[ back ]
SWACO wants to raise trash fees (updated)
(by Linda Dillman - August 03, 2010)
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) is proposing to raise per ton trash fees by $3 in 2011 and again in 2012, pushing the total per ton tipping fee past $40 a ton.
Additional increases could extend into 2014. The Ohio EPA hiked fees by $1.25 in 2009, coupled with a $2 SWACO increase the same year.
"The average family in Central Ohio produces approximately one ton of trash a year, so the increase amounts to an additional 25 cents per month," said Albert Iosue, SWACO's director for planning and projects. "When you turn on the faucet, you expect the water to run. When you flick the switch, you expect light. Likewise, when you put your trash out at the curb, you expect it to be disposed of in an environmentally safe and sound manner. SWACO needs the proposed increase to continue to provide this essential service to the citizens of Franklin County."
SWACO was expected to vote on the increase at the end of July. However, communities like Canal Winchester cried foul, questioned the hike, and mounted a campaign to get SWACO to postpone a decision until later this year.
On July 23, Iosue sent an e-mail to Canal Winchester Mayor Mike Ebert saying the authority moved the timetable back two months.
Iosue noted SWACO contacted many community representatives about the proposed solid waste rate hike and these representatives wanted more time to process the information.
"Based on this feedback, SWACO has decided to postpone the public hearings, vote, and...trustee discussion on the proposed rate increase by two months to allow community members this additional time," wrote Iosue.
Canal Winchester Law Director Gene Hollins said questions need to be asked regarding the proposed rate hike and thought it would be difficult to justify the increase, considering the current economy.
"It's going to affect residents with curbside service," said Ebert during an Aug. 2 Canal Winchester Council meeting, "but it will dramatically affect businesses. If you want to run business out of Franklin County, that's the way to do it, by raising fees."
State Representative Marian Harris said the state legislature is investigating the situation. She said, in order to understand the situation today, the state needs to go back and look at SWACO's original mission.
According to SWACO's most recent financial report, it is one of 52 single and multi-county solid waste management districts established under Ohio's solid waste management program. As a solid waste district, SWACO is responsible for preparing, updating, and implementing a comprehensive plan.
In addition, SWACO operates the landfill, three waste transfer stations, and various recycling and waste reduction programs. SWACO, established in 1989, spent its first two years developing the district management plan before purchasing the Franklin County landfill in 1991.
Tonnage waste receipts grew, reaching a peak of around 817,000 tons in 2009. Solid waste receipts declined and a waiver program for haulers was reigned in to recoup costs, and fees increased by $2.
Over the next 20 years, SWACO expects to embark on an extensive capital improvement program by completing construction of the remaining four phases of the landfill and planning for its eventual closure and replacement. The authority is in the engineering phase of replacing one of three transfer stations and evaluating the capital needs and future uses of the other two stations.
SWACO viewpoint
SWACO's Franklin County sanitary landfill is a publicly owned facility that provides necessary services similar to a public utility for local residents and businesses.
"The proposed increase is not related to declining trash volumes at the landfill," said Iosue. "Rather additional funds are needed to rebuild our Morse Road Transfer Station of which the structural integrity has been called into question."
Iosue stated SWACO needs to break the cycle of debt financing short term operating costs.
"This unwise business practice has resulted in pushing SWACO's debt to approximately $115 million," said Iosue. "We must break this cycle of pancaking operating debt and begin to pay for these expenses as they are incurred."
Iosue added SWACO needs to prepare a western entrance to the landfill.
"The rebuilding of the I-71/665 interchange will severely limit access via the current landfill entrance," said Iosue.
[ back ]
