Metro's fee-setting and budget development meetings
Metro has been taking a thorough look at our fee structure for solid waste disposal in greater Portland. Metro is looking at innovative solutions and best practices to ensure the garbage and recycling system uses public money wisely and is responsible, transparent and equitable to everyone who uses, works in or is otherwise impacted by garbage and recycling services.
In December 2021, Metro hosted two virtual meetings focused on the best practices of utility fee setting. These meetings provided a look at how fees are established and what we can do to improve our process.
Metro hosted a forum on Jan. 26, 2022 that was designed specifically for local government partners to learn more about Metro’s budget setting process, WPES’ potential budget and its impact on solid waste fees.
On March 31, 2022, the Metro Council held a third session on solid waste fee setting. The conversation focused on:
1) changes to the criteria that will inform and guide decision making on fee setting
2) the short-term fee scenario approach for this fiscal year and the potential changes to the model in the long-term.
Metro hosted a forum on April 7, 2022 specifically designed for local government partners to learn more about the WPES' proposed budget. This forum was in addition to the public meetings and public hearings scheduled as part of the FY 2022-23 budget development process. Please see the WPES Fee and Budget Engagement FAQs for more information about the public hearing process.
Metro also collected and answered frequently asked questions about the fee-setting and budget development process. Below is a document outlining the history of disposal fees from 1979 to 2022.
April 7, 2022 WPES budget forum
March 31, 2022 Metro Council work session
Jan. 26, 2022 WPES budget development forum
Dec. 16, 2021 Metro Council work session
Dec. 14, 2021 Expert Panel on utility fee setting