Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Garbage Rate Hikes Proposed in Dyer's $1.85 Billion City Budget
gvw_david_taub
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 10 months ago on
May 18, 2023

Share

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer proposed an increase in garbage collection rates as part of his $1.85 billion 2024 budget on Thursday morning.

However, he declined to estimate how big the potential increase might be.

Residents currently pay $25.37 monthly for garbage pickup (gray bin), as well as $3.87 for green waste (green bin) and $3.74 for recyclables (blue bin). There are discounts for seniors and those using smaller gray bins.

“We haven’t had a raise since 2009,” Dyer said about the garbage collection rates. “That’s 14 years — 14 years of increased salaries, 14 years of increased PG&E rates and other inflationary things” City Hall has absorbed.

Dyer said the solid waste division has depleted its reserves and needs the hike to maintain services. Water and sewer are in a similar position, but Dyer said that he only wanted to ask for one increase at this time.

During his presentation at a special city council meeting, Dyer said the solid waste division has operated from $3 million in the red. The city may need to cover a $12 million deficit. The difference is whether the city fills all vacancies and improves its equipment. Increase in fuel costs also played a part in the proposed rate hike.

If the rate doesn’t go up, the mayor said, City Hall would have to leave positions vacant and it wouldn’t be able to purchase needed vehicles and equipment.

A Tough Sell on City Council

Dyer’s ask to raise rates is likely to meet resistance on the Fresno City Council, especially with an election looming. Five of the seven councilmembers plan to run for an office in 2024.

“We did not want to come forth with a rate increase. Nobody does. No elected official does. Obviously, we haven’t had a rate increase since 2009,” Dyer said.

City councilmen Miguel Arias and Luis Chavez are both running for the same Fresno County Supervisor seat. Both say they are a “hard no.”

Chavez said he is “100% opposed!”

“People are struggling with high gas prices, inflation and rent/mortgage payments.. especially seniors on fixed incomes,” Chavez said.

Arias questioned the need for rates.

“The days of simply passing on higher cost to residents, in my view, are behind us,” he said.

Garry Bredefeld is running for another supervisor seat next year.

“Opposed to any rate increases or tax hikes. Period,” Bredefeld texted.

Tyler Maxwell and Mike Karbassi were inclined to accept a rate hike. Both are running for city council re-election in 2024.

“Looking at any and all options I just don’t want to be one of those politicians who passes the buck,” Karbassi said.

Maxwell would rather not dip into the general fund to cover the shortfall.

“We’d have to cut back on public safety. We probably have to cut back on infrastructure as well,” Maxwell said. “We need to rob Peter to pay Paul.”

Maxwell acknowledges it will be a “lively debate.”

Annalisa Perea is going through her first budget. She says she needs to look at the plan.

Dyer said they could borrow money from another public utility division to “in order to make that less painful on the community.” The city could also lease vehicles instead of buy new, Dyer said.

Rate Increase Subject to Prop 218 Requirements

Dyer noted that PG&E rates have skyrocketed during the past two years. But unlike the situation where ratepayers can do little about electricity and gas rates except complain, Fresnans have a voice in their garbage, water, and sewer rates via Proposition 218.

The intent of Prop. 218 is to ensure that all taxes and most charges on property owners are subject to voter approval.

Under the proposition, a utility increase rate is subject to a protest vote. If a majority of ratepayers protest the hike, usually in the form of a card mailed to the city, the rate increase wouldn’t take effect.

There will be public hearings on the proposed increase and the city council also must approve any change in the rates.

(Source: City of Fresno)

Budget Highlights

Dyer said that his proposed budget “flows from his core vision: an inclusive, prosperous, beautiful city where residents and businesses take pride in their neighborhood and their community. A government that listens, keeps its promises and is owned by the people. A culture that says, ‘We work for you.”

This budget has only limited help from federal pandemic relief ARPA funds totaling $185 million that has been nearly completely spent or budgeted.

Dyer said $38.5 million of ARPA funding carried over from last year will help with housing projects. Dyer also said that the prior ARPA funds were spent on one-time projects, such as the forthcoming 911 dispatch center, and will not require an equal amount of cuts to balance the budget. The center is scheduled to open in 2025.

Potholes, Dyer said, are one of the top issues that Fresno residents want to see addressed. His proposal would result in the repair time dropping from three days down to one. It will also allow fix-it crews to be more proactive to shore up city streets.

Dyer also touted 182 parks and recreation projects in the works, financed by the Measure P sales tax, Proposition 68 funds, and other sources. That is up from six projects just a few years ago.

“With the expectation I think sometimes of people, is that the money comes in, you flip a switch and everything is green. But they don’t realize there’s a design process, a community input process. Then there is a construction process after you do all the design and engineering. So it is a process to get there. That’s why this is a 30 year measure,” Dyer said.

Miscalculation of Measure P Funding

However, Dyer said a miscalculation overestimated last year’s Measure P revenue by $10 million. City accountants failed to factor the portion of the taxes that goes to the county and state. The parks department budgeted on the actual amount that came in, instead of the estimated amount. This year’s budget estimates $48.2 million from the parks sales tax in addition to $39.6 million carried over from last year.

The city council will start budget deliberations on June 5 and it must approve the budget by June 30.

Here is a quick look at the budget:

  • Police Department: The budget includes a total of 900 sworn officers, including 12 positions added with a recent grant; eight emergency dispatchers including two supervisors; safety equipment for officers; an alternate mental health crisis response program.
  • Fire Department: Four new firefighter positions for a total of 375 firefighters; safety equipment and training; lease of two replacement engines and five vehicles.
  • Pothole repairs:  $1,765,100 dedicated pothole crews and equipment.
  • Traffic Safety: 24 new traffic signals; 18 traffic signal modifications and upgrades; nine HAWK pedestrian crossing signals; “quick-build” school safety traffic improvements.
  • Beautify Fresno: Creation of four teams of two employees per team at a cost of $600,000.
  • Parks: Measure P revenue is budgeted at $48.2 million; plus $39.6 million carried over from the last budget. Capital projects include greenspace, trails, and senior/youth activities.

Last year, the city council adopted a $1.7 billion budget.

 

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

Tonight’s Biden Fundraiser With Obama and Clinton Already Nets a Record $25 Million

DON'T MISS

Supermom Carmi Is Ready to Be Embraced by Her Forever Family

DON'T MISS

Ukrainian Navy Says a Third of Russian Warships in the Black Sea Have Been Destroyed or Disabled

DON'T MISS

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP Pick in 2000, Dead at 82

DON'T MISS

Trump Criticizes Judge and His Daughter After Gag Order in Hush-Money Case

DON'T MISS

CA Insurance Market ‘in Chaos,’ Says Former Insurance Commissioner. Can Lara Fix It?

DON'T MISS

Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Sets a Record After Wall Streets Breaks Out of Its Lull

DON'T MISS

House Speaker Mike Johnson Headed to Fresno on April 4

DON'T MISS

Bredefeld, Smittcamp Debate the Salary of Valley Children’s CEO

DON'T MISS

CA’s Liberal Government Has a Long History of Caving to Special Interests

No data was found
David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

Ukrainian Navy Says a Third of Russian Warships in the Black Sea Have Been Destroyed or Disabled

13 hours ago

Wired Wednesday: How Going to Work for Trump Turned Devin Nunes Into a Millionaire

17 hours ago

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP Pick in 2000, Dead at 82

18 hours ago

Trump Criticizes Judge and His Daughter After Gag Order in Hush-Money Case

19 hours ago

CA Insurance Market ‘in Chaos,’ Says Former Insurance Commissioner. Can Lara Fix It?

19 hours ago

Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Sets a Record After Wall Streets Breaks Out of Its Lull

20 hours ago

House Speaker Mike Johnson Headed to Fresno on April 4

20 hours ago

Bredefeld, Smittcamp Debate the Salary of Valley Children’s CEO

20 hours ago

CA’s Liberal Government Has a Long History of Caving to Special Interests

20 hours ago

Corrupt Process? Bullard, Edison Parents Blast Handling of Superintendent Search

20 hours ago

Biden Administration to Lend $1.5B to Restart Michigan Nuclear Power Plant, a First in the US

The federal government will provide a $1.5 billion loan to restart a nuclear power plant in southwestern Michigan, officials announced Wedne...

56 mins ago

56 mins ago

Biden Administration to Lend $1.5B to Restart Michigan Nuclear Power Plant, a First in the US

1 hour ago

Tonight’s Biden Fundraiser With Obama and Clinton Already Nets a Record $25 Million

Animals /
5 hours ago

Supermom Carmi Is Ready to Be Embraced by Her Forever Family

13 hours ago

Ukrainian Navy Says a Third of Russian Warships in the Black Sea Have Been Destroyed or Disabled

Composite image of President Trump and Devin Nunes
17 hours ago

Wired Wednesday: How Going to Work for Trump Turned Devin Nunes Into a Millionaire

18 hours ago

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP Pick in 2000, Dead at 82

19 hours ago

Trump Criticizes Judge and His Daughter After Gag Order in Hush-Money Case

19 hours ago

CA Insurance Market ‘in Chaos,’ Says Former Insurance Commissioner. Can Lara Fix It?

MENU

CONNECT WITH US

Search

Send this to a friend