The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors approved an increase in solid waste fees Tuesday morning, raising the garbage rate for those in unincorporated areas by just under three percent.

Stanislaus County residents who reside in Areas 1 (Salida, Keyes, Crows Landing, Grayson and Westley), 2 (Knights Ferry and Valley Home Area), 3 (Denair, Empire, Hickman and La Grange) and 4 (unincorporated areas within the City of Turlock) subscribed to residential basic service including one 90-gallon cart, curbside recycling and bulky item collection will see an increase in fees beginning July 1, ranging from a 2.52 percent increase to a 2.93 percent increase.

Adjustments to rates for commercial bins range from a 2.76 percent increase to a 2.98 percent increase, and drop-box haul charge adjustments range from a 1.15 percent increase to a 1.17 percent increase.

According to Director of Environmental Resources Jami Aggers, the last time solid waste fees decreased rather than increased was two or three years ago. Since then, rates have continued to climb.

“Every year, the rate increase or decrease is evaluated on a case-by-case basis,” said Aggers. “It’s affected by the economy.”

In Area 4, which includes areas of Turlock, current rates will increase by 2.82 percent, increasing the rate for one can from $15.95 to $16.40 and two cans from $22.82 to $23.46. Unincorporated areas in Denair can expect an increase of 2.52 percent, with the rate for one can going from $14.91 to $15.29 and two cans increasing from $22.94 to $23.52.

Solid waste fee rates are determined according to a consumer price index, and the upcoming Fiscal Year marks the final year in which rates can be lowered or raised before new base rates are established.

After adopting base rates for solid waste in 2008, the Board also approved a way to annually adjust the rates. Beginning on July 1, 2009, base rates are able to be increased or decreased every four years, with the fifth year providing a detailed cost of service study to establish new base rates. Then, they may once again be increased or decreased during the following four years.

The Board held a public hearing Tuesday morning as well, at which no one spoke on the subject. According to Aggers, this is the norm for most solid waste fee increases.

“That’s pretty common,” she said. “Generally, they’re accepted.”

To view the approved increases to solid waste fees, visit www.stancounty.com/bos/agenda/2017/20170627/PH905.pdf.