2019 Proposed Rate Adjustments

stats for rsw collection

Recycling and Solid Waste is committed to providing reliable service at the lowest possible rates. RSW implements a diligent financial planning process to ensure we meet new regulatory requirements and cover increased costs.

The Utility Rate Advisory Commission held several rate meetings throughout the spring and summer which were open to the public. A public hearing about the rates was held at the commission meeting on August 28, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The URAC approved the recommended 3.5-year adjustment to be phased in over time.

Following the commission meetings and rate hearing, the final rate proposal will be presented to the Sacramento City Council at 5 p.m.:

October 22 – File ID 2019-01375, (Pass for Publication) Ordinance Amending the City’s Fee and Charge Report for Recycling and Solid Waste Utility Service Rates
November 5 – File ID 2019-01376, Ordinance Amending City’s Fee and Charge Report for Recycling and Solid Waste Utility Service Rates [Passed for Publication October 22, 2019]
- The item was continued and will be heard at the council meeting on December 3, 2019.

Five year fund table

The proposed rate increase will help address

More processing restrictions and shrinking markets for recyclables mean increase costs to recycle vs recyclables being a revenue stream
New costs associated with securing long term yard waste and organics disposal for food waste collection starting in 2021
Increasing costs for solid waste operations, such as vehicles, maintenance, fuel and disposal fees
Labor cost increases
Landfill maintenance expenses

Looking ahead five years, RSW realized rates need to increase in order to stay financially solvent and provide quality services for our customers.

Five Year forecast table

Stewardship and Planning For the Future

Providing excellent service is only part of our Goal. RSW must also be good stewards of rate payer dollars. Here's how customer dollars are being spent:

pie chart of revenue

Prior to the 2019 rate process, the last rate increase for services was approved in 2015 with adjustments phased in over three years. Operational efficiencies have kept RSW from fully depleting reserves and allowed us to operate the last 18 months without any changes.

By law, a utility must charge what it costs to provide services. All of the rate tables, hearing information, background about why rate increases are necessary and what they cover were included in a notification by mail to all RSW customers 45 days before the August 28th hearing at the Utility Rate Advisory Commission.

SERVICE SATISFACTION – MORE STREET SWEEPING NEEDED

circle with sweeper

A recent survey indicated more than 90 percent of customers are satisfied with the collection services provided by the City. One service that needs improvement is street sweeping. The City is proposing to increase street sweeping service to once a month, February through October, instead of the current six-week schedule. Street sweeping rates have not increased since 2009.

What's Next and More Details

You can view the workshops, rate hearing and the commission agenda packets which provides further details on RSW financials and rates. The final rate proposal will be presented to the Sacramento City Council:

October 22 – File ID 2019-01375, (Pass for Publication) Ordinance Amending the City’s Fee and Charge Report for Recycling and Solid Waste Utility Service Rates
November 5 – File ID 2019-01376, Ordinance Amending City’s Fee and Charge Report for Recycling and Solid Waste Utility Service Rates [Passed for Publication October 22, 2019]

The item was continued to the council meeting on December 3, 2019.

Both meetings begin at 5 p.m.