Manager and commissioners debate countywide solid-waste fee and equity of costs

Commissioners pressed county staff about a monthly solid‑waste availability fee that currently applies to some unincorporated property owners but not all municipal residents, calling the distribution of costs unfair.

“Every family in the county that owns the house … If you live inside of municipality, you don't pay it,” said Commissioner (S7), arguing that a countywide fee would spread costs and could lower the per-household amount.

County Manager Harrison cautioned that the change is legally and administratively complex. He said staff must reconcile tax‑office records with property‑use data to identify which improved properties should be assessed and noted multiple parcel configurations (contiguous parcels, mixed uses) complicate automated billing. "It takes time" to ensure the correct properties are identified, he said, and recommended starting implementation work in late summer or fall so the county can be ready by next year.

Harrison said a countywide approach could reduce the fee for many rural residents and lower tipping fees that affect towns and private vendors. He emphasized the need for careful data work rather than a rapid roll‑out: staff would have to ‘‘touch’’ hundreds of partial records to ensure the fee is assessed fairly.

Board members raised operational questions about special cases—hotels, hospitals and multi‑unit rentals—and whether the county can reasonably apportion fees without increasing housing costs. Harrison and finance staff said they will examine exemptions or categorization rules and present options to commissioners as part of the budget process.

Next steps: staff will analyze tax‑office records and parcel data, return with implementation options and a proposed schedule, and aim to have a system ready for consideration before next year's billing cycle.