Board approves 3.61% rate increase for Marin Sanitary Services after public hearing

At a public hearing on Jan. 28, Marin County staff and consultants presented a request from Marin Sanitary Services (MSS) to adopt a 3.61% rate adjustment for its service area in Ross Valley and other unincorporated zones. Berenice Davidson, assistant director of public works, introduced the request and said the increase results from the contract’s formula and rising operating costs.

Consultant Jean Hollison reviewed the methodology used to calculate the adjustment and described the cost components (collection operations, processing/recycling, and compliance). In the presentation Hollison stated, "the 3.61 por 100 es justo y razonable según nuestro análisis" (the 3.61% is fair and reasonable according to our analysis).

Several residents commented during the hearing. A longtime county resident criticized MSS for service reliability issues in his neighborhood and questioned equipment condition. MSS President Paty Garbarino and staff addressed those concerns, noted management changes and described efforts to investigate alternatives including fuel and processing options.

Following the hearing, the board moved and approved the 3.61% increase for the cited service area. The county clerk announced the motion and the board adopted it without recorded opposition.

The rate change will be implemented in accordance with the county’s franchise agreements and the MSS contract; staff said low‑income discount programs remain available for eligible customers. The board closed the public hearing and directed staff to coordinate implementation and public notices to affected customers.