Waste Management Rates
While on the morning dog walk, I met up with a nearby resident and we talked some about my city council campaign. She asked about the waste management rates and stated her dissatisfaction with the city for not having gone out for a competitive bid on waste management services. I share her frustrations with how the city manages the franchised waste management contractor. In general, I find the service we receive from the franchised contractor is good. However, I do have concerns regarding our city’s waste management franchise agreement compared to that of other cities in San Luis Obispo County. I also have questions about add-ons to the waste rate; i.e, $0.31/month for IWMA Fee.
In the year 2020, I did a deep dive investigation into our city rates in comparison to other cities and municipalities. Here’s what I did then. I haven’t checked or updated it since then, so consider it ‘out of date’. The 2013 Franchise Agreement terms however have not changed much since then.
A survey of city waste rates in the County of San Luis Obispo from the year 2020.
The City of Paso Robles Residential and Commercial Waste Rates; June 17, 2020
Then a look at some of the terms in the 2013 Waste Management Franchise Agreement
Paso Robles Trash Collection Rate Study—Part 1; June 26, 2020
Since this study, the rates have gone up. The Franchise Agreement with Paso Waste was extended 5 years in January 2022 from the year 2027 to the year 2032. The IWMA rate charges to haulers have changed, making the current IWMA Fee charge obsolete. Yet, it remains. Per a June 21, 2022 city council decision, the city started waiving the franchise fees then to offset Paso Waste’s increased IWMA charges, charges on the hauler.
We get good service from Paso Robles Waste, but our waste management rates have been the highest in the county. These costs are an integral part of ‘putting a roof over your head’. From my view of things, and I’ve been looking closely over the years, the city council can do more to manage the cost of city services.
Should the city put the contract out for a competitive bid? This was set to occur in 2027, but in January 2022 the city extended the current contract end date to the year 2032. According to the city, the extension was required because Paso Waste needed to build an anaerobic digester. I protested this extension because the decision to build an anaerobic digester was premature and needed to wait until after SLO County had assessed capacity needs for such a service. This was a State of California requirement on SLO County. I was correct. It was later found that this capacity was not needed, and I understand that Paso Waste and the City of Paso Robles found that an anaerobic digester would not be a cost effective thing to do.
I fought the contract extension, but Steve Gregory and the city council approved it. See the image below of meeting minutes for that city council item. Here are my public comments on this item: City Council Meeting Agenda, January 18, 2022; Item #21: Approval of Amendment to Paso Waste & Recycle Franchise Agreement to 2032.
Per a June 21, 2022 city council decision, the city started waiving the franchise fees then to offset Paso Waste’s increased IWMA charges, charges on the hauler. This should have eliminated the IWMA Fee charge on our monthly Paso Waste bill. However, the monthly IWMA Fee is still being charged. This is a point of contention between me, Paso Waste, and the City of Paso Robles. (more to come)
It is expected that waste management rates with Paso Waste will be updated soon; possibly shortly after the city council election. I expect the rates will increase. Would you like a close look at our waste management rates? Can your incumbents be counted on to scrutinize waste management costs and rates?
It might be important to note now that Steve Gregory’s current city council campaign has received the following contributions:
08-26-2024; Dale W. Gomer—CEO, Paso Robles Waste & Recycle $249.00
09-03-2024; Mark Perry—Manager, Paso Robles Waste & Recycle $249.00
Source: Gregory CA Form 460 2024-09-24
Not super large contributions compared to other Gregory contributors, but in my opinion, they are not insignificant. Personally, as a council member or council candidate—I would not accept contributions from Paso Robles Waste & Recycle owners or employees. A council member has the responsibility to their constituents to be free of any potential or perceived conflicts of interest.
My city council campaign is 100% self-funded.
