The purpose of the work session is to review the efforts to date and to solidify the Solid Waste Collection Pickup and Hauling Billing System. Below you will find an overview of the Solid Waste Collection program discussions and an outline of the billing program.

• August 21, 2023: Special Meeting
  •  First Reading, Ordinance No. 2023-2282: Modification of the Solid Waste Collection System
    •  Move to a single hauler system from an open market system.
    • The proposed ordinance included updated edits to satisfy collection and rate methods, holidays, single hauler authorization, C&D special permit, insurance amount increases, and local office mandate.
    • Motion made to approve the ordinance upon its first reading with changes.
    •  Motion passed 3-0. Ayes: Altman, Davis, Mothershead; Absent: Murphy, Peters

• September 5, 2023: City Council Meeting
  •  Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2023-2282: Modification of the Solid Waste Collection System
    •  The current hauler system is an open market system allowing City residents to select which hauler for solid waste collection.
    • Modification of Ordinance would move to a one waste hauler.
    • Motion made to approve the ordinance striking out the following language from Section 10.24(b) "The city manager shall not make adjustments to the commercial collection fees for intermittent, short-term, frequent or un-sustained changes in levels of service or based upon the actual use of the receptacles. Undeveloped properties shall be charged a fee for yard waste removal and administrative fees, only."
    • Motion Passed 4-1. Ayes: Altman, Davis, Murphy, Peters; Nays: Mothershead
  • Resolution No. 2023-22: Initial Assessment Resolution for Solid Waste Collection Services
    • Resolution would allow the City to assess all properties a Non-Ad Valorem assessment on the County annual tax roll.
    • Clarification – this would be a separate assessment by the City on the county tax bill. The County assessment for solid waste is for use of the land fill; this assessment would continue.
    • Motion was made to deny the item as presented.
    •  Motion passed 3-2. Ayes: Altman, Mothershead, Murphy; Nays: Davis, Peters
  •  Interlocal Agreement between the City of New Port Richey and Pasco County Property Appraiser RE: Solid Waste
    •  Interlocal agreement with the Property Appraiser would allow the County to assess City properties a Non-Ad Valorem assessment on the county annual tax bill.
    • Motion made to deny the item as presented.
    •  Motion passed 3-2. Ayes: Altman, Mothershead, Murphy; Nays: Davis, Peters
  •  Interlocal Agreement between the City of New Port Richey and Pasco Tax Collector RE: Solid Waste
    • Interlocal agreement with the County would allow the Tax Collector to collect payments on City properties for a non-ad valorem assessment on the county annual tax bill.
    • Motion made to deny the item as presented.
    •  Motion passed 3-2. Ayes: Altman, Mothershead, Murphy; Nays: Davis, Peters
      
      
•  November 21, 2023, City Council Meeting
  •  Solid Waste Single Hauler Program Overview
    • Discussion related to the adoption of the City’s single waste hauler program elements and methodology. Recommendation is to bill all property owners via direct bill with the program beginning 3/2/2024.  Residential property owners billed quarterly. Commercial property owners billed monthly. HOA’s have the option to complete an application with the City taking financial responsibility for the collection and remittance of solid waste collection fees to the City.
    •  Motion was made to approve staff’s recommendations as follows:
      •  Residential services are to be billed quarterly
      •  Commercial services and HOA's billed monthly
      •  Property owners directly billed for services
      •  Implementation delayed until March 2, 2024
    •  Motion passed 4-1. Ayes: Davis, Mothershead, Murphy, Peters; Nays: Altman
      
      

     Solid Waste Collection direct billing implementation:

    •  Residential – 2x per week pick-up for all property owners, billed quarterly.
    •  Commercial – monthly billing to all commercial property owners based on level of service.
    •  HOA - properties currently managed by an HOA that pay for solid waste collection in their HOA dues can be excluded from the residential quarterly billing. In which case, the HOA would be required to complete an application with the City prior to the first residential billing.  By completing the application, HOA’s are taking the financial responsibility and promise to remit payments monthly for the properties listed on the application.
    •  Vacant properties – will not be billed until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Development Department.