Hays commissioners will discuss solid waste rate increase options
The Hays City Commission will discuss solid waste collection rates during its work session at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at City Hall, 1507 Main St.
Solid waste services in Hays include refuse and recycling collection, compost operations, the annual fall cleanup and tree disposal. A memo from Director of Public Works Jesse Rohr says expenses have risen over the past several years because of higher hauling and sorting fees for recyclables, personnel costs, much higher equipment costs and increased tipping fees at the Ellis County landfill.
The memo says the Solid Waste Reserve Fund is not being fully funded because of a revenue shortfall. The 2027 budget was prepared and approved with increased revenue as a placeholder for a rate increase, and it will be adjusted depending on the commission's direction.
The city began automated collection in 2007. The last rate increase the commission approved was in 2019, with increases of 10%, 9%, 5%, 2% and 2% over five years.
Staff recommends a graduated rate increase beginning with the first billing cycle in December 2026. Commissioners will review rate increase scenarios, and staff is asking for direction on an appropriate and sustainable structure rather than presenting a formal recommendation on specific rates. Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser is listed as responsible for the item.
