MADERA COUNTY — In a unanimous vote today, Madera County Supervisors approved resolutions to increase tipping fees at Fairmead Landfill and the North Fork Transfer Station, and increase franchise hauler fees for collection and disposal at Fairmead Landfill, by contracted haulers Emadco Disposal Service and Redrock Environmental Group.
Emadco serves unincorporated areas of Eastern Madera County, while Redrock services unincorporated areas in the San Joaquin Valley, along with Chowchilla, and Madera Ranchos.
The new rate will only be charged to the residents of the unincorporated areas of Madera County that are serviced by contracted haulers Emadco and Red Rock. The City of Fresno, City of Madera and the City of Chowchilla will not see a rate increase and will continue to pay a rate of $22.58 per ton.
According to the resolution, current rates charged at the Fairmead Landfill will increase from $22.58 to $40 per ton, representing an 80 percent increase. The North Fork Transfer Station fee will be increased from $45.58 to $67.12 per ton. Both resolutions become effective January 1, 2017.
During today’s public hearing Dan Rule, past president of the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, objected on behalf of the Chamber to the fee increase, on the grounds that it unfairly burdens the residents of the unincorporated areas of the county.
District 2 Supervisor David Rogers noted that the expense of hauling trash for county residents who are farther away from the landfill is greater than for others.
Former Emadco General Manager Brian Negley also addressed the Board, citing concerns about what he says is inaccurate data provided to the Board by staff, and urged the Supervisors to delay the decision on the rate increase.
Chief Administrative Officer Eric Fleming cautioned the Board that any delay would increase their financial liabilities, due to outstanding loans and the need to meet operating costs.
District 1 Supervisor Brett Frazier emphasized that the County’s goal is not to make a profit, rather to cover the expenses of running the landfill.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the increases.
For Emadco customers, Madera County staff has projected that the average residential bill will increase by 12 percent, about $2.76 per household, per month.
The Board meets regularly each month in the Board Chambers of the County Government Center in Madera. The public is invited to attend and participate, or watch the meetings live streaming online. All meetings and applicable documents are archived on the County’s website.
Any member of the public wishing to bring a matter to the attention of the Board may contact the Clerk of the Board to request the item be placed on the agenda.
