Citizens see trash in landfill fee

Hi, it’s Tuesday, so let’s discuss garbage.

Homeowners were not happy to receive a love letter from the county saying the annual solid waste assessment is jumping from $27 to $35 — a 29% increase.

That, despite no explanation from the county why it needs this money or what it plans to do with it.

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The County Commission has a 1:35 p.m. public hearing today to approve the new fee. I have a few thoughts.

It’s confusing to citizens why they pay to deposit garbage in the landfill, and then a separate assessment on top of it.

Here’s how it was always explained to me: Tipping fees cover operations, as a business. The annual assessment is to maintain landfill regulatory oversight and expansion. The landfill is an enterprise fund, meaning it receives no general fund taxes.

The assessment will raise $2.9 million from 77,000 residential “units.” The cities are excluded.

The county, however, has done a weak job explaining all this to the public. The opposition letters are from citizens who see no benefit to paying $35 a year for the landfill when they’re already paying a hauler or taking garbage to the landfill themselves for a fee.

These aren't social media posts. Citizens took the time by responding to the county's notice. A smattering of those comments:

-- “It is not stated how the monies will be utilized; what percentage of the increase is allocated toward actual disposal costs vs. administrative costs vs. collection costs.”

Bingo. Right on the mark. No breakdown at all. Maybe the county figured few would notice because it’s only a few dollars. Not saying that’s what happened, but clearly the p.r. effort wasn’t there. The county’s having a public hearing, and citizens are still confused why the assessment exists at all. That’s not good.

— “I’m sure I’m not the only taxpaying unincorporated homeowner that believes Citrus County has found a way to push our taxes higher again this year.”

And there ya go. Because the county hasn’t explained this well enough, citizens conclude the assessment is just another way for the county to dip into their wallets. 

— “So, you have $51 million in the bank and want more? Are you nutz?”

I don’t know about that dollar figure but totally understand the opinion, which is printed just as I read it. Several people made reference to the $39 million that CFO Blaise Ingoglia said the county overspent. They see a County Commission and Administrator who haven’t done enough to root out waste before coming after them for more.

— “I am a senior citizen with a medical disability and live on a limited fixed income. Due to increasing medical expenses, the rising cost of living, and other essential household expenses, I am unable to afford this additional assessment.”

I always struggle with this argument. First off, I get it. When the money is tight and necessary expenses are rising, the last thing someone wants is a higher tax. Yet…it’s eight dollars more. Which leads to…

— “My concern is not simply the amount of the assessment, but the principle of charging residents for a service they do not receive.”

Now we’re cutting to the core, and the reason for much confusion. Folks don’t see a direct benefit. They’ll pay the county $35 a year for the landfill and getting, um, what exactly? 

While I always thought that assessment is for landfill upkeep and expansion, its other purposes, outlined on the county’s website, include disposal of hazardous waste, disposal of bulk items and Christmas trees, disposal of scrap metal and electronics.

My question: Why aren’t users paying for those services? Why are they included in the assessment? Probably a logical explanation. I look forward to hearing it.

— “If we have to pay an annual fee for waste management, then why do we pay a monthly service fee for trash pickup?”

Exactly.

-- “The commissioners have allowed the county landfill to increase the fees for citizens to dispose of their solid waste, and to eliminate any discounts for senior citizens’ annual pass to utilize the landfill. All the while the landfill continues to purchase new dumpster trucks (three in the past six years), new pickup trucks, trailers, and utility vehicles for the litter crews, and expanded staff.”

Hmmm.

It’s County Commission Tuesday. You know where to find me. Have a great one, friends.

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