Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 7/21/2026
Item Status: New
From: Terri Graham, CEO, SWDA
Submitted by: Allison Owens, Director of Customer Engagement, SWDA
______________________________________________________________________
ITEM TITLE
Title
Revision of Baldwin County Commission Policy 7.6 - Solid Waste Residential Garbage Service Rates, Solid Waste Residential Garbage Account Late Fees
End
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
1) Adopt Resolution #2026-117, which approves the revision of Baldwin County Commission Policy 7.6 - Solid Waste Residential Garbage Service Rates, Solid Waste Residential Account Late Fees; and
2) Approve revised Policy 7.6, which increases the monthly residential service fee from $17.00/month to $19.00/month effective November 1, 2026.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: BCC Policy 7.6 - Solid Waste Residential Garbage Service Rates, Solid Waste Residential Garbage Account Late Fees provide for the establishment of Solid Waste Residential Garbage Service Rates and Late Fees for the Solid Waste Residential Accounts. The policy revision increases the monthly residential garbage service fee from $17.00/month to $19.00/month effective November 1, 2026. The quarterly and seasonally billed customers will see a comparable change to their rate based on the monthly increase. The delay in implementing the rate increase will provide SWDA with the necessary time to notify its customers by including rate change notices / correspondence with the billing processes beginning with the August 2026 billing cycle and continuing through the October 2026 billing cycle. Staff will also post the rate change on the SWDA website beginning August 1, 2026. The rate increase is necessary due to the proposed comprehensive updates regarding ADEM’s regulatory and permitting fee schedules. Changes include a 25% increase for all environmental permits, certifications and licenses. In addition, ADEM’s $1.00 per ton tipping fee charge will increase by 30%, from $1.00 to $1.30.
Previous Commission action/date:
09/28/2023 - The Solid Waste Operating Agreement was approved by the Baldwin County Commission during a Special Meeting. The following verbiage was added in Exhibit A-1, Policy 7.6, (For any residential garbage customer who, without prior request to and approval by the Authority, places waste for knuckleboom special pickup service and the Authority conducts said pickup, the Authority may charge the customer for services in accordance with these policies.)
09/06/2022 - Last revision which changed service fee of $16.00/month to $17.00/month.
08/06/2019 - Policy revision which eliminated the requirement for a residential garbage deposit fee of $30.00.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
No
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Terri Graham, CEO, SWDA
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): SWDA to include rate change notification on billing statements, beginning with August 2026 and continuing through the October 2026 billing cycles.
Post upcoming rate change on the SWDA website beginning August 1, 2026.
Additional instructions/notes: Administration - Upload Resolution; update policy books and online portal, distribute revised policies to departments.