Agreement phases in increased landfill fees for Minden, Gardnerville

Increased tipping rates at the Carson City Landfill will be phased in for the towns of Minden and Gardnerville.

On Thursday, Carson City supervisors voted 4-1 to approve interlocal agreements with the towns that will set a lower rate for one year as they transition to the new rates.

Gardnerville Town Manager Erik Nilssen said Gardnerville residents are already facing an 8 percent increase in rates this summer.

The phase-in agreement will give the town “a little time to adjust,” he said.

According to the agreements, the out-of-city rate for solid waste for those two customers will be $66 a ton for one year before the higher rates kick in.

The town of Minden plans to discuss the increased fees this year. Both towns offer trash collection within their boundaries, while Douglas Disposal or South Tahoe Refuse serve the rest of Douglas County.

Tipping fee rates at the landfill are slated to rise July 1, but the good news for Carson residents is the $10 minimum charge will remain the same.

Two readings are required for a new ordinance to be adopted. The rates will affect tipping fees at the landfill, not trash collection services at homes.

Supervisor Stacey Giomi voted against the new rates and interlocal agreements. After the hearing, he told the Appeal he wants the landfill to support itself but couldn’t get behind the ordinance as written.

“I want to make sure citizens are not overburdened,” Giomi told the Appeal.

Under the new ordinance, the rate for Carson residents disposing of solid waste will increase from $24 a ton to $30 a ton, with a $10 minimum charge remaining the same. The out-of-city fee for solid waste will increase from $58 a ton to $74 ton, with the minimum charge rising from $30 to $42.

Supplemental charges will also be added to some items. Appliances with refrigerants, for ex-ample, will cost $25 for Carson residents to dispose of and $50 for those out of city. Tire disposal will depend on tire size and range from $7 each to $30 each for residents or double the price for out-of-city customers.

Giomi was not the only supervisor concerned about the interlocal contracts. Supervisor Maurice White appreciated the cooperation with neighbors but added, “We also have to take care of Carson City.”

“I think they’re just protecting residents the same way we are,” added Mayor Lori Bagwell.

According to Public Works, the new rates will raise roughly $1 million a year for capital improvements and operations, including a new tipping facility. The 212-acre landfill has been run by Public Works since 2000 and hasn’t seen a rate change since 2011. The landfill has 56 percent of volume remaining and could last another 20 years, according to the city.