May2, 2024
Skagit County to host Public Hearing on Proposed Solid Waste Fee Updates
The Board of Skagit County Commissioners will host a public hearing on the proposed new solid waste rates on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 8:30am in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room, 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon.
On September 12, 2023, the Skagit County Commissioners approved a contract with a new vendor, Waste Management, to provide solid waste services in the unincorporated areas. Both bids submitted for the contract had a 40% increase in transport and disposal costs over the previous contract. As a result of the cost increase, Skagit County Public Works conducted a solid waste rate study to ensure rates were sufficient to stay solvent. The final rate study report can be viewed on our website. Public Works staff presented a new proposed rate structure to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Solid Waste System Governance Board, with the new structure ultimately recommended for approval to the Skagit County Commissioners in April.
The proposed rate structure would result in an average 30% increase in costs for customers. The public is encouraged to comment on the proposal by either submitting written comments via e-mail to Margo Gillaspy, Solid Waste Division Manager, at margog@co.skagit.wa.us, or mailed comments may be sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Citizens can also provide verbal testimony at the public hearing either in-person or via Zoom at the link on the County Commissioner’s website.
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