ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners discussed a proposal on Tuesday to increase solid waste assessment rates.
The suggested motion directs staff to prepare adjustments to the maximum Solid Waste Special Assessment rates for FY2026 and future years. The proposed increase is approximately $80 per year, raising the total assessment from $254.00 in FY2025 to $334.00 in FY2026.
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Over the next four years, the rate would increase to $454.
“That’s really not that bad compared to everything else that’s gone up, right? All things considered,” Anita Pfister, who lives in the SilverLeaf neighborhood, said.
A presentation was put before the county commission showing the numbers, as well as what other nearby cities and communities pay. St. Johns County would fall in the middle of the road.
Greg Caldwell, director of Public Works, explained why they are proposing the fee increase.
“Those two years will get the solid waste enterprises back into good standing as well as start to pay back the general fund for those two years of support, years 2028 through 2030, keep up with the CPI associated with those contracts,” Caldwell said.
Click here to read the motion on the proposed fee increase
This proposal follows the expiration of previous agreements for residential curbside solid waste collection services on July 31, 2024.
Last year, county commissioners voted to terminate the contract with FCC Environmental Services after receiving thousands of complaints from residents over service disruptions.
“I think when they changed the new to the new vendor, there was a problem at first, but ever since then, I think the vendor has done an awesome job,” Pfister said.
Pfister also said she is happy about the hand loading of the trash and that there is no limit on what she can put out that will get picked up.
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According to the county, due to the full exercise of all renewal provisions, the county initiated a new procurement process, resulting in a new contract that reflects increased service costs.
Sunil lives a few turns away from Pfister. He said he isn’t too concerned but doesn’t love the idea of paying more.
“Definitely a big hike,” Sunil Kandikatla said.
The Board passed the rate modifications. However, that doesn’t mean the change is a done deal just yet.
The next steps include preparing required notices and scheduling a public hearing, as mandated by Florida law.
A public hearing on this rate increase is scheduled for Aug. 5, allowing community members to voice their opinions.
