The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted 4-0 to deny proposed increases in solid waste fees. The decision was made to keep fees stable for residents, with Commissioners opposed to any fee increases. Commissioner Brian Hawkins was absent from the meeting.
The proposed fee increases, submitted by Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., a government consulting firm, suggested a 4.75 percent increase in fees beginning January 1, 2027. The proposed fee structure included increases for bulk items measured in tons, with the following rates: Class I MSW / Sludge / PSW would have increased from $62.47 to $63.37 per ton, Yard Waste from $56.27 to $57.09 per ton, and Tires (Automobile / Semi) from $154.88 to $157.13 per ton. The Collection Assessment would have remained unchanged at $237.17, while the Disposal Assessment (Single / Multi) would have increased from $98.04 to $102.70.
The BOCC directed Scott Harper and staff to consider cuts to services such as recycling and acceptance of large materials like construction and demolition (C&D) waste and mobile homes. The matter will come back before the board following revisions.
The Hernando County Solid Waste department provides services to residents and businesses, including collection and disposal of various types of waste. The department’s fee structure is designed to ensure profitability while providing essential services to the community.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
