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Hernando Today

Commission Holds Line On Solid Waste Assessments

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: June 17, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - With homeowners having to contend with the rising costs of groceries and gas, there is at least one thing that will stay the same price for now.
Their solid waste assessment.
"We're going to hold the line on the rate for this fiscal year," County Utilities Director Joseph Stapf said during a 40-minute presentation Tuesday before county commissioners.
While assessments may not change, the possibility of a hike in curbside collections is ever-present. With fuel prices soaring, it's difficult to say when the county's three waste haulers will ask for a rate adjustment to cover operating costs, Stapf said.
The contracts for Central Carting, Waste Management and Seaside Sanitation are not due for renewal or renegotiation until 2010. But that doesn't prevent them asking for rate adjustments any time, as they did last year when they cited rising fuel and insurance costs.
Currently, single-family households pay $170.09 a year, which includes a $63.05 solid waste assessment and $107.04 average annual curbside collection charge.
By comparison, Marion County residents pay $253.96 a year; Citrus County, $236; Pasco, $212.68; Pinellas, $168; Hillsborough, $193.60.
Like other department heads, Stapf is exploring cost-cutting options to meet the demands of a slimmer overall budget.
"We're part of the county and our costs need to be held in line like everyone else — there's no doubt about that," Stapf said.
To that end, Stapf said he will soon reduce the number of full-time employees from 58 to 55.
Because construction projects have dropped off considerably, Stapf said he is hopeful he can get a good price on the new 26-acre cell planned for the Hernando County landfill on U.S. 98.
A lower construction cost means lower debt service, he said.
Stapf said he talked with the purchasing department about rebidding or restructuring leases on his department's heavy equipment to save money.
Stapf also showed commissioners, via a slide presentation, the continuing problem of illegal trash dumping. Large appliances, furniture and even speedboats have been left on the side of local roads, he said.
But that is a national problem and is not confined to Hernando County, he said.
Finally, Stapf is looking at reducing operating expenses of running the county recycling program.
Currently, the county is spending $2.2 million to recover $1.3 million worth of recyclables, he said.
And while he is not mandated to continue recycling, it is clear that is the direction county commissioners want to go.
Commissioners stressed Tuesday the need to explore cost-saving recycling programs, especially glass.
Hernando County has not been collecting glass products for fear of contamination issues — glass breaking within collection vehicles and the shards ending up in other materials.
Also, the market for glass has lessened with the introduction of more plastic products, Stapf said.

In other news:

At the request of County Commissioner Diane Rowden, the board voted to discuss a developer's request for a special exception use permit for a 275-unit, four-story assisted living facility on the west side of Grove Road, off State Road 50 . The center would serve active seniors 55 and older.
Planning and zoning commissioners last week went against a recommendation of county staffers and voted 4-1 to approve the permit, albeit with a laundry list of improvements including upgrading of Grove Road.
Rowden said the four-story complex is inconsistent with the area.
The matter will be placed on an upcoming county agenda.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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