SEELEY LAKE – On Aug. 26, the Missoula County Commissioners unanimously approved the increase in fees and fiscal year 2022 budget for the Seeley Lake Refuse District. The total annual assessment for District residents increased $30 to $180 for 10 cubic yards of trash. Out-of District and specialty item fees also increased.
The District is fee-based and the rates have not changed since 2011. At that time they were raised from $125 to the current $150. This allows every lot, tract or parcel of record within the District to dump 10 cubic yards (compacted) of trash at the Transfer Site. This equates to a total of 2,500 gallons of household trash per year per property.
Volumes in excess of 10 cubic yards are charged at a rate of $15 per cubic yard. This was increased to $18 along with the specialty fees for construction materials, yard debris, tires, sofas and other furniture, mattresses and appliances.
Out of District fees apply to anyone that lives outside the District. Fees increased from $3 to $4 per 32-gallon bag or can and from $15 to $18 per cubic yard of household refuse.
Missoula County Budget Analyst Amanda Henthorne explained the increase in the Refuse District budget was driven by three factors.
First, there has been a higher volume of refuse being delivered to the collection site from both within and outside the District on average over the past three years. The budget reflects this anticipated and proposed 14% increase in garbage collection for the District.
Second, there is a four percent contractual increase for the hauling and transfer services from Republic Services.
And third, the District will be replacing a backhoe that is over 20 years old. The District will use about $118,000 of the $160,000 in the prior year saving’s account to help with the purchase of the backhoe and establish an equipment replacement fund for future replacements for equipment, fencing or other items needed.
The existing backhoe will be kept on site and used as a backup. If they do decide to sell it years down the road, all revenue from that will be put back into the District.
There were no public comments to the commissioner’s office regarding the fee increase or budget. The fee increases for out-of-District users and specialty items will go into effect Sept. 1. The rate increase for District users will appear on their Oct. 1 tax bill.
For more information about the Seeley Lake Refuse District and associated fees visit https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/administration/special-districts.
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