Council Vice Chair Hague: This is not the time to raise rates beyond inflation

September 24, 2012

Summary

County Council passes increase of solid waste fee

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today set a two-year rate for the county’s solid waste system. Council Vice Chair Jane Hague voted against the ordinance, saying now is not the time to ask ratepayers for increased fees.

“I did not support this increase as it is over 10 percent and significantly above inflation while tonnage has dropped by 20 percent,” said Hague. “It’s also a 50 percent increase over the last five years.”

Hague supports the outreach efforts by the County’s Solid Waste Division when setting the rate but said cities in District 6 have concerns about this increase. Without further savings and long term planning efforts, she could not support the adopted increase.

Regarding another efficiency initiative between cities and the county, Hague is hopeful continued negotiations with the 37 cities that are part of the Solid Waste Interlocal Agreement will result in long-term savings for customers.