Solid Waste Surcharge for Storm-Debris Reserve
Summary
The city will raise solid waste rates about $3.63 a month to build a $5 million hurricane debris reserve over seven years, after spending $11.2 million on debris in five years and draining general fund reserves in 2024.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 28, 2026.
Impact analysis
Typical residential solid waste bill rises from $35.05 to $38.68 a month starting June 1, 2026.
All solid waste customers get faster debris pickup and less risk of millage hikes after storms.
Ratepayers absorb the monthly increase, equivalent to roughly a 10% enterprise fund increase.
Mentions & discussions (3)
City Commission Workshop - Budget - Jul 28, 2026
The solid waste fund is spending more than it takes in, and a new storm debris reserve fee starts August 1. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch pushed on whether composting could cut landfill costs, and the Vice Mayor asked for a clear bottom-line accounting of what recycling actually costs versus saves.
City Commission (Regular) - May 18, 2026
Every solid waste account will pay an extra $3.63 a month to build a $5 million disaster debris reserve over seven years. It passed 4-1, with the Vice Mayor arguing the flat fee hits poor households hardest.
City Commission (Regular) - Feb 17, 2026
The city will raise solid waste rates about $3.63 a month to build a $5 million hurricane debris reserve over seven years, after spending $11.2 million on debris in five years and draining general fund reserves in 2024.
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