Garbage rates could soon rise for some Merced County residents. Will your bill go up?
Some customers located in unincorporated regions of eastern Merced County will likely see their refuse collection rates rise soon.
Residents served by Winton Disposal, a Waste Management company, are poised to see their bills go up by 3.66%. The company pointed to fluctuations in economic conditions that have impacted operating costs as reason for the price increase.
Winton Disposal provides curbside service for unincorporated areas in the county’s east side, including Planada, Le Grand, Winton, Stevinson, Ballico, Hilmar, Delhi and Snelling.
The Merced County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday narrowly endorsed an ordinance approving the waste collection company’s request for a rate adjustment on account of the inflated operating costs.
The five-person Board was split with Supervisors Rodrigo Espinoza and Scott Silveira voting against the proposed rate hike.
Winton Disposal’s price hike is consistent with Consumer Price Index adjustments over the past year, according to county staff. The CPI measures the average change in the cost of goods and services over time.
“I think this is one year where we don’t want to put the folks that are doing business with the residents of our county in a bind,” Supervisor and Board Chairman Lloyd Pareira said before voting in support of the price adjustment. He cited the ascending cost of fuel and higher minimum wage as factors impacting businesses.
The new rates will become effective 30 days from adoption if officially approved by the Board during a second reading on April 26.
Adjusted rates for monthly collection in each franchise area can be found in the amended ordinance.
Winton Disposal customers will be notified of the rate change by postcard 30 days in advance of it taking effect.
