The Solana Beach City Council approved a rate increase for EDCO during its June 18 meeting.
According to a city staff report, the rate increase that EDCO requested is based on a 3.12% consumer price index increase from 2023 to 2024, and a 3.42% tipping fee increase from $55.69 to $57.59 per ton.
The rate for residential services will increase from $30.67 to $31.60 for the standard 96-gallon cart, following the council’s approval, and the commercial rate will increase from $133.89 to $137.93 for a 3-yard bin picked up once a week. The new rates will go into effect on July 1.
Under the city’s franchise agreement with EDCO, EDCO can ask for a yearly rate review based on changes in the consumer price index and tipping fee. The Regional Solid Waste Association regulates the tipping fee for Solana Beach and other member agencies.
“We hope that the understanding of the rate increases are based on the economic factors that we are experiencing as a company, just as you’re experiencing in your homes with increases in power and other utilities, we are experiencing the same increases,” said Matthew Cleary, EDCO general manager. “It’s a very nominal increase.”
Residents and commercial customers received notification through the mail on the proposed rate increases in the leadup to the council vote, with an opportunity to submit a formal protest vote against the rate increases. Fifty percent of Solana Beach’s property owners would have to submit protest votes to stop the new rates from taking effect.
The city only received a protest vote from one property owner, according to the city clerk. Solana Beach City Councilmember David Zito also said the city received a few letters in support of the rate increases.
“Never had that before,” Mayor Lesa Heebner said.