Solid Waste - Prop 218
PROPOSITION 218
Proposed Solid Waste Rate Increases
Under Proposition 218, the Town of Paradise is required to hold a protest hearing for certain property-related fees, assessments, and charges prior to creation or increase. The Town mailed notices of the proposed solid waste rate increases to all customers. The Town will be holding a formal public hearing at Town Hall on Tuesday May 14, 2024 at 6:00 p.m., prior to any rate increase taking effect.
A list of frequently asked questions has been included below. Specific questions about the proposed rate proceeding can be sent to Susan Hartman, Community Development Director, at shartman@townofparadise.com.
Solid Waste Documents
Proposed Solid Waste Rate Schedule through 2040
Organics collection Starting July 2024
Organics collection Starting September 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Proposition 218?
Proposition 218, or the “Right to Vote on Taxes Act”, was approved by California state voters in November 1996. The Act amended the California constitution to require local governments to follow certain procedures when they impose fees for certain kinds of services in order to ensure that they are subject to voter approval. Prop 218 is a tool designed to provide greater public involvement in the rate-setting process.
Q: Why are there two rate percentages listed in the rate schedule?
There will be two charges that will affect solid waste rates in the future. One is to cover existing solid waste operations consisting of garage, recycling, and green waste collection and processing. Those annual rate adjustments are proposed to be changed from using changes in the CPI (Consumer Price Index) to be calculated off of an Operating Ratio which matches the company’s revenue requirement against actual net revenues and adjusts the rates accordingly. However, there would still be a maximum annual adjustment allowed for those existing services which are 8% for years 2024-2027, 5% for years 2028-2032, and 2.5% for years 2033-2040. Those percentages are listed under each year as “CPI”. In addition, once organics collection (food scraps co-mingled with green waste) begins – no later than September 2024, there will be an additional charge for organics collection and processing which is shown on the rate schedule as “SB 1383 – 10.45%”. Together, those two rate adjustments equal the prices shown on the rate schedule. Currently, there are no facilities in Butte County that can process mixed-organic waste so the materials will be collected and hauled out of county. The state-mandated organics program has necessitated that NRWS purchase additional collection trucks as well as begin weekly collection services for both the solid waste and green waste cans once organics collection begins.
Q: How can I protest the proposed rate adjustments?
You may mail or hand deliver a signed protest letter to the Town Clerk’s Office, 5555 Skyway, Paradise, CA 95969. A protest must be in writing and received no later than 5:00 pm on the date of the hearing or, if presented at the hearing itself, before the close of the public hearing on May 14, 2024.
Q: What needs to be included in my protest?
- The name of person or entity filing the protest; and
- Identification of the property by either assessor’s parcel number or street address; and
- A state of protest (“I/we protest” will suffice); and
- The original signature of the person or authorized representative filing the protest (photocopies, electronic mail, electronic copies, e-comments, or facsimiles will not be accepted).
- Corporations, LLCs, Trust, etc. should include proof of signatory authority.
Q: How can I support or vote “yes” on the proposed rate adjustments?
If you do not wish to oppose the proposed rate increases, no action is necessary. You may also attend the public hearing on May 14, 2024 to voice your support.
Q: When will a decision be made?
The Town Council will decide on the proposed rate increases after hearing from the public. The new solid waste rate charges will be approved by a Resolution if the Council votes in favor of them. The Resolution will apply to all customers and go into effect July 1, 2024.
Q: Can I call, email, or fax in my protest vote?
No, Proposition 218 requires a written protest with an original signature.
Q: How can I learn more about the proposed rate adjustments?
The reason for the proposed rate increases can be found at the top of the webpage through the hyperlink under Solid Waste Documents called “Proposition 218 Notice” and the annual maximum proposed rates can be found under the hyperlink called “Proposed Solid Waste Rate Schedule through 2040”.
Q: How many protests or “no” votes are required to stop the proposed rate adjustments from taking effect?
Proposition 218 requires a simple majority of 50 percent of the parcel owners, plus one.
Q: Why are we proposing to increase the rates by these amounts?
For Town residents and businesses to remain in compliance with new State law requiring organic waste services, which is not funded by the State, the services must be funded through an increase in the solid waste rates charged by the Town’s franchised waste hauler. In addition, the current solid waste rates are not sufficient to maintain services for the reduced post-Camp Fire population being served.
Q: When will the proposed rate increases take effect?
If adopted, the Resolution with the new solid waste rate charges will go into effect for all customers starting July 1, 2024.
