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AN ORDINANCE relating to solid waste fees charged at recycling and transfer facilities and at the Cedar Hills regional landfill; and amending Ordinance 12564, Section 2, as amended, and K.C.C. 10.12.021.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. The solid waste division of the department of natural resources and parks provides essential public services that protect human health, the environment, and the quality of life in our region.
2. The solid waste division operates the Cedar Hills regional landfill, eight transfer stations, and two drop boxes. It also provides innovative programs to help customers recycle and prevent waste.
3. The solid waste division is an enterprise fund, supporting almost all (ninety-five percent) of its services with a basic fee charged for each ton of municipal solid waste received at county facilities.
4. The solid waste basic fee for 2013-2014 took effect on January 1, 2013, with a further increase scheduled for the 2015-2016 rate period.
5. By achieving efficiencies and refocusing priorities, the division extended the 2013-2014 two-year rate for an additional two years, saving customers twenty-two million dollars in 2015 and 2016.
6. A fee increase can no longer be deferred if the solid waste division is to sustain current services, repay debt on previously approved transfer station projects, plan and provide system handling and disposal capacity into the future and expand recycling programs throughout the system.
7. The proposed new basic fee is less than the 2017 fee projected in the last rate proposal and in line with rates charged by comparable solid waste service providers in the region.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. A. This ordinance proposes changes to the fees currently charged for solid waste disposal at solid waste transfer stations and drop boxes and at the Cedar Hills regional landfill.
B. These fees are established and assessed pursuant to RCW 36.58.040, RCW 70.93.070 and K.C.C. 10.08.040...
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