Under the new rate schedule, monthly residential charges would rise across all standard cart sizes. Designed by Freepik, www.freepik.com

 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley residents will have the final say on a proposed 6.62% increase to solid‑waste rates after the City Council voted unanimously Nov. 17 to begin the Proposition 218 process, which requires taxpayer notification and gives property owners the chance to block the hike through a majority protest.

City Administrator Elisa Arteaga said the city cannot approve the increase without following the formal process because the adjustment exceeds the 5% cap allowed in Gridley’s contract with Waste Management.

“At this point, I think it is best that we do the Prop 218 notice to allow for public comment and then move forward,” Arteaga said. “We don’t want any potential liability of lack of noticing for the rate adjustment.”

Under the new rate schedule, monthly residential charges would rise across all standard cart sizes. A 32‑gallon cart would increase from $28.43 to $30.31; a 64‑gallon cart would rise from $31.91 to $34.02; and a 96‑gallon cart would move from $48.48 to $51.69. The increase reflects a 4.83% Consumer Price Index adjustment and an additional 1.79% tied to higher disposal fees at Neal Road Landfill, where Butte County increased charges 15.5% this year. Arteaga said Waste Management is not passing through the full landfill increase, but only a “small percentage.”

The cost of garbage service is not the only concern for residents. Mayor Mike Farr said Waste Management’s fines for overfilled and contaminated carts have become a persistent complaint. The fee schedule lists a $12.53 fine for overfilled carts and a $15.04 contamination fee. Farr said families have told him the penalties are hard and “very punitive.”

Arteaga said the city has helped residents resolve disputes and that Waste Management has occasionally waived fines. She encouraged residents to contact the city for assistance and noted that upgrading to a larger cart may cost less than repeated penalties. The city plans to send information about the proposed measure in utility bills and through social media to help residents understand cart sizes, service options, and rules for proper disposal.

Because Proposition 218 requires mailed notices and a 45‑day protest window, the increase cannot take effect until after a public hearing in March, where Waste Management officials are expected to be present to explain the proposed fee increase.

“This will move out based on the milestones with final approval in March,” Arteaga said.

Gridley’s contract with Waste Management expires in December 2028, and the city may issue a Request for Proposals in 2026. Farr said he wants Waste Management to explain its charges directly when the rate notice goes out, but he also raised concerns about whether residents have other options.

“It seems like Waste Management has a monopoly here,” Farr said. “Where’s the competition?”

City staff noted that the request for proposal process would allow other providers to submit bids, though any transition to a new hauler would take about eight months to implement.