Drafter
Clerk 08/18/2011
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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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PREAMBLE:
King County has been the regional provider of solid waste services since 1988.
King County strives to keep solid waste fees as low as reasonable, while covering the costs of effectively managing the solid waste system and providing service to the residents and businesses of King County including:
a. Protecting human health and the environment;
b. Extending the life of the Cedar Hills regional landfill;
c. Renovating the nearly fifty year old urban transfer system; and
d. Maintaining reserve funds at adequate levels.
The regional provision of solid waste services benefits the region's rate payers through efficiency and economies of scale, resulting in solid waste disposal rates that are among the lowest in the region.
The county is committed to delivering effective regional solid waste services and working collaboratively with the thirty-seven participating cities to develop and implement solid waste policies.
Regional solid waste services are more cost effective and efficient if supported by long-term commitments from entities participating in the system.
Ongoing collaboration in long-range system planning is best supported by early, unambiguous and full commitment to long-term system participation by parties participating in the regional system.
Extension of the current interlocal agreements between the county and thirty-seven cities would allow for long-range system planning and lower solid waste rates to finance planned improvements.
In the absence of long-term system commitments, the county will continue to deliver quality services and will consider policies addressing capital reserves, rates, appropriate capital developments, financing of capital improvements and construction sequencing.
The 2011...

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