The City Council unanimously agreed at the Dec. 16 meeting to sign a 30-year deal with Monterey Regional Waste Management District to dispose of Scotts Valley’s rubbish.
The Monterey Regional Waste Management District runs a landfill in Marina that charges $28 per ton for disposals taken to the dump, which is $40 less than the county-run Watsonville landfill price of $68 per ton.
“Staff is always looking for ways to save the city money,” Mayor Jim Reed said. “We’re glad we found a superior deal.”
The move comes because the county’s trash fees have increased steadily in recent years, often to more than the Consumer Price Index, according to a report by city staff.
For example, in 2006, county’s disposal fee increased from $60 a ton to $66, Reed said.
The contract with Monterey Regional Waste Management District promises disposal fees won’t climb higher than the Consumer Price Index each year.
“It gives us the certainty that we won’t have increases higher than the inflation rate,” Reed said. “It’s a certainty we didn’t have before.”
Scotts Valley generates less than 10,000 tons of trash a year, according to the staff report.
The decrease in disposal fees will be offset by extra transportation costs to haul trash a greater distance. However, Reed said the main benefit of the deal is saving ratepayers from future unpredictable rate hikes.
“It’s my understanding that the city will still come out ahead,” Reed said. “Because of this change we made, ratepayers will not be affected by tipping fee increases.”
I did a little research and found the following intersting facts.
1) current rates are as follows for Green waste
20 gal 13.02 New rate is 11.81 the only one that went down
35 gal 13.65 New rate is 17.78 25% increase
64 gal 29.77 New rate is 35.46 20% increase
96 gal 43.74 New rate is 53.00 19-20% increase
Dumpster rates as follows
1 yard 93.14 New rate 116.10 25% increase
2 yard 150.98 New rate 192.38 27% increase
Is it only me or is this a little odd.
Of course Green Waste is agreeing to go with the Consumer price index as they are getting a large increase up front.
I was told by Scott Handy the one in charge of these grand negotiontions.
That now we are to receive free (normally 3.14) yard waste pick up.
Imagaine that, we have a free one by the fire
dept now.
I think again the Emperor has no clothes
Wake people and don't believe all they tell you.
If the dump rate per ton is 20 vs 68.
Where does that savings go not in our pocket that is for sure
In 2006 the county dump rate went from 60 a ton to 66 a ton
just recently it went from 66 to 68.
That doesn't justify several raises a year from both
Green Waste and the previous service Waste
Managment.
Watch out as you all know they are planning a increase of water rates as well. So after a year or so of conserving, our thank you is higher rates.
Ask questions as how much do they pay their employees from what I hear it is much higher than the private sector with life time health care after only 10 years of service.
We are worried about a target store as the gov't in place is robbing us blind.
1. whether the current collection company will be replaced
2. whether Scotts Valley residents can haul refuse to the county collection site in Ben Lomond or Watsonville, or if they will be forced to drive to Marina to dispose of refuse (I use the Ben Lomond transfer station for disposing of occasional yard waste and toxic liquids like cleaning soaps - 409, etc.)
Perhaps you could do some more research and report about these items in a future issue of the Press Banner?
There the Reed Defenders spring into action again!
I think Reed owes us some answers, inquiring minds want to know.
Not to mention, it gives a black eye to the City from everyone else in the county for not dealing with out own trash problem.
I think that this is another vein attempt to scratch a desperate win during the election cycle.
Show real leadership and bring change that will be edifying to the city and residents, this is not it.
The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have done unto you.
Would you want Marina shipping their garbage to the Scotts Valley landfill?
What genius thought this was a good for the residents?
Smoke and mirrors.