Countywide : County May Reduce Garbage Pickup Fees
County officials are recommending a reduction in garbage pickup fees after a recent study found that residents in unincorporated areas of Orange County pay more for refuse collection than those in comparable cities with no difference in service levels.
Although the amount of rate reduction was not specified in the study, the Board of Supervisors is expected to consider the recommendation next week and endorse plans to renegotiate agreements with local franchise haulers.
The study, conducted by the accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche, found that the 156,000 residents in unincorporated areas pay about $2 more each month at the lowest end of the fee range than residents in comparable cities.
Supervisor Gaddi H. Vasquez, who initiated the review in November, said the county should begin re-evaluating the formulas for establishing rates and work to bring reductions to consumers as soon as possible.
One possible way to effect reductions, Vasquez said, could have the county take over responsibility for billing residents for garbage collection. Currently, the county’s six franchise haulers bill customers directly.
Average monthly rates for cities ranged between $8.52 and $12.25 per month, while the county rates averaged between $10.51 and $11.82.
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