Board Saves Money for Waste Management Customers

Warren County customers of Waste Management for garbage collection outside the city limits can expect a credit on their first quarter bill, due on April 1, reflecting refunds on bills customers received in December.

Although an annual increase for service is allowed under the existing Waste Management contract, failure to notify the Warren County Board of Supervisors in advance of the fee increase prompted an action by the supervisors to seek a one-time refund.

According to Board President Kelle Barfield, Waste Management is justified in raising certain elements of the service price in alignment with the region’s Consumer Price Index, but other aspects of contract requirements were missed by the company.

“We know that is never pleasant when the cost of basic services increases, but the contract with Waste Management, which is in effect until 2025, allows them to recover their cost of providing services such as fuel, insurance and payroll,” said Barfield. 

In a separate action, the Board of Supervisors did not approve a request from Waste Management to increase administrative fees for customers. The company sought fee increases from $6.50 to $8.50. Barfield pointed out that this administrative fee can be eliminated entirely for any customer who signs up for electronic billing and payment of the quarterly charges. She added that customers will see the full impact of a 9% Consumer Price Index increase to their service costs in the second quarter, for bills that will be due July 1.