Proposed Rate Inrease At ERF
Sonora, CA– The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday to discuss approving a rate schedule for the Cal Sierra/Waste Management Earth Resources Facility (ERF).
The ERF on Camage Avenue accepts green waste, brush, slash and stumps from businesses and residents in Tuolumne County. This satellite facility of the Cal Sierra /Waste Management Transfer Station currently charges residents $5.00 per cubic yard.
Because Waste Management has found that the current fees do not cover the basic operating costs, a request of $8.00 per cubic yard at the ERF was proposed.
“I don’t really feel comfortable without really looking at the numbers,” said Supervisor Evan Royce. Royce proposed a substitute motion to direct staff to re-evaluate the rate structure and the calculations of the increase.
Supervisor Randy Hanvelt agreed with Royce and said, “60% is an extreme hardship I think on the local population, and I have a problem with that.” I haven’t seen all the numbers on this part of it, and I would like to see them.”
Supervisor Dick Pland voted against the substitute motion and said, “The numbers are the numbers. All you have to do is walk downstairs and look at the numbers. The numbers have been cleared by our County staff as being legitimate and I don’t know what anybody else needs.”
The board of supervisors voted 3-2 to meet again July 5th at 1:30 pm to review the ERF rate increase. Supervisors Evan Royce, Randy Hanvelt and John Gray voted for the substitute motion to review the ERF rate, while Liz Bass and Dick Pland voted in favor of the increase.
Written by tina.falco@mlode.com
