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9 FUNDING OPTION 2 • Simplified fee structure • Easier to administer, manage, and explain than the current fee system or Option 3 • Flexibility in providing services without being constrained by rigid categories o Example: If a business is located on a residential route (urban or rural) and generates recyclables in quantities similar to a residence, it can be assigned to a residential route without concern that there is not an appropriate fee category, which would be the case in Option 3. Key Factors • Rural curbside service is not proposed to be expanded in the unincorporated areas. o If rural curbside service were expanded, rural property owner fees would be shifted to the rural curbside fee. • Efforts to provide more equitable services among all the program users could be implemented over time by improving service efficiencies and availability of services. • Rural multi - family property owners, single family property owners and developed non - residential property owners pay more than urban sector property owners: o Rural sector property owners with curbside recycling pay $25 more per unit than urban sector property owners. o Rural sector property owners without curbside recycling pay $7 more per unit than urban sector property owners. Universal Elements for All Options • Undeveloped properties do not pay a fee. • All developed properties including tax - exempt properties pay a fee. • The fee structure is stable and predictable. • Fee impacts for potential service expansions, improvements, and changes can be easily determined and made available for elected boards to consider. • Some property owners may consider the proposed fee rates a significant increase because no fee for rural or urban curbside service or multi - family service has been assessed for the past two years. • Failure of elected boards to approve a funding mechanism for the FY 2015 -16 Budget may lead to suspension of services or further debiting of the solid waste landfill closure and post - closure reserves account. • Orange County will continue to provide financial assistance for qualifying low- income residents who are unable to pay for solid waste program fees. In 2014, approximately 700 parcels were provided assistance through the County's 311 Fee Financial Assistance program.