Washington County Board of Commissioners AM Work Session, 06/09/26 (Part 1)

The Washington County Board of Commissioners held a work session on June 9, 2026, focusing primarily on solid waste and recycling services procurement and rate adjustments. Staff presented recommendations to reappoint a member to the Garbage and Recycling Advisory (GRA) Committee and detailed the annual rate review process for garbage and recycling collection services in unincorporated Washington County. The discussion included a proposed 3.5% rate increase for urban residential customers and a 5.6% increase for rural residential customers to address cost disparities and rising operational expenses, including disposal and corporate overhead costs. The board also reviewed a proposed one-time cost adjustment for refrigerant-containing device disposal and a significant rate increase for medical waste collection due to increased transportation and processing costs. The GRA unanimously supported the staff recommendations, and the board was asked to provide direction and authorize staff to return with an action item for approval at the June 23 meeting. The session included detailed financial analyses, stakeholder support from haulers, and considerations of a reduced rate program for eligible households receiving a 75% discount on monthly bills.