Commissioners adopt solid‑waste and fire assessments; solid‑waste rates rise by $37, fire assessment passes with one dissent

Jamie Stewart, director of the Office of Management and Budget, presented two public hearings on non‑ad valorem assessments for FY2027: the residential solid‑waste assessment and the fire protection assessment.

Stewart said the solid‑waste rates "are $37 increase from this year's current rate" and that twice‑weekly service would see the same $37 increase; the board approved the solid‑waste assessment after a motion and second. On the fire assessment, Stewart summarized the purpose (funding suppression, prevention and basic life support) and an estimated revenue for FY2027 of $54,500,000; the assessment cannot fund advanced life support. One commissioner registered opposition to assessing vacant land and said they would vote no on that portion, but the board adopted the fire assessment with the dissent recorded.

During discussion, commissioners noted the enterprise nature of the solid‑waste fund and that assessment rates align to contract cost increases; concerns about vacant‑land assessment were voiced but did not prevent the measure's passage. The actions will be recorded in the county's FY2027 budget and assessment lists.