Staff reports Pathways assistance data and flags $1M refuse subsidy as a near‑term issue

Staff presented follow‑up information on the Pathways community hotline and solid waste subsidy after questions from council. Chrissy summarized Pathways activity since July 1, 2023: 892 assistance requests totaling just over $770,000, with about $650,363 disbursed for rental and mortgage assistance; 92% of residents served earned 0–30% area median income and the average payment was $741.

On solid waste, staff said FY23 financials show the collection operation was subsidized by a little over $1,000,000. Staff outlined resident options for paying for service (annual decals, retail stickers) and said curbside recycling is provided for free as an incentive. Because market conditions for hauling and processing are in flux, staff recommended issuing an RFP to determine the market price; that process could take six to seven months and any fee changes may be better considered for the FY26 budget.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about the subsidy magnitude, whether recycling costs are included (staff said curbside recycling expenses are included in the subsidy), and how sticker/decals translate into revenue. Members expressed interest in phasing small price increases (for example a partial sticker increase) to smooth the change for residents and asked staff to model revenue impacts from different fee scenarios.

Staff told council that some services are provided free for low‑income households (including DSS customers) and that there is an estimated $41,000 annual value to that targeted free service. Council directed staff to return with modeled options and to consider shorter‑term steps that could partially reduce the subsidy before FY26, while recognizing the RFP and procurement timetable constrain how quickly wholesale changes can be implemented.