BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will soon notify residents and commercial businesses about proposed adjustments and increases to the city’s solid waste rate. If approved at a Public Hearing on October 27, 2020, the rate adjustments will be effective starting July 1, 2021. Future increases will also happen annually for the next five years. The hearing will begin at 7:00 p.m. October 27.
The city has not suggested an adjustment to the solid waste rate since 2011. Public Works Director Shana Epstein told Canyon News that new regulations, change in the recycling markets, and 10 years of compounding expenses are the reasons behind the rate adjustment, and why there has not been one since then.
“While we understand the hardships many are facing during COVID-19, we have worked to ensure this rate increase is minimal to continue providing a high quality service to the community,” Epstein said in a statement.
Beginning in 2021, a single-family residential 6,620 square-feet lot, will see a bimonthly increase of $6.75 while multi-family residential housing will see an increase of $5.38 per unit. Commercial and residential services will also experience changes in addition to the possible rate adjustments.
The city defines residential customers as those who live in a single-family or multi-family residential property with two or more dwelling units with alley service. Commercial customers are in business settings, including but not limited to retail sales, services, wholesale operations, manufacturing, and industrial operations. Multi-family residential properties are considered commercial if they do not have alley service and have a metal bin.
According to a press release, the new rates will ensure enough revenues are available to deliver services to the community.
“As the cost to provide solid waste services continues to increase for the city, customer rates are reviewed regularly to ensure that customers pay the correct charges for the type of service they receive,” the statement reads.
In January 2020, an analysis of the commercial and residential solid waste rates was conducted. The Solid Waste Rate Analysis gives three scenarios that generate the required revenues to meet the solid waste program’s projected expenses for future years. A draft of it, created by HF&H Consultants, was included in the City Council’s July 14 and August 18 Study Session Meeting Staff Reports.
Discussions about the topic began at the Public Works Commission in March, then with the City Council Liaison in May, and recently in City Council Study Sessions in July and August, Epstein said.
The two Virtual Town Hall Meetings are scheduled to occur on Thursday, October 1, and Tuesday, October 20, at 6:00 p.m. Visit beverlyhills.org/solidwasterates to view meeting information, proposed fees, and service changes. Public Works Customer Service can also answer questions at 310-285-2467 or via email at AskPW@beverlyhills.org.
