a separate fee for commercial, and multi-family residential buildings with less than nine (9) dwelling units. Per Appendix A of the City Code, the fee for single-family residential waste services is $46.40 per month, and $41.97 for multi-family residential buildings with less than nine (9) dwelling units, per month per dwelling unit.
For larger multi-family buildings with more than 9 dwelling units, the rates are determined by an agreement between the building and the waste hauler. I have received information from various residents who are concerned about extremely large fee increases for multi-family units being implemented by waste haulers.
As the City Commission has determined the rates to be charged for single-family residential waste services, as well as the rates for small multi-family buildings with less than 9 units, I would propose that the Committee consider establishing a fixed maximum rate for buildings under twenty-five (25) dwelling units.
I think in this inflationary period, the establishment of a fair and reasonable rate this will be particularly helpful for smaller buildings with less than 25 units, as such buildings are often not in a strong position to negotiate with sophisticated waste management companies. As part of the referral, I request that the Committee consider the input and recommendation of the City Administration with regard to the establishment of a fair and reasonable rate.