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Posted: October 24, 2025
Rapid City
Agenda Item Summary

Agenda Item Ref. #: LF102925-12

Agenda Item Title:

Resolution No. 2025-125, a Resolution Amending Solid waste Division Fees to be Charged Starting January 1, 2026, for Various Services

Origination Group:
Legal & Finance Committee
Origination Meeting Date:
10/29/2025
City Council Hearing Date:
11/03/2025
Petitioner:
Finance Office
Staff Contact:
Daniel Ainslie, Finance Director
Location:
Council Chambers
Agenda Item Summary:
The City contracted with Burns McDonnell to complete a cost of service analysis of the Sanitation Operations. This was an update to the analysis that was completed in 2021. At the conclusion of the 2021 analysis, the City pursued the minimum required increases that were calculated to be necessary to meet the baseline needs for the Division. Unfortunately, during the ensuing three years, inflationary increases far exceeded expectations. The nationwide inflationary increases were a more profoundly impactful on the Sanitation Division because of their unique line of work. Earth moving construction skyrocketed in the Black Hills, fueled by nationwide increases and the significant increase in COVID era infrastructure spending and the massive increase in infrastructure expenditures at Ellsworth. As such, CDL Drivers were at a premium. The City faced significant staffing shortages and had to greatly increase Sanitation wages in order to hire personnel and continue operations. This also increased cost of constructing the new disposal cell at the landfill (83% cost increase). These additional costs greatly exceeded the 2021 baseline expectations.

The attached resolution implements Option #2 that will be presented. This scenario blends cost savings measures (reduced free dumping at the landfill, recycling pickups every other week and a subscription curbside yard waste service) with a more modest price increase. The price increases are still lower than the private sector alternatives and lower than several of our comparable communities (which do not offer recycling services).

Funding Source & Fiscal Impact (if applicable):

Funding Cost Center

Recommendations:

Origination Recommendation Action:
Approve

Attachments & Links to Download:

LF102925-12 Resolution No 2025-125 Fee Resolution

Published in 2025 - LF Agenda Items
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