Agenda - 05-08-2014 - 7f - Laserfiche WebLink

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10 The listed recommendations come in order of preference based upon a comprehensive approach. They are based upon options that either include the Towns as `active - partners', as `consenting - partners' or accept the Towns will pursue a non - committal path that allows them the flexibility to do whatever is best for their needs individually versus a county -wide solution. Ultimately, a final best decision can be accomplished via a transition process that occurs over some period of time. At the moment, funding solutions for what is in place becomes the priority along with an equitable and equalized county -wide availability of service delivery options. 1. The optimal long -range solution for Orange County in this situation may be the formation of a Solid Waste Management Authority provided for within North Carolina General Statutes. The hurdle to this approach is that at least one of the three primary Towns within the county must also agree to the creation of the Authority. A comprehensive approach to both solid waste and recycling services can then be pursued that is functional and fundable via many various options. Services can be provided by County staff, contracted, franchised, optional or mandatory programs can be developed and /or otherwise formulated to compensate for a transitional process that ensures solid waste management and recycling remain an environmental priority in Orange County. (Consensus on this approach among the towns may evolve into a protracted process; a timely decision would be essential to success.) 2. If no Town is willing to work with the County on the Solid Waste Management Authority approach, then a county -wide Solid Waste Tax Service District approach is the more comprehensive and flexible option. It can provide services via County staffing, franchised, contracted, optional or mandatory programs or otherwise formulated approaches to both solid waste and recycling services as long as services are delivered and funded on some basis county -wide in the unincorporated areas of the County and can allow one or more towns to opt into the District once created. (This approach could include some combination of the Basic 3R Fees along with a county -wide tax.) 3. If either the Solid Waste Management Authority or the County -Wide Solid Waste Tax Service District approaches are not acceptable, then some configuration of a modified franchise approach to providing both solid waste and recycling services within the unincorporated areas of Orange County on a voluntary participation basis offers a solution. It allows existing participants in the unincorporated areas to gain the services (and pay for them directly) and does not require persons not using the services to pay for services they are not using (even though the services are available). Towns can pursue individual franchise agreements for services and /or be included in the County's efforts if they choose. (Again, the Basic 3R Fees could remain in place to support convenience center operations.) There are challenges and timelines that must be addressed with any of the options recommended or highlighted within this presentation. The notification to existing private solid waste haulers within Orange County and the scheduled public hearing related to the Franchising option must go forward to allow all options further consideration. Funding constraints do exist for continuation of existing programs beyond June 2014. As difficult as this decision may be, ultimately a change from existing circumstances is required.