County proposes hefty rate increase for garbage hauling

Just two years after an increase in refuse fees, Lincoln County residents are facing another jump along with annual increases through the end of the decade.

Two years ago, county commissioners approved a $15 annual increase that increase fees from $135 to $150. They noted it was the first increase since 2008.

This proposed increase is much more substantial with a planned jump to $200 a year, beginning Oct. 1. That’s a 33.3% increase.

On top of that, the commissioners are proposing 2.5% yearly increase that would put the annual refuse fee at $220.76 in Fiscal Year 2029-30.

There are also a number of proposed increases for those hauling various types of waste to the county landfill.

The commissioners will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed fee increases at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13. The hearing will be held in the commission meeting room in the county courthouse on California Avenue in Libby.

The commission says the proposed increases are meant, “to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of solid waste operations, including maintenance of landfill infrastructure, remote collection sites and the handling of special and hazardous materials.”

Here’s a look at the proposed fee increases for taking waste to the landfill:

- Construction and demolition debris, sorted, will increase from the current fee of $8 per cubic yard to $12 per cubic yard;

- Unsorted loads, which could be refused or penalized $24 per cubic yard, will increase to $45 per cubic yard;

- Concrete, rock and dirt (unusable as cover), will increase from $8 to $12 per cubic yard;

- Material with asbestos will increase from $32 to $40;

- Stumps, less than six cubic yards, will maintain a $45 per load cost. Instead of more than six cubic yards costing $100 per load, six to 12 cubic yards will cost $100 per load and more than 12 cubic yards of stumps will cost $200.

- Tire costs will increase from $1.75 to $2.50 while truck tires will see a decrease from $4 to $2.50;

- Commercial brush and wood waste would increase from no charge to $10 per cubic yard;

- Freon/CFC Evacuation (refrigerators and air conditioners) would increase to $10 per unit;

- An uncovered load would be subject to a $48 fee;

- Interest on past due invoices would be subject to a fee of 1.5 percent.

Those seeking more information or wishing to submit comments before the hearing should contact county Health Department Director Kathi Hooper by email at khooper@libby.org, in person at 418 Mineral Avenue, Libby, or by phone at 283-2440.

Written comments may be submitted in advance to the commission office or presented in person at the Aug. 13 meeting.