KINGMAN – Kingman sanitation service rates could be going up early next year for some customers. Yet to be scheduled public hearings could see the Municipal Utilities Commission considering increasing solid waste program rate hikes in August that Finance Director Tina Moline said could be implemented in January or February.
A year-long study of Kingman’s solid waste program was the focus of 75 minutes of presentation and discussion during the May 19 city council meeting. Council directed its consultants and staff to move forward with activity and a public hearing schedule that could result in rate increases in early 2021.
Wildan and Associates and SCS Engineers examined a number of scenarios involving continuing or ending commercial service, reviving suspended recycling activity and the possibility of privatization. Public Works Director Rob Owen told Council members he strongly supports keeping the solid waste program in house with 18 staff members retaining city employment.
“I’m just real proud,” Owen said. “I think our solid waste department is recognized probably more than any of our other divisions with the exceptional customer service that they provide.”
Several Council members spoke in favor of a municipal solid waste program, but they’re not sure how it will look once consultant recommendations are vetted through a public information campaign. Mayor Jen Miles and Council members said citizen input will be very important going forward.
Elected city officials said that a significant portion of the citizenry wants Kingman to engage in recycling but that changes in the market for recycled materials has had most communities discontinuing or ending recycling services because operations are not cost effective.
The consultants are recommending that Kingman should refrain from recycling given market factors. They also noted that the City’s 11,581 residential customers are heavily subsidizing those in the commercial class sector.
Accordingly, the consultants have recommended a 35 percent increase in commercial sanitation rates and keeping residential rates the same next year. Commercial rates would jump 48 percent and residential rates would be up just under 10 percent by fiscal 2024 under the model recommended by the consultants.
They’ve also recommend exploring cost savings through reducing pick up service from twice to once a week. It was noted that Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City have privatized sanitation with once a week pickup.
“Most of the country is on once a week service. It’s something we recommend that you consider,” said SCS’s Bob Gardner.
City Manager Ron Foggin said the City would need a waiver around a legal requirement for twice weekly service and he said once a week service may not be popular with the public. “You end up with some folks who will be unhappy,” Foggin said.
- Dave Hawkins
I would be so happy to only have a once a week pickup! I never use the twice a week service and get frustrated when I have to pay for something I don’t use.
I would like to know for how long has residential properties been subsidizing commercial properties & by how much. Would like to know if we can have the commercial properties subsidize the residential for the same amount for as many years.
Why not have pick up every other week. If a resident wants a second can for half price a month. Less driving, less wear and tear on the truck and you would save in fuel