HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6.3 Garbage Rate Increase 600 3)
CITY OF DUBLIN
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: January 14, 1990
SUBJECT: Public Hearing: Garbage Rate Increase
VJ(Prepared by: Paul S. Rankin, Assistant City Manager)
EXHIBITS ATTACHED: 1 . JRRRC Review of 1991 Rate Application
History of City of Dublin Garbage Rates.
� 3. Resolution Amending the Schedule of Service Rates
for Solid Waste Collection
4. Letter of Agreement for Use of Special Garbage Rate
Surcharge
RECOMMENDATION: Open Public Hearing, Receive Staff Report, Receive
Public Testimony, Close Public Hearing, Adopt
Resolution and Authorize the Mayor to Execute the
Letter of Agreement
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Under the proposed adjustment, single can service
would increase to $8.55 per month.
DESCRIPTION:
At the regular meeting on December 10, 1990, the City Council discussed the
findings of the Joint Refuse Rate Review Committee (JRRRC) apalysis of the
1991 Oakland Scavenger Company rate application. In accordance with State
Law, a public hearing date was set for January 14, 1991 .
BACKGROUND
Rate Review Process
Several agencies in Alameda County are serviced by Oakland Scavenger
Company (OSC) . In order to evaluate rate requests, the agencies formed the
JRRRC through a Joint Powers Agreement. The Committee utilizes the
services of a professional accounting firm to analyze the rate application.
Based on the findings of the study, the Committee then recommends rate
adjustments to the member agencies. The recommended rate adjustment is the
same for all members.
The rate setting process established by the JRRRC allows the rates and
allocated expenses to be balanced when reviewed over multiple years. In
order to achieve this balance, any excess revenues are tracked in a
separate account. These funds can then be used to offset the need for
future rate increases. If the Company does not receive adequate revenue in
the rates to cover all expenses plus an allocation for a return on
investment, then a deficit would exist in this special account.
Consideration of future rate applications would identify how rate
adjustments would eliminate the deficit.
This type of balancing is important, given that many of the calculations
are based only on estimates. For example, the 1991 rate application is
based on estimated 1990 expenditures and projections for 1991 . Several
external factors could affect the final totals. For example, a delay in
the implementation of estimated fees would provide more revenue than is
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COPIES TO: D. David MacDonald, OSC
Dan Borgess, LDD
ITEM NO. Mary Evans, LDD
�� r3/O --tea
necessary. Likewise, if unanticipated new fees were implemented mid year,
the rates would be inadequate.
The use of this "balancing account" can be observed when reviewing the
history of rates in the City of Dublin (Exhibit 2) . As shown, prior to
January 1 , 1990, the City did not have any rate increase. This was because
the company had excess earnings. As stated in this report, there currently
exists a deficit which will need to be eliminated with future rate
increases.
Franchise Structure/Obligations
The City of Dublin has a franchise agreement with OSC. OSC is a company
which is now owned by Waste Management Inc. (WMI) , an international firm
which provides a range of services. The local garbage service is provided
by Livermore-Dublin Disposal (LDD) , this firm is operated as a separate
division of OSC.
The City's franchise agreement includes provisions for OSC to request an
adjustment to its rates. The collection rates must be authorized by the
City Council. Section 3.1 includes the following provisions:
". . .The Collection Rates shall be no less than the Company's
fully allocated costs of providing collection and disposal
services and facilities required by this agreement, plus a
reasonable return on investment. "
The agreement also specifically references the JRRRC and the ability to
jointly review rate applications.
1991 OSC RATE APPLICATION
Increased OSC Costs
The increased costs experienced by OSC have been thoroughly reviewed.by the
JRRRC. The Committee recommended excluding costs which they determined are
not the responsibility of the ratepayer. Also, some areas required
additional technical review and the consideration of the costs associated
with them have been deferred to future rate applications.
The following summarizes the primary areas of increased costs impacting the
amount OSC has requested in this rate application:
Lawsuit: OSC's settlement of a civil rights lawsuit included a payment of
$8 million. The Company requested reimbursement for this expense in 1991 .
The JRRRC did not concur with this request and the Consultant was directed
to adjust the Company's estimated expenses accordingly. The JRRRC based
its decision on input from specialized legal counsel. The Company may be
submitting additional information on defense costs which would be
considered in a future rate application.
Dumping Fees: The disposal costs have increased due to additional tipping
fees levied by State and Regional agencies. In addition, the Company is
experiencing added costs to prepare landfill areas for closure in
accordance with environmental laws and regulations. The individual
components impacting these costs are also discussed later in this report.
Earthquake Costs: Some of the Company's facilities were damaged in the
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. This forced OSC to relocate certain
facilities to temporary quarters. The Company has also experienced higher
truck maintenance costs for repairs which must be performed off-site.
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Collection Wages & Salaries: This category actually contributed towards a
reduction in the estimated expenses. The Company has reduced crew sized
and negotiated rate increases below what had been projected in the 1989
JRRRC review.
Increased Tipping Fees Impact on Garbage Rates
Several regulatory agencies have the authority to levy tipping fees. These
are fees collected at the landfill based upon the tonnage which is disposed
of in the landfill. These fees are paid by OSC to the agencies which
impose them. As such, they are a cost of disposal which must be considered
in determining rates. It is important to note that these fees have been
increasing. The Consultant estimates that they will account for 15. 6% of
the average customer bill.
The estimated fees affecting garbage collected from Dublin are as shown
below for calendar year 1991:
PROJECTED TIPPING FEES
Eastin Tax (A State Mandated Fee which $ 0.500
addresses post closure landfill issues)
AB939 (State Mandated Fee which funds $ 0.875 estimated
operations and programs of the State average
Integrated Waste Management Board.
Fee is $0.75 beginning 7/1/90 and
increases to $1. 00 7/1/91) .
Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) Inspection Fee $ 0. 0734
(Alameda County Health Department is
responsible for enforcement of State
Laws at the landfill, issuance of landfill
permits, and conducting weekly inspections. )
Alameda County Facilities Management Fee $ 1. 00 estimated
(Alameda County Waste Management 1/1/91
Authority Operations and Programs)
Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) $ 1.32
Fund (Alameda County has proposed the
operation of permanent collection facilities
with service beginning 7/1/91)
Subtotal - Without Measure D Surcharge $ 3.7684
Alameda County Measure D - Recycling Initiative $ 6. 00
(This is a surcharge approved in the
November 1990 County Election, which may be
a tax. )
Total Tipping Fees Per Ton $ 9.7684
If Measure D is Valid
The City of Dublin has initiated a legal action to determine the validity
of Measure D. Therefore, the projected tipping fees have been shown both
including and excluding Measure D.
It is important to note that when changes occur mid-year, the rates must be
adjusted to collect for the time that fees were not included in the rates.
For example, the HHW fee was implemented in October of 1990 and was not
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considered as part of the rate setting process for that year. Likewise,
the Alameda County Waste Management Authority also increased fees.
Effective July 1 , 1990, the fee was increased from 21 .0 cents per ton to
54.6 cents per ton. The JRRRC is estimating this fee may equal $1 .00 per
ton beginning January 1 , 1991 . The mid-year changes mean that the rates
must be sufficient to provide OSC with revenue for tipping fee charges
which were not anticipated in the prior year rate application, as well as
the costs for the upcoming year.
Due to the fact that tipping fees comprise a significant portion of the
rates, OSC is working to identify these costs on the quarterly bills. It
is important that the consumers are aware that a portion of the costs are
associated with regulatory surcharges, which are not directly controlled by
either the City Council or the Company.
JRRRC Recommended Rate Increase
Adjustments
Based on input from the JRRRC members and the Consultant's review of OSC
records, several adjustments were made to the estimated revenue required by
the Company. These adjustments are outlined on page 7 of the JRRRC report.
The following figures summarize the impact of these adjustments:
($0001s)
1990 1991
OSC Adjusted Revenue Requirement $ 85,582 $103,929
Consultant's Adjusted Revenue Requirement $ 84, 336 $ 92,820
Approximately 72% of the net adjustments made by the Consultant were
attributable to the disallowance of the lawsuit settlement cost discussed
earlier. The recommended rate adjustment is based upon making all of the
adjustments identified in the JRRRC report, including eliminating the
settlement cost of the lawsuit.
OSC had requested a 16% increase in their rate application. This
application was submitted prior to the results of Measure D on the November
ballot. Also, the Company was not anticipating any increase to the fee
levied by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority (ACWMA) .
The JRRRC took its action with the benefit of knowing the outcome of the
election and additional information on the Waste Management Authority
operations. The JRRRC Consultant estimated that the cost of Measure D
would be attributable to a 13% increase in rates. Also, the ACWMA has
offered to provide certain planning services to the members of the
Authority. Cities are required by State Law to develop detailed plans for
the reduction of waste placed in the landfill. The Authority has offered
to fund the preparation of these plans through a joint effort. The JRRRC
projected that this may result in an increase in the Authority tipping fee
from $0.546 per ton to $1 .00 per ton. The Consultant estimated that this
would result in a 1% increase in rates.
The JRRRC has recommended a 30% rate increase effective January 1 , 1991 .
This increase included the estimated cost of imposing the Measure D
surcharge and estimated increases to be levied by the ACWMA. The Committee
recommendation excludes funding of four items requested by OSC in their
1991 rate application:
o Landfill closure and post-closure costs
o Costs of expansion of Durham Road Landfill
o Management Incentive Payment
o The $8 million settlement of a class action employment
discrimination lawsuit
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Impacts on Future Rates
OSC requested a 16% increase excluding consideration of Measure D and
Authority tipping fee increases. The Company projected that they would
require 11-12% increases in 1992 and 1993. The projections for these later
years are preliminary estimates. If OSC only receives a 16% increase in
1991 , it is estimated that $8.4 million of- unfunded expenses would exist at
the end of 1991 . These costs will need to be recovered through future rate
increases as noted in their estimate of a 12 % increase in each of the
following two years. Any action on future rates would be subsequent to a
detailed review by the JRRRC.
The current request by OSC generates less revenue than is needed to cover
the Company's fully allocated costs and return on equity. Typically, the
rate application is viewed over a multi-year period. The Company
anticipates that future rate adjustments will recover any deficit. The
JRRRC consultant calculated that the Company alone would require a 28%
increase in 1991 in order to fully collect its expenses. The 28% increase
does not include the "surcharge" authorized by Measure D or the projected
1% increase attributable to changes in the tipping fee levied by the
Alameda County Waste Management Authority. The following breakdown
identifies the total increase required for 1991 if all of the estimated OSC
costs were to be met by January 1 , 1992:
Without Including
Measure D Surcharge Measure D Surcharge
Company Operating Costs 28% 28%
Alameda County Waste Management
Authority Tipping Fee Increase 1% 1%
Measure D 13%
Total Increase 29% 42%
There are also specific areas which may add to the size of future rate
increases:
o Landfill Closure/Post Closure: The JRRRC recommends that an
independent consultant review OSC's plans. The intent is to determine
whether the proposed improvements are reasonable and whether they are
the responsibility of the ratepayer. A number of regulatory agencies
impose requirements for landfill improvements. The Company has also
provided the JRRRC with an outline of projects anticipated in the next
5 years. Additional technical and policy review is required before a
determination can be made as to the impact on rates.
o Lawsuit Defense Costs: Although the JRRRC deleted settlement costs
from the rate application, the Company requested consideration of
defense costs as an allowable expense. Due to time constraints and a
lack of data, this issue could not be considered as part of the 1991
application. The Committee may consider and make a final
determination on these expenses as part of a future application.
o Altamont Adjustment for Non-Franchised Assets: An accounting
adjustment was made by the JRRRC to reflect that a portion of the
equipment used at the Altamont is used for operations, which are
external to this rate process. OSC claimed that a previous agreement
excluded equipment from this calculation. Due to time constraints OSC
and the Committee agreed to leave this issue open and to resolve it
prior to the next rate application.
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These cost impacts will need further review. The limited discussion at
this time is to identify that there are unresolved issues, which may impact
rates in future years.
Staff Proposed Modifications Due to Measure D Litigation
As mentioned earlier, the legality of the "Measure D surcharge is currently
the subject of litigation. Due to this development, Staff has revised the
recommended City of Dublin rate adjustment.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a rate increase of 29%. The
basis of this recommendation is the Consultant's finding that in order to
make OSC whole by the end of 1991, the Company is owed 28%. An additional
1% is the cost of the estimated tipping fee increase to be imposed by the
Alameda County Waste Management Authority.
In the event that the courts uphold the collection of the Measure D
surcharge, the City Council would need to consider imposing the 13%
increase at a later date. In the event that the City prevails and Measure
D is not implemented, the City of Dublin will need to consider its 1991
rate increase in relation to action taken by other members of the JRRRC.
Staff reviewed the proposals being considered by other members of the
JRRRC. A majority of the agencies are anticipating action by their elected
officials the week of January 14, 1990. Staff has been informed that most
agencies are recommending a minimum of a 30% increase. If all agencies
increase rates by 30% and Measure D is not implemented, it is likely that
the 13% will be considered excess revenues and applied to OSC's operating
deficit and/or a future rate increase. Since the City of Dublin will be
contributing 1% less than the other agencies, it may be necessary for the
City to consider this differential when the 1992 rate application is
considered.
The proposed 29% increase is supported by the Consultants estimate of OSC
costs and provides nearly the same rate increase as is being considered by
the other members of the JRRRC. This will provide consistency among rate
increases experienced by the members of the JRRRC.
City Staff Proposed Residential Rate Increase
At the City Council meeting on December 10, 1990, the City Council
discussed alternative rate structures and service levels. The City Council
directed Staff to prepare a report for this public hearing which would
maintain current service levels, which provide for backyard service. The
City Council reviewed a report which suggested that consideration be given
to revising the rate structure in a manner which would make the cost more
equal on a per can basis. Currently, the cost of collection and disposal
of the first can is $5.70 and each additional can is $3.95. Given that a
larger portion of the cost of service is attributable to landfill and
disposal costs, a substantially discounted rate for additional cans may not
be appropriate. Staff had recommended that this transition could occur
over time. The way this is achieved is to levy a smaller increase on one-
can customers. This results in larger increases to multi-can customers in
order to generate the required revenue.
The City Council concurred with a phased approach and, pursuant to City
Council direction, Staff has prepared a rate resolution which results in a
25% increase on the first can. In calculating rates, OSC rounds to the
nearest nickel. The column identifying the percentage increase is affected
by the fixed surcharges. The following chart shows the proposed .29% rate
increase for single family residential service:
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PROPOSED
1991 RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE RATE ADJUSTMENT
SINGLE FAMILY SERVICE
25% on 1st %
Current Can Collection Increase
Garbage Collection/Disposal $5.70 $7.10 25%
Surcharge for Recycling 1 .25 1 .25
Surcharge for HHW -.20 .20
Total Single Can $7.15 $8.55
Two Can Service
Garbage Collection/Disposal $ 9.65 $13.30 38%
Surcharge for Recycling 1 .25 1 .25
Surcharge for HHW .20 .20
Total Two Cans $11 .10 $14.75
Three Can Service
Garbage Collection/Disposal $13.60 $19.50 43%
Surcharge for Recycling 1 .25 1 .25
Surcharge for HHW .20 .20
Total Three Cans $15.05 $20.95
Each Additional Can
Garbage Collection/Disposal $ 3.95 $ 6.20 57%
As noted in the chart, all customers pay a flat surcharge for residential
recycling. This service is not included as part of the franchise and
future increases are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The
surcharge for Household Hazardous Waste collection is discussed separately
in this report. The proposed rate structure would continue to cost the
additional can at 14.5% less than the first can ($6.20 vs, $7.10) . In
order to avoid even larger increases to multi-can customers, this rate
difference can be addressed with future rate increase proposals. The
proposed rate structure improves vastly on the current structure, which has
the additional can priced at 44.3% less than the first can.
Commercial Bin Service
The City of Dublin rate structure for commercial bin service is already
based on an equal rate per cubic yard. The rate established by resolution
only includes the cost of disposal and excludes the Container Rental Rate.
The following chart identifies the application of the 29% increase.
PROPOSED
COMMERCIAL GARBAGE RATE ADJUSTMENT
Excludes Container Rental Rate
COMMERCIAL RATES Current Proposed Rate-
Non-Residential
Cost per Cubic Yard $ 4.80 $ 6.20
Multi-Family Residential
Cost per Cubic Yard
Garbage Collection/Disposal $ 4.80 $ 6.20
Surcharge for HHW . 15 .15
Total $ 4.95 $ 6.35
Compacted Material
Per Cubic Yard $ 9.60 $12.40
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Multi-family units subscribing to commercial bin service also pay the
surcharge for Household Hazardous Waste collection. LDD is currently
working on a proposal to implement a multi-family recycling program. It is
anticipated that the cost of this program will need to be recovered through
a surcharge similar to the single family service. The details of this
program will need to be presented after receipt of the formal proposal from
the Company.
Surcharge for HHW/Special Services
Effective July 1 , 1990. the City Council imposed a surcharge to recover the
cost of a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. The surcharge was
levied at $0.20 per single family customer and $0.15 per cubic yard for
multi-family customers. Subsequent to the HHW collection by the City,
Alameda County announced plans to develop a permanent collection program.
The County plans on operating these facilities by July 1 , 1991 . The County
program is funded through a $1 .32 per ton tipping fee levied at the
landfill. Given that the County has this proposal underway, it should not
be necessary to collect funds for future City sponsored collections.
The total cost of the HHW collection was $22,659. It is estimated that the
unpaid balance remaining as of January 1 , 1991 , was $14,337. It is
difficult to project exactly when the total cost will be recovered, and it
is unlikely that this will correspond exactly with a billing quarter.
Also, the City has applied for reimbursement through a State grant, which
would reduce the obligation owed by the ratepayers.
Staff has recommended that the City and OSC execute a "Letter of Agreement"
(Exhibit 4) , which defines how the special surcharges can be used. The
City is to have direct control in applying any excess funds to programs
which benefit the ratepayer. The agreement also identifies that any grant
reimbursement shall be used to reduce the amount owed for the HHW
collection.
The Agreement explicitly provides for OSC to deduct the cost of residential
clean-ups which are not paid for from the special clean-up fund.
Currently, the City has four special Saturday clean-ups for residential
customers. The cost associated with two of the events are included in the
rate base. The two additional collections are paid for by a special fund
established when the City assumed responsibility for the franchise in 1986.
The fund consisted of excess revenues collected from Dublin ratepayers due
to a delay in implementation of a proposed rate increase. The beginning
balance was $78, 040 and an additional $12,826 in interest earnings have
been added to the balance since 1986. The City negotiated a flat rate for
the clean-ups paid for by this fund. Since 1989, this cost has been $8, 400
per clean-up, or $16,800 per year.
Current projections estimate that this fund will require an additional $400
to conduct the two clean-ups currently scheduled in 1991 . The Letter of
Agreement would allow the Company to utilize excess surcharge funds to
fully recover the clean-up costs. The City Council will need to consider
alternatives to the method of paying for the two additional clean-ups in
1992. This would require a rate adjustment or consideration of a reduction
in the number of times the program is offered.
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the Mayor to execute the
"Letter of Agreement for Use of Special Garbage Rate Surcharge" .
Conclusion
In accordance with State Law, notice of this public hearing has been
published. Staff has prepared a Resolution which will implement the rate
increases as described in the report. It is recommended that the City
Council conduct a public hearing, adopt the Resolution, and authorize the
Mayor to execute the "Letter of Agreement. "
a: 1-14Garb.agenda
8
JOINT REFUSE RATE REVIEW CONIlYTME
REVIEW OF
OAKLAND SCAVENGER COMPANY'S
1991 RATE APPLICATION
November 19, 1990
E X IBM T �.
® HILTON FARNKOPF&HOBSON
Advisory Services to
Municipal Management
39350 Civic Center Drive,Suite 380
Fremont,California 94538
Telephone:41 5/797-0654
Fax:41 5/797.0615
November 19, 1990
Joint Refuse Rate Review Committee
c/o Mr. Paul Causey, Chairman
Oro Loma Sanitary District
2600 Grant Avenue
San Lorenzo, CA 94580
REVIEW OF OAIUAND SCAVENGER COMPANY'S
1991 RATE APPLICATION
Dear Members:
This report documents our review of Oakland Scavenger Company's (OSC)
rate application dated September, 1990, for the years 1991 through 1993 on
behalf of the Joint Refuse Rate Review Committee (JRRRC). This letter pre-
sents a summary of major issues which affect the collection and disposal
rates and the rate review process.
Last year the JRRRC was frustrated by the lack of time to consider significant
issues like the civil rights lawsuit settlement. Mr. Paul Causey obtained an
agreement from OSC to submit significant issues in the rate application to the
JRRRC in July. However, many of the current issues were not disclosed until
September. For example, OSC did not discuss their request for management
incentives prior to the September 10, 1990 JRRRC meeting. In addition, the
JRRRC's request for a five-year capital plan was received on October 31, 1990.
This rate application included several other complex issues. Two examples
are OSC's request for significant landfill. closure and post-closure costs and
for costs of expanding the Durham Road Landfill. The JRRRC should study
these issues in the context of OSC's five-year capital plan. In addition, it
should assess the ratepayers' liability for these costs, the basis of estimating
these costs, and the method of paying for these costs.
Recent legislation is also having a significant impact on OSC's costs and
operations. The Alameda County Facilities Management Fee, Household
Hazardous Waste Fee, Health Care Services Fee, the AB 939 Fee and the
Eastin Tax all impose a fee per ton of waste disposed of in the landfills. The
Alameda County Measure D Initiative will more than double these fees.
AdEL
HILTON FARNKOPF&H013SON
November 19, 1990
Joint Refuse Rate Review Committee
Page 2
Appropriate capital costs associated with local, state, and federal regulations
are more difficult to determine. OSC translates these regulations into capital
projects. But the current review process does not provide significant incen-
tives to control these costs. Although we did not find evidence that the OSC
was not controlling capital costs in the course of our review, it is beyond the
scope of our review to assess the cost-effectiveness of the engineering
approaches proposed by OSC.
Finally, the results of negotiations between the cities of Fremont, Newark, and
Union City and OSC will not be known prior to the setting of rates next year.
. The potential absence of the Tri-Cities from the JRRRC could reduce the
number of ratepayers who would bear the cost of operations.
Despite our concerns about the issues outlined above, we believe that OSC's
request for a 16% increase is reasonable. In addition, an increase of an addi-
tional 13% is necessary for the Alameda County D fees and an additional 1% is
necessary for the increase in the Alameda County Facilities Management
Fee. The total recommended increase is, therefore, 30%.
We make no recommendation regarding rate increases in future years.
Further, we believe that procedural changes that are responsive to the issues
.. identified above should be made prior to the next rate review. These changes
should be thoroughly documented and incorporated into the rate review pro-
cedures manual.
We appreciate having the opportunity to be of continued service to the member
agencies of the JRRRC.
Sincerely,
6 6�_-rwa/117s;0 11—
L. Scott Hobson
Partner
Attachment -
Report
REVIEW OF OAKLAND SCAVENGER COMPANY'S
1991 RATE APPLICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION DESCRIPTION PAGE
I BACKGROUND 1
Rate Review Process Revisions 1
September, 1990 Revised Projections 1
I I SCOPE OF REVIEW 3
III OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS 4
Cost Factors Leading to OSC's Increase 4
OSC Originated Adjustments 6
Hilton Farnkopf & Hobson Originated Adjustments 6
Policy Issues 8
IV SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 16
V RATE IMPACT OF RECONEWENDATIONS 1.7
SECTION I-BACKGROUND
Last year, the JRRRC member agencies raised their collection rates by 16%.
This was the first rate increase in over six years. The primary reason for the
long period of stable rates was the availability of excess revenues from prior
years. These revenues were used to offset the need for increased revenues
from current operations. These excess revenues were completely used during
1989.
RATE REVIE W PROCESS REVISIONS
At the conclusion of the last rate review, the JRRRC wished to make changes
in the rate review process that would improve its ability to consider philosoph-
ical rate issues in a timely manner. Mr. Paul Causey, Chairman of the
JRRRC, was directed to meet with Mr. Dave MacDonald to discuss these
changes.
Mr. MacDonald agreed that in order to provide the JRRRC adequate time to
consider unusual items or philosophical changes to the rate application, OSC
would identify and submit those items to the JRRRC by July 15 but no later
than July 31 each year.
The Company submitted its initial rate application on July 27, 1990. Due to
uncertainties regarding the negotiations of new franchise agreements with
the Southern Division jurisdictions, the rate application did not include cost
information for the Southern Division. This initial application also did not
include a request for management incentives, costs for the Durham Road
Landfill expansion, costs for closure and post-closure maintenance for the
Durham Road Landfill, or a five-year capital plan.
OSC's September 10, 1990 rate application was still incomplete with regard to
the Southern Division costs. The final costs were received by September 12.
The requested five-year capital plan was received on October 31, 1990.
SEPTEMBER, 19M QED PROJECTIONS
OSC's September, 1989 application contained projections for the years 1.989
through 1991. OSC's current rate application presents actual results for 1989
and revised projections for the period 1990-91. This current projected revenue
requirement for the period 1990-1991 reflects an increase of 10% from the 1.989
projections, as shown in Exhibit 1.
Exhibit 1
1989 Projected 1990 Projected
Revenue Revenue Increase/ %
Year Requirement Requirement (Decrease) Chanffe
1990 $ 82.9 $ 85.4 $ 2.5 3%
1991 $ 891 $103.8 941 7 16%
Total $172.0 $189.2 $17.2 10%
Section III of this report explains the factors leading to the increase in pro-
jected expenses between the two years.
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SECTION H- SCOPE OF REVIEW
Our review was conducted in accordance with the September 18, 1990 contract
with the JRRRC and the Rate Review Procedures Manual dated April 6, 1986.
Our procedures included:
• Reviewing the rate application for mathematical accuracy and compli-
ance with the rate review procedures.
• Agreeing the rate application to OSC's audited 1989 financial state-
ments.
• Reviewing the revenue and expense projections contained in the appli-
cation for reasonableness in terms of OSC's prior experience and our
knowledge of industry experience.
• Calculating the approved profit, based on a 17% return on franchised
equity.
• Calculating the cumulative excess/deficit income from operations for
the period ending December 31, 1989.
• Recalculating representative rates resulting from the required revenue
increase and comparing these to rates in other Bay Area communities.
The scope of our review did not comprise an audit of OSC's financial state-
ments. Such an audit is performed by the firm of Armanino, Jones and
Lombardi.
Our review was based on OSC's September, 1990 projection of the results of
operations for the three years ending December 31, 1993. The actual results of
operations will usually differ from projections, because events and circum-
stances frequently do not occur as expected, and the difference may be signifi-
cant.
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SECTION III - OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS
Our observations and findings are organized into four categories.
• First, an overview of the factors included in OSC's rate application lead-
ing to the increase in rates in 1991;
• Second, a summary of the adjustments made by OSC to the rate applica-
tion subsequent to its filing;
• Third, a description of the adjustments which we identified in the
course of our review to correct errors made by OSC; and
• Fourth, a discussion of policy issues regarding whether certain costs
that have been incurred by OSC are appropriate to include for rate pur-
poses.
COST FACTORS LEADING TO OSC's INCREASE
OSC's 10% increase to the projected 1990 through 1991 revenue requirement
results from six major factors, as shown in Exhibit 2:
Exhibit 2
($ Millions)
1990 1991
1989 Projections, as adjusted 82.9 89.1
Cost Factors
1. Lawsuit - 8.0
2. Dumping Fees 3.7 6.2
3. Wages and Salaries (1.5) (2.3)
4. Other Operating Expenses 1.1 0.9
5. Earthquake-related costs 0.8 0.6
6. Various Other 1.6 1_3
1990 Projections 85.4 103.8
1. Lawsuit Settlement:
In 1989, OSC originally requested reimbursement for an $8 million settlement
of a civil rights lawsuit. It was excluded by the JRRRC from the rates pend-
ing a review by the JRRRC's legal consultants. OSC has again requested
reimbursement of this item in 1991. (See further discussion of this item on
page 9.)
4
2. Dumping Fees:
Landfill and transfer station expenses are higher than previously projected by
$3.7 million in 1990 and $6.2 million in 1991. These increases'are composed of
the following significant components, partially offset by other reductions:
Tonnage Surcharges
The creation of the Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste fee ($1.32
" per ton), and the increase of the Alameda County Facilities Management fee
(of$0.336 per ton to $0.546 per ton) increased dumping fees by $0.6 million in
1990 and $3.0 million in 1991.
Closing Costs
OSC has included for the first time the amortized costs of closure and post-clo-
sure maintenance of the Durham Road ($1.4 million per year starting in June
1990) and the Altamont ($0.4 million per year starting in January 1991) land-
fills. (See further discussion of this item on page 9.)
Wages and Payroll Costs
OSC has projected that landfill wages and payroll costs will be higher than
previously projected by $0.5 million in 1990 and $1.0 million in 1991. These
increases represent additional supervisory manpower that OSC says is neces-
sary to comply with new landfill regulations, to enhance safety, and to control
litter.
Truck Expense
OSC has projected increases of$0.4 million in 1990 and $0.6 million in 1991
over previous projections due to higher volumes of waste being transferred,
resulting in higher maintenance and operating costs for transfer vehicles.
Public Revenues
Public dumping at the landfills decreased in 1990 for the first time due to
dump fee increases and decreased volumes disposed of by private haulers.
OSC estimates that public revenues will be $0.6 million less than previously
projected. Revenues projected for 1991 are expected to be $2.9 million higher
due to planned price increases at Davis Street and Durham Road.
Other Operating Expenses
OSC estimates that other operating costs will be higher than projected by $1.1
million in 1990 and $2.3 million in 1991. These increases are due to legislative
requirements regarding water monitoring (the Clean Air and Water Act) and
gas monitoring, higher building maintenance costs, road projects mandated
by the County, and the Durham Road Landfill expansion.
5
i
3. Earthquake Costs:
Damage caused by the October 17, 1991 Loma Prieta earthquake forced OSC to
relocate the Peralta Street Building operation (including the Northern
Division and truck maintenance facilities). OSC is building a replacement
maintenance yard on 98th Avenue that is scheduled to be completed in 1991.
The impacts associated with the relocation include: moving costs, a new tele-
phone system, rent expense, higher truck maintenance (that must be per-
formed off-site), building repairs, and higher depreciation expense on the new
facility at 98th Avenue.
4. Collection Wages and Salaries:
OSC continues to reduce its residential routes from three men to two men. In
addition, OSC negotiated lower wage increases than projected in the prior rate
application. According to OSC, these factors have resulted in savings of $1.5
million in 1990 and $2.3 million in 1991.
5. Other Operating Expenses:
OSC discovered fuel tank leakage in the Southern Division yard and was
required to remove the tanks, clean the soil, and build an evaporating tank for
water used to wash trucks, totaling $500,000. Soil monitoring is required to
continue in 1991.
In addition, OSC had an increase of$200,000 in 1990 in damage claims caused
by increased accidents.
Further, OSC began an aggressive effort to paint and repair roll-off and
commercial bins. This effort is expected to cost approximately $200,000 in 1990
and 1991.
OSC ORIGINATED ADJUSTMENTS
Subsequent to the submission of the September 12, 1990 rate application, OSC
requested an increase of expenses in 1990, 1991, and 1992 totaling $143,000 per
year. This request was made because of the accidental omission of deprecia-
tion for improvements at the Altamont Gas Recovery Plant. We concur with
this adjustment.
We have summarized the effects of this adjustments on the OSC projections in
Exhibit 3.
HILTON FARNKOPF &HOBSON ORIGINATED ADJUSTMENTS
OSC was able to support their revenue and expense projections with the excep-
tion of the items described below and summarized in Exhibit 3.
6
Exhibit 3
($000's)
1990 1991
September 1990 Projected
Revenue Requirement 851439 103,786
OSC October Adjustments
1. Depreciation 143 143
OSC Adjusted Projections 85,582 103,929
HF&H Adjustments
1. Oakland Street Cleaning Fees (ref. pg. 7) - (316)
2. Engineering Salaries (ref. pg. 7) (100) (111)
3. Miscellaneous Income (ref. pg. 8) (194) (205)
4. Landfill Surcharges (ref. pg. 8) (128) 168
5. Interest (ref. pg. 8) - (162)
6. Additional Franchise Fees and
Corporate Expenses (ref. pg. 8) - 201
7. Altamont Adjustment (ref. pg. 8) (160) (268)
8. Litigation Settlement (ref. pg. 9) - (8,000)
9. Landfill Expansion (ref. pg. 10) - (655)
10. Landfill Closure and Post-Closure Costs
(ref. pg. 11) 664) 1761)
Adjusted Revenue Requirement 84,336 92,820
Oakland Street Cleaning Fees
OSC collects street cleaning fees on behalf of the City of Oakland through its
garbage billings. An expense, offset by an equivalent revenue is recorded in
OSC's accounting records. OSC erroneously escalated the expense and not
the revenue in the rate application. We have decreased Oakland Street
Cleaning expense by $316,000 in 1991 to correct this error.
Engineering Salaries
OSC landfill engineers spend a portion of their time working on projects for
other non-franchised Waste Management Inc. subsidiaries. Their time is
billed to the subsidiary at 185% of the engineers' labor costs. Based on year-to-
clate billings to other subsidiaries, we believe that OSC underestimated the
total billings and, therefore, overstated the franchised portion of the engi-
neers' salaries. We have reduced this expense by $100,000 in 1990 and $111,000
in. 1991.
Miscellaneous Income
In comparing prior year annual "clean up" revenue to current projections,
we discovered that OSC had erroneously omitted revenues for several projects
yet to be performed in 1990. This error also carried over to future year projec-
tions. We increased miscellaneous income by $194,000 in 1990 and $205,000 in
1991 to reflect "clean-up" projects.
Landfill Surcharges
OSC calculated the landfill surcharges incorrectly in the final rate applica-
tion. The impact of the error was to overstate the expense by $128,000 in 1990
and understate the expense by $168,000 in 1991. We have adjusted OSC's rate
application accordingly.
Interest
In reviewing interest expense, we discovered that OSC had escalated interest
- expense using an inflation factor. We reduced 1991 interest expense by
$162,000 to correct this error.
. -- Franchise Fees and Corporate Expenses
OSC projected collection revenues assuming a 0.3% to 1.4% growth rate.
Based on past trends, we believe collection revenues will grow at approxi-
mately 2% per year.
As revenues increase, corporate overhead expenses and franchise fees
increase. We have increased these expenses by $201,000 to reflect the esti-
mated 2% growth.
POLICY ISSUES
The following seven key policy issues have arisen during the course of the
review.
1. Altamont Adjustment
Since the importation of waste from San Francisco, the JRRRC has reduced
the franchised equity by an amount estimated to reflect the non-franchised
operation's equity in the Altamont Landfill. To date, the adjustment was cal-
culated on the basis of the non-franchised portion of the net asset value of
land, buildings and other land improvements. Equipment was not included
originally, because San Francisco contributed two tippers.
Over time, as new landfill equipment was purchased, it was charged to a
- "common" account. The depreciation on that equipment was allocated to
franchised expense on the basis of relative tonnage. However, the non-fran-
chised equity adjustment never reflected an adjustment for the non-fran-
8
chised equity adjustment never reflected an adjustment for the non-fran-
chised portion of "common" assets.
(Mr. MacDonald stated that at the time the San Francisco agreement was
negotiated, OSC and the JRRRC had agreed that the adjustment would be
_ limited to land, buildings and other land improvements. We reviewed the
Price Waterhouse report provided by Mr. MacDonald and talked with Mr.
Doug Eads, former Committee member from the City of Fremont, and Mr.
Ernest Mortensen, the Price Waterhouse partner responsible for the review at
that time. Based on our review and discussions, we found. no evidence of such
an agreement. Mr. Mortensen stated that the "agreement" between OSC and
the JRRRC was with respect to the methodology that was used, not specifically
to the accounts used in the calculation. He further recalled that the equip-
ment account was not included originally due to the minor balance involved.)
Then in December 1989, Contra Costa County began to import trash to the
Altamont Landfill. With the Contra Costa County waste and recent asset
additions, we reviewed the Altamont adjustment more closely and determined
that the adjustment is significant. For this reason, we have adjusted non-
franchised equity for the non-franchised share of the net asset value of all
common assets. The net result is a decrease in pre-tax profit of$160,000 in
1990 and $268,000 in 1991.
2. Settlement of Employment Discrimination Litigation:
In January 1975, a group of OSC employees filed a suit in federal court alleg-
ing that the Company's hiring and promotional practices discriminated on
the basis of race and national origin, in violation of Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Act of 1866.
The case was dismissed on summary judgment motion in 1981. The plaintiffs
appealed and, in 1982, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed, remand-
ing the case to the District Court for trial. Thereafter, the U.S. Supreme Court
denied OSC's petition for review.
After a three month trial, the U.S. District Court Judge ruled in December
1987 in favor of the plaintiffs on claims relating to the Teamster bargaining
unit and management positions. The court excluded mechanics, landfill
employees and administrative employees from the class for which relief was
granted. The court also found that the Company's refusal to allow minority
employees to purchase stock was not a violation of Title VII.
Rather than proceed with the damages phase of the trial, OSC entered into a
"Stipulation of Settlement and Consent Decree" with the plaintiffs in
September 1989, which called for payment by OSC of$8 million in damages for
backpay and emotional distress claims. No punitive damages were involved.
OSC has asserted that "after a letter agreement outlining the terms of settle-
ment was executed, some of the standards upon which the trial court's deci-
sion was made, including allocation of the burden of proof, were overruled in
9
three U.S. Supreme Court cases". Nonetheless, the "Stipulation of Settlement
and Consent Decree" was signed and judgment entered after these Supreme
Court cases had been decided.
OSC requested that rates be increased to cover this $8 million in last year's
rate application. In our November 21, 1989 report, we stated:
"We believe that there is reason to question whether or not the cost
of this settlement should be included as a reasonable and neces-
sary cost associated with OSC's provision of services to the
ratepayers. In addition, this settlement was only just brought to
light in OSC's rate application in late September 1989, and only a
verbal presentation was provided -to the JRRRC prior to October 31,
1989. Therefore, since there has been inadequate time for the
JRRRC to obtain a legal evaluation of the issue, we recommend
that the JRRRC review the matter prior to the next rate applica-
tion and incorporate, if appropriate, its findings in the next rate
adjustment."
In May 1990, the JRRRC engaged the law firm of Hanson, Bridgett, Marcus,
Vlahos & Rudy to advise it on this matter. Their written report was submitted
in July 1990, and the JRRRC received supplementary briefing from the attor-
neys at its September 10 meeting. We understand that the JRRRC members
do not intend to recommend that individual jurisdictions increase their rates
to cover any of the $8 million settlement cost. We concur in that decision.
In addition, in a letter dated October 5, 1990, the JRRRC requested that-OSC
provide a detailed listing of expenses, if any, for legal fees, etc., associated
with this case which have already been paid by the ratepayers. In a letter
dated October 22, 1990, Mr. MacDonald stated that OSC felt that "defense costs
are rate allowable" and that "it is unreasonable for the Committee to request
this information from inception to date this late in the process".
OSC did provide by facsimile on October 24, 1990, listings of legal costs for 1989
and year-to-date 1990. Due to the timing of the receipt of the information and
the fact that the information was incomplete, we have not performed a
detailed analysis of the information provided.
3. Durham Road Landfill Expansion:
OSC included costs for the expansion of the Durham Road Landfill into an
existing PG&E utility trench in 1991. Final approval for moving the power
poles and filling the trench has not been received.
We believe that the JRRRC should remove the costs of the Durham Road
Landfill expansion ($655,000 in 1991) from the current rate application in light
of the uncertainty regarding the feasibility, cost and timing of the expansion.
Additionally, the cost of the expansion should be reimbursed only after the
expansion is complete and waste is being disposed of at the site.
10
In addition, OSC is proceeding with plans to expand the landfill into an
adjoining 92 acre parcel. We have recently learned from OSC that the Army
Corps of Engineers has some concerns that impact the size of the expansion
site and that the Regional Water Quality Board has changed certain design
requirements that have increased the site development costs from $16 million
to $35 million.
(Note that OSC included the cost of the PG&E utility trench expansion at
Durham Road as an expense in 1991 because the expected life of the expansion
is approximately one year. Expenses associated with expansion at Altamont
beyond the current fill area and at Durham Road into the adjoining 92 acre
site are currently being capitalized. These costs will be amortized over the life
of the expansion area by OSC because the expected life of the expansion area
exceeds one year. This accounting method is appropriate for rate purposes.)
4. Landfill Closure and Post-closure Costs:
This year is the first year that OSC has requested reimbursement of estimated
closure and post-closure costs at the Altamont landfill. (Some funds were
previously deposited into a trust fund by OSC for closure of the Durham Road
landfill.) The costs, estimated by OSC engineers, are spread over the remain-
ing life of the landfills.
The OSC application anticipates obtaining approval to expand the Durham
Road Landfill, thereby extending the life an additional ten years, for a total of
11 years. The amortized closure and post-closure costs are approximately
$1,327,000 per year. On September 14, 1990, the Cities of Fremont, Newark
and Union City sent a letter to the JRRRC requesting that the JRRRC not
include the requested Durham Road closure and post-closure costs this year,
pending an engineering and legal review of the estimates.
OSC plans to close the current fill area at the Altamont landfill and move into
a new fill area at the end of the current area's useful life - currently estimated
at nine years. The franchise portion's amortized cost of closure and post-clo-
sure maintenance of the current area is estimated to be approximately
$434,000.
OSC has not provided detailed support for these closure and post-closure esti-
mates. Also, they have not provided a detailed explanation of their position
regarding what portion of these estimated costs the current ratepayers should
bear; how the monies are to be collected, maintained, and disbursed; and,
what responsibilities OSC and the ratepayers have for closure and post-clo-
sure maintenance of the landfills.
We believe that due to the significance of these issues, a review of the cost
estimates by a qualified independent engineering firm and a detailed response
by OSC to the issues raised above would be appropriate prior to reimbursement
by the ratepayers. We have excluded landfill closure and post-closure costs in
1990 and 1991. (This recommendation and approach is similar to one made by
11
Price Waterhouse several years ago for a review of OSC's operations by an
independent engineering firm. The review, performed by SCS Engineers,
resulted in several recommendations for reducing OSC's costs of operations.)
5. Management Incentives:
In September, OSC submitted with its rate application a request for two man-
agement incentives - one related to certain labor savings ($799,000) and the
other related to an automated remittance processing system ($413,000).
In a letter dated October 5, 1990, the JRRRC informed OSC that since it had
not submitted the request and adequate justification with the July application,
it would not consider the management incentives this year. The JRRRC sub-
sequently clarified their response in a meeting on October 26, 1990. Further,
the JRRRC determined that the automated remittance processing system did
not qualify as a management incentive because it did not represent an
innovative change in OSC's operations. The JRRRC felt that this change is to
be anticipated in the normal course of business.
We have omitted, therefore, the management incentives from the calculation
of the revenue requirement.
6. Alternative Rate Adjustments:
In his presentation of the rate application to the JRRRC on September 10,
1990, Mr. Dave MacDonald stated that OSC was seeking a 16% rate increase
January 1, 1991, followed by increases of 11-12% in the next two years. In
doing so, OSC realized that the 1991 increase would not be sufficient to fully
compensate it by the end of 1991. This is true even after the adjustments
explained above, as shown in Exhibit 4 and Attachment 1.
Exhibit 4
$Millions
1990 1991..
Projected Revenue 80.2 81.8
Projected Expenses (Adjusted) 77.0 83.7
Allowed Earnings (Pre-tax) 7.3 8.9
Additional Franchise Fees & Corp. Expenses 0.0 0.2
Cumulative Deficit 6.4 10.5
Total Revenue Requirement 90.7 103.3
Profit/(Loss) (Before Rate Increase) (10.5) (21.5)
Rate Increase
$ 13.1
ova 16%
Remaining Deficit (8.4)
12
The Southern Division jurisdictions (Fremont, Newark, and Union City) have
signed an extension of their current franchise agreements with OSC through
January 15, 1992. They are currently negotiating with OSC for a new agree-
ment. If those negotiations do not result in an agreement between the Cities
and OSC, then the collection and disposal franchise will be put out for bid. It
is possible that these jurisdictions will not participate in the rate review pro-
cess in the future. Therefore, the payment, if any, by these cities of a portion
of the $8.4 million deficit that remains at December 31, 1991 will require a spe-
cial agreement. At a JRRRC meeting on October 26, the Tri-Cities representa-
tives indicated a willingness to negotiate such an agreement with the JRRRC
in the event they withdraw. However, if the JRRRC wished to raise rates suf-
ficient to fully compensate OSC for the deficit by the end of 1991, collection
rates would have to be increased by 28%, as shown in Exhibit 5 and
Attachment 2.
Exhibit 5
$Millions
1990 1991
Projected Revenue 80.2 81.8
Projected Expenses (Adjusted) 77.0 83.7
Allowed Earnings (Pre-tax) 7.3 8.9
Additional Franchise Fees & Corp. Expenses 0.0 1.3
Cumulative Deficit 6.4 10.5
Total Revenue Requirement 90.7 104.4
Profit/(Loss) (Before Rate Increase) (10.5) (22.6)
Rate Increase (Decrease)
$ 22.9
% 28%
Remaining Surplus 0.3
The Alameda County Measure D Initiative was passed by the voters on
November 6. It will add a surcharge of$6 per ton to the landfill costs to pro-
vide for County recycling programs. This surcharge will increase the
required rate increase from 16% to 29%, as shown in Exhibit 6 and
Attachment 3.
1. 3
Exhibit 6
$Millions
1990 1.991
Projected Revenue 80.2 81.8
Projected Expenses (Adjusted) 77.0 92.9
Allowed Earnings (Pre-tax) 7.3 8.9
Additional Franchise Fees & Corp. Expenses 0.0 1.4
Cumulative Deficit 6.4 10.5
Total Revenue Requirement 90.7 1.13.7
Profit/(Loss) (Before Rate Increase) (10.5) (31.9)
Rate Increase (Decrease)
$ 23.7
29%
Remaining Deficit (8.2)
7. Bills:
The JRRRC members have expressed interest in showing state and local sur-
charges on tonnage disposed of at the landfills separately on the bills, as a
means of keeping the public informed of the large increases in regulatory
costs. Exhibit 7 shows these fees and our estimate of their portion of the cus-
tomers' bills.
Exhibit 7
Regulatory Fees ($ per ton): 1991
Eastin Tax $0.500
AB 939 (avg. $35 after 7/1/90; $1.00 after 7/1191) $0.875
LEA Inspection Fee $0.070
Alameda County Facilities Management Fee $0.546
Alameda County Hazardous Household Waste Fund Fee $1.320
City of San Leandro $0.650
Alameda County Proposition D $6.000
Total Regulatory Fees $9.961
Total 1991 Fees: Without Prop. D With Prop. D
Fee per Ton $3.961 $9.961
Total Franchised Tonnage 1,533,730 1,533,730
Total Cost of Regulatory Fees $6,075,105 $15,277,485
Revenue Requirement $92,619,092 $101,821,472
Percent of Total Customer Bills 6.6% 15.0%
14
(Note that the facilities management fee may increase to $1.00 on January 1,
1991. The impact of this increase would be to increase the percentages in
Exhibit 7 to 7.3% without Proposition D and $15.6% with Proposition D.)
15
SECTION IV- SUMMARY OF RE,E,COMIVI NDATIONS
We recommend the following specific actions by the JRRRC.
1. We recommend that the JRRRC accept OSC's rate filing as adjusted.
2. We recommend that the JRRRC disallow the $8 million lawsuit settle-
ment.
3. We recommend that the JRRRC exclude landfill closure and post-closure
costs from the rates until it has had sufficient time to evaluate the rea-
sonableness of the underlying engineering estimates, OSC's proposal
regarding the policies and practices for collection and handling of the
funds, and a legal review of the ratepayers' obligations regarding these
costs.
4. We recommend that OSC be directed to provide a detailed proposal of
their policies and procedures for the collection and handling of closure
and post-closure maintenance costs and support for their cost estimates.
5. We recommend that the JRRRC hire an independent consultant to eval-
uate the reasonableness of OSC's projections of closure and post-closure
costs and closure and post-closure policies and procedures.
6. We recommend that the JRRRC exclude the Durham Road Landfill
expansion costs and reimburse OSC for those costs only after the new
area is placed in service.
7. Based on the JRRRC's direction, we have disallowed OSC's request for
management incentives.
8. Because the Alameda County Measure D Initiative passed, we recom-
mend that the JRRRC approve a rate increase of 29% effective January 1,
1991.
9. In anticipation of the Alameda County Facilities Management Fee
increasing to $1.00 per ton on January 1, 1991, we recommend that the
JRRRC approve a rate increase of an additional 1% effective January 1,
1991 (see Attachment 4).
16
SECTION V-RATE IMPACT Or RECOMAM,NDATIONS
Based on our recommendations, we have prepared the following rate impact
analysis:
Residential
Livermore/
Northern Central Southern Dublin
Current 1 Can* $7.23 $7.33 $5.92 $6.55
29% Rate Increase $9.33 $9.46 $7.64 $8.45
30% Rate Increase $9.40 $9.53 $7.70 $8.52
Commercial
Livermore/
Northern Central Southern Dublin
Current 2 Yard* $ 64.30 $64.30 $52.49 $55.13
29% Rate Increase $82.95 $82.95 $67.71 $71.12
30% Rate Increase $83.59 $83.59 $68.24 $71.67
Drop Box
Livermore/
Northern Central Southern Dublin.
Current 20 Yard* $151.99 $141.52 $114.84 $121.20
29% Rate Increase $196.07 $182.56 $148.14 $156.35
30% Rate Increase $197.59 $183.98 $149.29 $157.56
*Current Rate quoted for all service categories and all Divisions are average
rates.
These rates compare favorably to a recent Bay Area survey of rates conducted by
the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District and are included as Attachment 5.
17
ROE Calculation Attachment 1
A. EQUITY CALCULATIONS 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
1. Beginning Stockholders'Equity 23,362,463 29,311,655 33,622,246 39,020,846 45,654,390
2. Less N.F's Portion of A]tarn ont -119,004 -574,693 -271,095
3. Beginning Equity for ROE 23,243,459 28,736,962 33,351,151 39,020,846 45,654,390
4. Working Capital Adjustment 2,116,808 0
5. Stockholder Buyouts and Dividends
6. Allowed Earnings(post tax) 3,951,388 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
7, Retained Earnings(post tax)
8. Ending Equity for ROE 29,311,655 33,622,246 39,020,846 45,654,390 53,415,637
Reconciliation to Franchise F/S
8. N.F.'s portion of Altamont(temp dill) 966,813
9. Excess Net Income -14,009
10.Cumulative Unadjusted Working Capital 0
12.Ending Equity per F/S 30,264,459
B. ALLOWED EARNINGS
1. Beginning Equity for ROE 23,243,459 28,736,962 33,351,151 39,020,846 45,654,390
2. ROE Percentage(%) 17% 17% 17% 17% 17%
3. Allowed Post-tax Earnings 3,951,388 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
4. Adjustments per 1990 HF&H Report
5. Prior Management Incentives
6. Current Management Incentives
7. Adjusted Allowed Earnings 3,951,388 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 I 7,761,246
C. REVENUE REQUIREMENTS
1. Adjusted Allowed Earnings 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
2. Gross up for tax 33.64% 36.44% 37.00% 37.48%
3. Pre-Tax Income 7,361,404 8,919,865 10,530,000 12,413,820
4. Forecasted Expenses 77,917,918 86,598,227 90,447,803 95,139,726
5. Company Adjustments 143,000 8,143,000 143,000 143,000
6. Adjustment per HF&H Rate Review -1,086,000 -11,042,000 -2,697,000 -3,030,000
7. Other--
8. Other-- 0 0 0
8. Revenue Required 84,336,322 92,619,092 98,423,803 104,666,546
D EXCESS REVENUE(PRE.-TAX)
1. Forecasted Revenue(2%growth) 80,199,625 81,803,618 96,790,040 104,649,391
2. Rate Increase 13,088,579 5,807,402 6,278,963
3. Adjusted Revenue 80,199,625 94,892,196 102,597,443 110,928,355
4. Revenue Required 84,336,322 92,619,092 98,423,803 104,666,546
5. Additional Franchise Fees,Corp Charges 201,134 480,952 797,983
6. Adjusted Required Revenue 84,336,322 92,820,227 98,904,755 105,464,529
7. Excess(Deficit) -7,138,355 -4,136,697 2,071,970 3,692,688 5,463,826
8. Cumulative Excess(Deficit) -6,371,409 -10,508,106 -8,436,137 -4,743,449 720,377
9. Rate Adjustment Required 16% 6% 6%
ROE Calculation Attachment 2
A FRUITY CALCULATIONS 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
1. Beginning Stockholders'Equity 23,362,463 29,311,655 33,622,246 39,020,846 45,654,390
2. Less N.F's Portion of Altamont -119,004 -574,693 -71,095
3. Beginning Equity for ROE 23,243,459 28,736,962 33,351,151. 39,020,846 45,654,390
4. Working Capital Adjustment 2,116,808 0
5. Stockholder Buyouts and Dividends
6. Allowed Earnings(post tax) 3,951,388 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
7. Retained Earnings(post tax)
8. Ending Equity for ROE 29,311,655 33,622,246 39,020,846 45,654,390 53,415,637
Reconciliation to Franchise F/S
8. N.F.'s portion of Altamont(temp dim 966,813
9. Excess Net Income -14,009
10.Cumulative Unadjusted Working Capital 0
12.Ending Equity per F/S 30,264,459
B. ALLOWED EARNTNGS
1. Beginning Equity for ROE 23,243,459 28,736,962 33,351,151 39,020,846 45,654,390
2. ROE Percentage(%) 17% 17% 17% 17% 17%
3. Allowed Post-tax Earnings 3,951,388 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
4. Adjustments per 1990 HF&H Report
5. Prior Management Incentives
6. Current Management Incentives
7. Adjusted Allowed Earnings 3,951,388 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
C REVENUE REQUIREMENTS
1. Adjusted Allowed Earnings 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
2. Gross up for tax 33.64% 36.44% 37.00% 37.48%
3. Pre-Tax Income 7,361,404 8,919,865 10,530,000 12,413,820
4. Forecasted Expenses 77,917,918 86,598,227 90,447,803 95,139,726
5. Company Adjustments 143,000 8,143,000 143,000 143,000
6. Adjustment per HF&H Rate Review -1,086,000 -11,042,000 -2,697,000 -3,030,000
7. Other--
8. Other-- 0 0 0
8. Revenue Required 84,336,322 92,619,092 98,423,803 104,666,546
D EXCESS REVENUF.(PRE-TAX)
1. Forecasted Revenue(2%growth rate) 80,199,625 81,803,618 106,802,803 100,223,750
2. Rate Increase 22,905,013 -8,544,224 5,01.1,188
3. Adjusted Revenue 80,199,625 104,708,630 98,258,579 105,234,938
4. Revenue Required 84,336,322 92,619,092 98,423,803 104,666,546
5. Additional Franchise Fees,Corp Charges 1,262,291 11,921 182,525
6. Adjusted Required Revenue 84,336,322 93,881,383 98,435,724 104,849,070
7. Excess(Deficit) -7,138,355 -4,136,697 10,827,247 -177,145 385,867
8, Cumulative Excess(Deficit) -6,371,409 -10,508,106 319,141 141,996 527,864
9. Rate Adjustment Required 28% -8% 5°o
ROE Calculation Attachment 3
A EQUITY CAhCULATIONS 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
1. Beginning Stockholders'Equity 23,362,463 29,311,655 33,622,246 39,020,846 45,654,390
2. Less N.F's Portion ofAltamont -119,004 -574,693 -271,095
3. Beginning Equity for ROE 23,243,459 28,736,962 33,351,151 39,020,846 45,654,390
4. Working Capital Adjustment 2,116,808 0
5. Stockholder Buyouts and Dividends
6. Allowed Earnings(post tax) 3,951,388 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
7. Retained Earnings(post tax)
8. Ending Equity for ROE 29,311,655 33,622,246 39,020,846 45,654,390 53,415,637
Reconciliation to Franchise F/S
8. N.F.'s portion of Altamont(temp dial) 966,813
9. Excess Net Income -14,009
10.Cumulative Unadjusted Working Capital 0
12.Ending Equity per F/S 30,264,459
B. ALLOWED EARNINGS
1. Beginning Equity for ROE 23,243,459 28,736,962 33,351,151 39,020,846 45,654,390
2. ROE Percentage(%) 17% 17% 17% 17% 17%
3. Allowed Post-tax Earnings 3,951,388 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
4. Adjustments per 1990 HF&H Report
5. Prior Management Incentives
6. Current Management Incentives
7. Adjusted Allowed Earnings 3,951,388 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
C. REVENUE REQUIREMENTS
1. Adjusted Allowed Earnings 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
2. Gross up for tax 33.64% 36.44% 37.00% 37.48%
3. Pre-Tax Income 7,361,404 8,919,865 10,530,000 12,413,820
4. Forecasted Expenses 77,917,918 86,598,227 90,447,803 95,139,726
5. Company Adjustments 143,000 8,143,000 143,000 143,000
6. Adjustment per HF&H Rate Review -1,086,000 -11,042,000 -2,697,000 -3,030,000
7. Other--
8. Other--$6 Alameda County Initiative 9,202,380 9,386,428 10,325,070
8. Revenue Required 84,336,322 101,821,472 107,810,230 114,991,616
D. FXCFSS REVENUE(PRE,-TAX)
1. forecasted Revenue(2%growth rate) 80,199,625 81,803,618 107,637,200 115,828,391
2. Rate Increase 23,723,049 5,920,046 6,370,561
3. Adjusted Revenue 80,199,625 105,526,667 113,557,246 122,198,952
4. Revenue Required 84,336,322 101,821,472 107,810,230 114,901,616
5. Additional Franchise Fees,Corp Charges 1,350,720 1,665,707 2,016,335
6, Adjusted Required Revenue 84,336,322 103,172,193 109,475,937 117,007,951
7. Excess(Deficit) -7,138,355 -4,136,697 2,354,474 4,081,309 5,191,002
8. Cumulative Excess(Deficit) -6,371,409 -10,508,106 -8,153,633 -4,072,324 1,148,678
9. Rate Adjustment Required 29% 5.5°% 5.5%
ROE Calculation Attachment 4
A EQUITY CALCULATIONS 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
1. Beginning Stockholders'Equity 23,362,463 29,311,655 33,622,246 39,020,846 45,654,390
2. Less NY's Portion of Altamont -119,004 -574,693 -271,095
3. Beginning Equity for ROE 23,243,459 28,736,962 33,351,151 39,020,846 45,654,390
4. Working Capital Adjustment 2,116,808 0
5. Stockholder Buyouts and Dividends
6. Allowed Earnings(post tax) 3,951,388 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
7. Retained Earnings(post tax)
8. Ending Equity for ROE 29,311,655 33,622,246 39,020,846 45,654,390 53,415,637
Reconciliation to Franchise F/S
8. N.F.'s portion of Altamont(temp difi) 966,813
9. Excess Net Income -14,009
10.Cumulative Unadjusted Working Capital 0
12.Ending Equity per F/S 30,264,459
B. ALLOWED EARNINGS
1. Beginning Equity for ROE 23,243,459 28,736,962 33,351,151 39,020,846 45,654,390
2. ROE Percentage(%) 17% 17% 17% 17% 17%
3. Allowed Post-tax Earnings 3,951,388 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
4. Adjustments per 1990 HF&H Report
5. Prior Management Incentives
6. Current Management Incentives
7. Adjusted Allowed Earnings 3,951,388 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
C. REVENUE REQUIREMENTS
1. Adjusted Allowed Earnings. 4,885,284 5,669,696 6,633,544 7,761,246
2. Gross up for tax 33.64% 36.44% 37.00% 37.48%
3. Pre-Tax Income 7,361,404 8,919,865 10,530,000 12,413,820
4. Forecasted Expenses 77,917,918 86,598,227 90,447,803 95,139,726
5. Company Adjustments 143,000 8,143,000 143,000 143,000
6. Adjustment per HF&H Rate Review -1,086,000 -11,042,000 -2,697,000 -3,030,000
7. Other--$6 Alameda Cnty Measure D 9,078,420 9,259,988 10,185,987
8. Other--Facilities Mgmt Fee-$1/Ton 696,313 710,240 724,444
8. Revenue Required 84,336,322 102,393,826 108,394,030 115,576,977
D. EXCESS REVENUE(PRE-TAX)
1. Forecasted Revenue(2%growth) 80,199,625 81,803,618 108,471,597 116,173,080
2. Rate Increase 24,541,085 5,423,580 5,808,654
3. Adjusted Revenue 80,199,625 106,344,703 113,895,177 121,981,734
4. Revenue Required 84,336,322 102,393,826 1.08,394,030 115,576,977
5. Additional Franchise Fees,Corp Charges 1,439,150 1,702,237 1,992,853
6. Adjusted Required Revenue 84,336,322 103,832,976 110,096,268 117,569,831.
7. Excess(Deficit) -7,138,355 -4,136,697 2,511,727 3,798,909 4,411,904
8. Cumulative Excess(Deficit) -6,371,409 -10,508,106 -7,996,380 -4,197,470 214,433
9. Rate Adjustment Required 30% 5% 5%
i
Attachment 5
COMPARATIVE SCHEDULE OF REFUSE COLLECTION RATES Page 1 Of 2- .
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY COMMUNITIES
MAY 1990
FLLAeAYT DAY
Community DAN►ILLL LAIAYr7Tx ORINDA NORAOA PACRICO AHTIOC3 CLAYTOY PILL RAXOY WALNUT CRxxx CONCORD XA]lTI1Rx TITTs3DR0
Lffe etive Data of Rotas 2/1/90 2/1/90 2/1/90 2/1/90 211/90 2/1/90 3130190 1/1/90 6/1/89 1/1/90 5/1169 11/1/29 4/1/69
Deecl,ipt(on of Service
Residential Backyard Service:
On. 32 gallon can per week 16.50 16.50 17.45 15.60 15.15 17.95 17.00 14.00 10.64 13.90 14.00 16.00 13.15
Second can rate .7.75 7.75 8.30 7.35 8.40 9.00 9.50 6.25 - 7.80 4.90 13.50 13.15
weekly trlmming. quantity 2 Cans 2 Cana 1 Can 1 can 2 Can - - Varies - 2 Cans 2 Cana Unlimited -
Seasonal cleanup service
Frequency per year 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 2 3 3 1 2 0
Quantity 2 Cu yd. 2 Cu yd. 2 Cu yd. 2 Cu yd. 2 Cu yd. 2 Cu yd. 2 Cu yd. 2 Cana 3 Cu yd. 2 Cu yds 2 Cu yda Unlimited ---
Multi-Apartment Service:
One 32 gallon can per week 13.65 13.65 12.50 12.50 11.30 la.80 --- 11.05 20.30 12.60 17.75 Varies 17.75
Commercial Service:
One 32 gallon can per week 18.90 18.90 12.80 12.60 35.15 14.75 17.00 11.05 20.30 18.65 17.75 16.00 17.75
Second can rate 7.45 7.45 8.25 6.25 15.15 14.75 17.00 6.25 6.00 18.65 17.75 16.00 17.75
Onverd BIn
One pick-up weekly 71.20 71.20 71.95 71.95 29.45 63.00 '63.00 27.25 76.46 60.25 --- --' ---
Two pick-ups weekly 121.70 121.70 126.80 126.a0 145.25 163.00 163.00 133.00 130.67 112.40 --- --- ---
Rate par czbie yard
(2 pick-ups) 121.70 121.70 126.20 126.30 145.25 163.00 163.00 133.00 130.67 112.40 --- --- ---
Two-yard Al
On. pick-op weakly 121.70 121.70 126.20 126.150 121.75 106.00 106.00 105.50 130.67 109.45 129.00 273.00 129.00
Two pick-ups weekly 222.70 222.70 235.50 235.50 243.60 212.00 212.00 211.00 239.09 202.50 215.00 273.00 215.00
Rata per cubic yard
(2 pick-ups) 111.35 111.35 117.75 117.75 121.80 106.00 106.00 !05.50 119.55 101.25 107.50 - 107.50
Tn yard Bin Three-Yd aln
On. plek-ap weekly 222.70 222.70 --- -- •237.10 2D7.00 --- 209.50 239.09 203.60 172.00 ---Two pick-ups weekly 424.00 424.00 -- --- 474.10 414.00 --- 422.75 455.25 359.90 302.00 --- �-
Rate per cubic yard
(2 pick-ups) 106.00 106.00 --- --- 115.53 103.50 --- 104.69 113.21 89.97 100.67 --
Percent of co-areial customers
(Note 1) 31 3% 21 21 .121 N/A M/A MIA 3% H/A H/A 7t N/A
Drop Box Service:
largest container size
(cu yd): 30 30 20 20 20 40 20 20 30 30 20 24 20
Rate per pull 371.10 371.10 255.05 255.05 260.90 225.00 234.00 246.75 392.45 339.00 240.00 290.00 240.00
Rate per cubic yard 12.37 12.37 12.75 12.75 13.04 5.63 11.70 12.34 13.23 11.30 12.00 12.08 12.00
Residential Recycling Program:
Curbside (C) or Drop-off (D) C C C C C C C --- C C C C C
Monthly amount charged customers .95 .95 .95 .95 N/C .85 .24 --- .95 .55 .75 N/C .90
Recyclable. (Yes <Y>; No <H>):
Newap.pera Y Y Y Y T Y Y --- Y Y Y Y Y
Clsaa Y Y Y Y Y Y Y --- Y Y Y Y Y
Aluminlum Cana Y Y Y Y Y Y Y --- Y Y Y Y Y
P.L.T. Bottles Y Y Y Y Y Y Y --- Y N Y Y Y
Other y
Reference to Footnotes A, e B C. D H F, C, I X. H
L
Refuse Disposal Sites: *Contra Costa Contra Cost. Contra Costa Contra Costa
landfill (Gar) (CDF) (Car) (car)
Transfer Station Acme Acme Acme Acme Acme Ae.e Aeae Acme Ana
lea per ton paid by refuse
collector 52.22 52.22 52.22 52.22 45.00 45.00 45.00 52.22 52.22 52.22 52.22 52.22 45.00
Terr.ln: H H H ri F H H
F - rlat ri M M M M M .
H - Moderately Hilly
M - Hilly .
Refuse Collector Valley West. Valley Mast. Orind.- Orinda- Ple....t Ple....t PI....nt PI....nt Valley Valley Concord Martinez Pittsburg
Management Hangemcnt Mor.ga Morage )1111 11111 Hill Hill waste west. Dl.p...I Sanitary Disposal
Disposal Disposal Bayehore 3syshore n.y.hore Bayshore Management Management Service
Disposal Dlsp...1 Disposal Disposal
Attachment 5
Page 2 of 2
COMPARATIVE SCHEDULE OF REFUSE COLLECTION RATES
OTHER HAY AREA COMMUNITIES
MAY 1990
oAT.L1"/XONTCLX it. TAI kTAi 7ATRTAR rijusPQR LAl1i8P0R cos ALTO• RVOT000 sz.T
Community LZTV,%OAL DQDLIN DIDTAIcr PILDNOMT czWkrO RICDNOND CTGT) (iILLT) NILIia0AOV0i (TLAT) (silly) I.OS 2/sl IILL CITT l7N 199 11091/290 /ACR 111/90
ILL•ct1w. Data of Rat.• 1/1/70 1/1/90 111190 1/1/90 1/1/27 7/1/66 4/1170 4/1/70 10/l/a7 111/90 1/1/90 !/12/19 12/1/67 30/1/t7 7/1/s7 7/1/t7 1/1/70
ry.,-ri t1Dn .e S<rvir
Aenld.ntl.l Dockyard Service:
One 7x gallon can par...k 7.42 5.70 7.20 7.40 7.00 30.27 7.65 13.75 31.17 10.10 17.65 11.75 30.75 7.77 2.70 1; 15 6.11
Secord can rate 1.70 ].93 7.20 5.00 3.50 6.37 ■.45 6.41 10.0] C.10 7.20 1.01 1.10. 2.71
weekly can rate qu.nilty Nona Nona Nona None Non• Nana 1 N yd 1 N yd None I Can 1 Can Nona Nona Nona Unlimited Aon• UnlSalted
Seasonal cleanup •e rvlca 2 2 1 1 2 { ] O l 3
Frequency per year 2 4 1 0 2 2 UnlSalted Unli.lt.d L-72 Cal 3 N yd! 3 N ydt Unlimited Unlimited 2 N yd! None 1 Cu 74 •d
Quantity Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited None 14 N yd'ly N yd C.ns
Multi-Apartment Sar'wic•: -- 7.67 Note 4 10.15 3.27
One 32 gallon can per week 7.12 3.70 6.10 6.70 9.00 10,37 7.65 11.75 11.95 15.60 11.75 10.1s 3.13
commercial Service: --
Dnn 72 gallon can par wank 7.11 3.70 7.12 7.20 9.60 14.40 10.10 13.19 11 2.10 is
7.20 11.51 7.65 6.91 Not• l 10.15 1.29
secrond tan rate 4.30 3.70 7.42 7.20 9.00 11.40 10.10 11.17
1.3-Yd Din
p - .yd Din -- 90.15 [L.O5 50.76 76.01 ]7.00 17.37
von• pick-up v.•kly ]1.75 2f.70 ]l.OS 71.10 60.15 69.70 6x.11 c7.12 -- 3c.00 6[.00
No pick-upe w.<kly 60.41 36.60 61.30 [9.13 92.]0 116.90 105.8, 105.91 130.00 110.00 I1A.77 116.70 77.76 36.27 71.00 ]3.31
Rat, per cubic yard
(7 pick-ups) 60.44 36.60 66.10 18.15 92.]0 I1a.90 305.3/ 105.6{ 110.00 110.00 35.78 77.9] 17.76 36.83 72.00 35.34
Three-Td Dlnmree-Td Din7firee-Td Rln Th -Td Din
�vnrd D1n lit 0
Om plri-up weekly 57.74 53.10 63.29 [2.75 109.]0 112.00 307.77 107.77 139.00 369.00 =_;-,� 207.20 1f 3.52 102.78 156.00 70.61
OV pick-up. weekly 302.30 9].70 113.06 115.35 1:5.60 310.00 191.]7 193.77 ]12.00 ]12.00
Rate per Cubic yard 76.16 37.77 9/.36 $t./f 71.00 75.37
(2 pick-ups) 33.10 46.10 57.53 57.67 92.&0 110.00 16.19 11.19 101.00 101.00
ZOU r-vnrd Din wee-Yd Din Thr* -Td Din rive-Yd Dln ilve-Td Din Sir-Td Din ESr-Td Bic, Din
Om pick-up weekly 30t.1t 96.25 116.00 136.20 -- 191.10 157.15 157.13 -- 21:.00 240t.o0 211.17 170.30 107,71 301.67 90•[7
Two pick-ups weekly 205.19 1950.0'5 219.:1 220.20 -- 753.]0 276.9• 37:.82 -- 167.00 {69.CJ 321.74 327.30 385.33 303.59 ill.){
Rate per cubic yard
(2 pick-up.) 51.77 45.01 54.96 55.05 89.73 12.11 12.93 -- 77.eC 73.30 51.93 11.9{ 11.7{ S1.1S• --- ]5.76
Percent of eomaercl.l -at
(Note 1) $1 40% Ot N/A 41 N/A It 0% 01 401 01 15t 1% SI St lit 241
Drop box service:
L.rq t container •1L•
(cu yd)s 40 70 50 so 20 t0 --- -- �- 00 195 40 -- 40 40' s0 N/A
Rata per pull ZI2.00 111.00 297.00 797.50 170.00 ]76.00 --- -- --- 207.00 1p1,00 7/6.00 --- 430.00 316.00 670.•0 N/A
Aa to per Cubic yard 5.55 4.20 5.94 5.95 7.50 6.400 --- --- --' 11.17 11.39 9.15 6.15. 1[.60 N/A
AenldenGial Aeryeling Program: --
Nrbsld, (C) or 0rap-oft (D) C -- -- --- C --- C C C C C C --- C C C --
Month ly amount eh•rged eusto..rs N/C --- - --- --- .50 --- 1.75 3.75 .47 1.75 1.75 N/C .23 N/C 1.75
ReCYClablas (Yet <Ta; No<N>):
Nay.paper. T --- --- --- Y --- y Y T T y y --- T Y y ---
C1.a. y --- --- --- T --- T T T T T T --- T y T -_
Al..lniu. Can• T --- --- --- y --- T T T T T T --- T T T ---
P.r.T. Cottle. N -- --- --- T --- T T y y T T --- T y 7 ---
Other --- y T T T Y T
Acfercnee to roetnotes J J, N J, L J J, M, N L, Q 0, P, R 0, P, R J. 5, T P, R P. R J. O. T. U J J. O V. N J, P. R i
R.Cu• DS•po••I Site.: Tolo Co.
Lndf(11 Alta.Ont Alte.ont M. Contra N. Contra Redwood Redwood Newby Newby Oz Newby -Redwood
Cost. Sen.Costa San. S.Qlt•ry sanitary Island Island Mountain Island Santl.ry
Tranafcr Station Oakland Davis DrI, Karin R.a. Karin Res.
scavenger Street San Carlos Recovery Recovery
re• per ton paid by refuse
eollc<tor Not, 7 Note 7 Note 2 Not. 2 71.20 Nola 2 12.00 22.00 71.00 No[e ] MoCe 3 71.00 17.65 11.00 3].67 21./0 14.30
301 r
T,rr,ln: r r N 11 r N r it 70t 11 r N M M N M N T
r - rlat
M - Moderately hilly
11 - hilly
Richmond Fe lrfaa felrLa% D[ownlnq- N•rin Mt C1n �• Alto• I.oe Alto• Oro Ferris want• Day Cltlas
w•ato
Ae[use Collector LlvDublin Llv cable/ Oakland Oakland Let bay et
Dublin eOUblln 3eeve ng er ..nave ngc[ 5en1 Cary Se nita[y Ce rb•ge Garbage Fe[rls San lta[y 5en1[a ry Cwr b•qe Cerbe9e Ferris Msn.gcaan[ Ae[u xanegeaent
service Dl epo..l Di.p...1
CITY OF DUBLIN
HISTORICAL COMPARISON OF
SELECTED GARBAGE RATES
1986 - 1990
Prior to April 1, 1986, the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) held
the franchise for garbage service. The rates charged by DSRSD were:
Residential: Commercial/Bin Service:
1 can $ 5. 05 $4.75 per cubic yard not compacted
2 cans $ 8. 55
3 cans $12 . 05
The City of Dublin assumed the franchise role effective April 1, 1986. At
this time, the rates were reduced. The City Council lowered the franchise
fee collected and implemented a commercial rate reduction which had been
recommended to DSRSD by the Joint Rate Review Committee.
Residential: Commercial/Bin Service:
1 can $ 4 .90 $4 . 15 per cubic yard not compacted
2 cans $ 8 . 30
3 cans $11.70
No change in the rates occurred until January 1, 1990. At this time, the
following rates were implemented to offset increased costs incurred by the
garbage company:
Residential: Commercial/Bin Service
1 can $ 5.70 $4 . 80 per cubic yard not compacted
2 cans $ 9 . 65
3 cans $13 . 60
Effective July 1, 1990, in response to State Legislation, the City Council
implemented a residential curbside recycling program. This program is
operated using the same contractor, however, the program is not a franchised
operation. The recycling program cost is. $1. 25/month for single family
customers. In addition, a 20 cent surcharge was added to single family
customers to cover the cost of a Household Hazardous Waste Collection. A
surcharge of 15 cents per cubic yard was added to residential units using bin
service. The rate structure effective July 1, 1990 is as follows:
Residential: Commercial/Bin Service
1 can - Garbage Disposal $ 5.70 Non Residential $ 4 . 80 per cubic yard
Recycling Surcharge 1.25 not compacted
HHW Surcharge . 20
Total 1 can $ 7 . 15 Residential Bin Service
2 cans Garbage Disposal $4 . 80 per cubic yard
(Includes surcharges) $11. 10 not compacted
HHW Surcharge . 15 per cubic yard
3 cans
(Includes surcharges) $15. 05 Total $4 . 95 per cubic yard
a:histgarb.doc.psr
EXHIBIT c;,; ..
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
********************************
AMENDING SCHEDULE OF SERVICE RATES FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
AND
DESIGNATING THE POINT OF COLLECTION FOR SINGLE FAMILY COLLECTION
WHEREAS, the City of Dublin adopted Resolution No. 47-90 in April
of 1990 which established garbage service rates; and
WHEREAS, a notice announcing a public hearing on the proposed rate
increase has been published on January 4, 1991 and January 10, 1991 , as
required by the Government Code; and
WHEREAS, Oakland Scavenger Company (OSC) has submitted a 1991 rate
application to the Joint Refuse Rate Review Committee (JRRRC) in
accordance with the franchise agreement between the City and OSC; and
WHEREAS, the Rate Application submitted by OSC included a request
for certain expenses to be paid by the ratepayers; and
WHEREAS, the JRRRC recommended that certain expenses be excluded
from the 1991 rate application; and
WHEREAS, the exclusions included costs for: Landfill Closure/Post
Closure, Lawsuit Defense Costs, and an Adjustment for Non-Franchised
Assets at the Altamont; and
WHEREAS, the JRRRC agreed to review these exclusions in the future
rate application, provided that adequate background data can be obtained
to support inclusion of these expenses in the rates; and
WHEREAS, included in the expenses contained in the rate
application presented by OSC was an $8 million lawsuit settlement; and
WHEREAS, the settlement was related to resolution of a
discrimination lawsuit titled Bonilla v. Oakland Scavenger Co. ; and
WHEREAS, the JRRRC reviewed this request with Legal Counsel to
ascertain the responsibility of ratepayers to reimburse OSC for this
settlement; and
WHEREAS, the JRRRC Special Legal Counsel found that this is not an
appropriate cost based upon legal precedents established in California
and other states; and
WHEREAS, the JRRRC recommendation excludes reimbursement for the
$8 million settlement of Bonilla v. Oakland Scavenger Co. ; and
WHEREAS, the JRRRC Special Legal Counsel has advised that the
member agencies of the JRRRC, including the City of Dublin, are legally
justified in refusing to increase solid waste collection rates to
reimburse Oakland Scavenger Company for the $8 million paid by it to its
minority employees in settlement of their federal civil rights action;
and
WHEREAS, the official recommendation by the JRRRC includes the
estimated cost of a special surcharge imposed by Measure D in the
November 1990 Alameda County election; and
WHEREAS, the legality of the Measure D surcharge is in question
and is the subject of pending litigation; and
WHEREAS, the JRRRC report identifies that excluding the estimated
costs of ;Measure D, OSC requires a 29% increase to meet estimated
expenses in 1991, including the repayment of deficit balances from prior
years; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has conducted a public hearing on the
matter on January 14 , 1991; and
WHEREAS, the Solid Waste Ordinance and Agreement regarding Waste
Collection and Disposal require the City Council to designate a rate
schedule and point of collection for single family residences.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Dublin does hereby resolve as follows:
1. 'Beginning January 1, 1991, the Rate Schedule attached hereto,
marked "Exhibit All and by reference, made a part hereof, shall be the
official rate schedule until further rescinded or amended.
2 . As described above, this rate revision is based upon the
recommendation of the Joint Refuse Rate Review Committee findings in the
review of the 1991 Rate Application (dated November 19, 1990) .
3 . This rate increase does not include any reimbursement for
costs attributable to Measure D (Alameda County Waste Reduction and
Recycling Act of 1990) .
4 . For the reasons stated above, the City Council has determined
and finds that the none of the $8 million settlement expense associated
with the lawsuit (Bonilla v. Oakland Scavenger Co. ) shall be approved as
an allocated cost under the franchise agreement between the City of
Dublin and Oakland Scavenger Company.
5. Said rates are in accordance with the City of Dublin Solid
Waste Management Ordinance and the Agreement between the City of Dublin
and Oakland Scavenger Company, a subsidiary of Waste Management Inc. ,
regarding Waste Collection and Disposal.
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6 . The content of this Resolution shall supersede Resolution No.
47-90 adopted the 23rd day of April, 1990 .
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 14TH DAY OF JANUARY, 1991 , BY THE
FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: Peter W. Snyder, Mayor
Kay Keck, City Clerk PSR/lss a:ResGarb.agenda
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EXHIBIT A
I . RATES
The monthly rates for collection of refuse within the City of
Dublin as of January 1 , 1991 , are set forth as follows :
Residential
a. Once a week collection of one container of 32 $ 8 . 55
gallon capacity. This rate includes a $1 . 25
(one dollar and twenty-five cents) charge for
curbside recycling and a $0 . 20 (twenty cents)
surcharge for Household Hazardous Waste
collection and Special Services .
b. Once per week collection of each additional can $ 6 . 20
beyond "a" above
C. Large accumulations per cubic yard $ 6. 20
d. Special pick-ups, minimum $12 . 00
Commercial (For Refuse Only - Excludes Container Rental Rate)
a. Commercial rate for non-residential customers
Per cubic yard (not compacted) $ 6 . 20
b. Commercial rate for Multi-family Residential $ 6 . 35
customers per cubic yard (not compacted) . This
rate includes a $0 . 15 ( fifteen cents) surcharge
for Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Special
Services .
C. Compacted material per cubic yard. $12 . 40
II . DESIGNATION OF POINT OF COLLECTION
For Single Family Residential Service, the above rates shall be for
"back yard service" for regular garbage service. The term "back yard
service" shall mean the container(s) shall be on the outside of and in
close proximity to the structure being served, and at a location which
is the customer' s option. Padlocks or other devices which deny the
Collector reasonable access will relieve said collector from
responsibility of such collection. The Curbside Residential Recycling
Program requires that containers be placed in location which can be
easily seen and readily accessible, within five feet from the curb.
III . ADDITIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED IN RATES
The above rates shall include two (2 ) annual residential cleanups .
Dates of said cleanups shall be at the discretion of the City upon
reasonable notice to the Company. The rules regulating the special
cleanup shall be approved by the Contractor and the Director.
PSR/lss
a:ExhibitA.agenda
LETTER OF AGREEMENT
FOR USE OF SPECIAL GARBAGE RATE SURCHARGE
This Agreement is by and between City of Dublin (CITY) and Oakland
Scavenger Company (COMPANY) , and is dated January 14 , 1991.
WHEREAS, effective July 1, 1990 the City of Dublin revised Garbage
Service Rates to include a surcharge; and
WHEREAS, the surcharge consisted of 20 cents per month for single
family customers and 15 cents per yard for multi-family customers with
bin service; and
WHEREAS, the surcharge was necessary to recover costs associated with a
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day conducted May 5, 1990;
and
WHEREAS, current estimates project that if levied for the entire
calendar year, excess funds will be generated; and
WHEREAS, both CITY and COMPANY agree that flexibility in the use of
excess funds is important:
NOW, THEREFORE the CITY and COMPANY do agree as follows:
I. The garbage rates to be established for 1991 will ' continue to
include the surcharge first levied July 1, 1990. Funds collected
by COMPANY shall be applied to the balance owed for the cost of the
May 5, 1990 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, until such
time as the COMPANY has fully recovered the expense for the event.
II. COMPANY shall provide CITY with quarterly reports identifying the
total surcharge amount collected and the amount owing for the HHW
collection event.
III. In the event that CITY receives a Grant Reimbursement for the HHW
collection, CITY shall directly apply these proceeds to the cost of
the HHW collection. COMPANY quarterly reports shall identify any
funds transferred in this manner.
IV. Any excess funds collected shall be used only for the purpose of
providing services to the ratepayers. CITY shall have sole
discretion in determining services to be provided with these funds.
COMPANY shall only expend funds upon written instruction from CITY,
except as provided in Section V.
V. In the event that in 1991, the COMPANY has a deficit in the fund
utilized to pay for the two special residential pick-ups which are
not included in the rate structure, the difference may be paid for
with excess surcharge funds.
�..X� q
VI . Nothing shall prevent the two parties from determining other uses
for the excess funds, provided that the use is approved in writing
by the City Council .
For Oakland Scavenger Company:
D. David McDonald, Date
Executive Vice President
For City of Dublin:
Peter W. Snyder, Mayor Date
a:SURCHARG.Doc.PSR