Minutes 03-21-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Frank Clifton said one option to consider is the franchise process, which would be a voluntary, fee based system with the potential for multiple vendors. He said if a decision was made for the county to afford recycling, there are enough reserves set aside for equipment and operation within the existing program to cover this upcoming fiscal year. He said there are no funds to extend it beyond that year, and work would need to begin early to set up for transition to the vendor, franchise system. Frank Clifton gave the following other options: 1) The county could do away with curbside recycling, which is certainly not a popular option. 2) The county could establish a volunteer program where people can buy in or out. This has potential for abuse and sharing of service, and the county will get the recycling, but may not get the full revenue to pay for it. 3) There could be creation of a service district concept, similar to fire districts. One could be county-wide with a segregated county wide tax levied to pay for it. This would be similar to the system now. He said the county only serves 1/3 of the area outside of the towns with rural curb-side. He said a special tax district could be created for that area. 4) The final option is to put this in the county general fund and forget about it. He said the reality is that there are a lot of demands already on the general funds. Frank Clifton said he personally feels the county has focused on recycling and landfills, but has not paid enough attention to solid waste, county wide. Chair Jacobs said the legislators have introduced a draft bill related to this. He read the title and said it is another route being explored. Commissioner Rich said this is a shame because the county has an amazing recycling program and staff and are known throughout the state for this program. She said many people in the community have spoken up and expressed their disappointment. Commissioner Pelissier said she looked at this as an opportunity and suggested consideration of pay as you throw programs. She would like to find a way to incentivize recycling. Council Member Jim Ward asked if the fees are still being collected. Frank Clifton said the 4-r collections have already been done in January. He said the budgetary recommendation is not to levy the 3-r fee for recycling until there is clear authority to do so. Council Member Jim Ward asked when the court case took place and Chair Jacobs said in December. Frank Clifton said this case has been through all of the courts in North Carolina, and the State Supreme Court was the last to rule. Council Member Jim Ward asked if this fee had been levied until the end of 2012 and Frank Clifton said yes. Council Member Jim Ward said he does not understand why there would be consideration for continuing the program if it is not set up to pay for itself, and Frank Clifton said it is not being continued. Mayor Kleinschmidt said those fees that have been ruled as not collectible will not be billed in the next cycle. Frank Clifton said he understands it is the Board's decision, but his recommendation is that those fees are not levied until the issue is resolved. He said there are only 2 of the 4 fees in question. Council Member Jim Ward asked if there is obligation to return that money. Frank Clifton said he hoped not. Council Member Jim Ward said he hoped on April 9th the town will hear about the implications to Chapel Hill. He said he doesn't understand what happens to all of the education programs and associated recycling efforts. He wonders if those efforts stay as is or if the town will be on its own.