Agenda - 09-16-2014 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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14 1 John Roberts said the County is specifically authorized to require residents to separate 2 materials prior to disposal and to participate in the recycling program. He said the ordinance 3 would only be enforceable in rural areas in the County's jurisdiction, but there has not been 4 discussion of how this would be enforced. 5 Commissioner McKee said John Roberts mentioned a fee on all properties, and he 6 asked if this includes all properties. 7 John Roberts said this would include developed or improved properties but not open 8 land or empty acreage. 9 Commissioner Dorosin asked for an explanation of why the fee is better from an equity 10 standpoint versus funding everything from general fund. He feels flat fees are the most 11 regressive forms of charging, and the most equitable way to fund all of it is through the tax rate 12 and eliminate fees altogether. He would be interested in seeing the numbers on that. He 13 understands the concerns about vacant land and churches, but this option seems the most fair 14 in terms of fiscal operations. 15 Chair Jacobs said he hears three options on table, and he goes back to the idea of 16 treating this year differently. He said for this year the three options are: 1) using reserve funds; 17 2) authorize the attorney to work on a fee structure to make the SWCC self sustaining; or 3) to 18 cut all fees and raise the property tax to pay for all urban and rural recycling operations. 19 Chair Jacobs said all three options can be considered at a subsequent meeting, but he 20 would argue that they will be delayed in making a decision, because the towns would have to 21 be involved if fees are raised, and there are only 6 weeks to do this. He said any changes that 22 are made now will have an adverse impact on relationships and on budgets. 23 Chair Jacobs referred to Commissioner McKee's concerns regarding enforcement and 24 noted that there are several ordinances in place that are not in place. 25 Commissioner McKee said he feels it does not make sense to have an ordinance that 26 you do not plan to enforce. 27 Commissioner Dorosin said at some point they need to look at the viability of continuing 28 the 13,700 person service area. He said there is broad consensus that this is not the actual 29 number of participants. He said there has been previous discussion of looking at denser areas 30 closer to the towns, and he thinks this option needs to be considered. 31 Chair Jacobs said this is a good question, and he agrees, but he is not sure this can be 32 addressed in the next two meetings. He said many issues have been identified, but the 33 question is what should be done this fiscal year. 34 Commissioner Dorosin asked Michael Talbert and Gayle Wilson whether it would be 35 feasible to come back with identification of the more densely populated areas that are 36 participating in the recycling service and are supportive of the curbside service. 37 John Roberts said there is no legal issue with this. 38 Chair Jacobs asked that this be put in the list of decision items for this fiscal year, and 39 he noted this may change the cost of the program. 40 Michael Talbert asked for clarification that the Board is asking staff to come back to the 41 June 3 meeting with a district map, as drawn, with the idea of serving as many high density 42 communities in area as possible, and continuing the basic program with funding from reserves 43 or another source to be determined. 44 Gayle Wilson said that is next to impossible at this point. He said his staff is fully 45 engaged in preparing to distribute over 18,000 roll carts in the three municipalities starting June 46 9th. He said there are all kinds of special situations, and every effort is being made to ensure 47 that no mistakes are made. He said the proposed action would also cut service to those folks 48 in the rural program that are not in a subdivision but who participate regularly in the curbside 49 program. He said this would be done with no time for outreach or explanation. He said there is 50 a lot more to this than just identifying the dense areas.