Eagle Pass City Council Moves Forward with Solid Waste Fee Increase

The Eagle Pass City Council moved closer to raising solid waste collection rates for the first time in 15 years after approving the second reading of a new ordinance on December 10, 2024. This decision comes as the city faces increasing costs and inflation, which have put pressure on the waste management system. However, the ordinance isn’t finalized yet—it still needs a third and final reading before becoming law.

The second reading passed unanimously with Mayor Rolando Salinas, Councilwoman Monica Cruz, Councilperson Elias Diaz, and Councilman Mario Garcia in attendance. Councilman Billy Davis was not present for the vote.

What Will the New Rates Be?

For city residents, the monthly garbage collection fee will increase from $13.50 to $17.00. County residents outside city limits, originally slated to pay $20.00 per month under the proposed ordinance, will now face a rate of $25.00 per month. This higher figure was determined after the council’s Executive Session, reflecting the additional costs of servicing these areas.

The increase is expected to generate much-needed revenue to cover rising operational expenses, including maintenance of collection equipment, fuel costs, and staffing. City officials have emphasized that the adjustment is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of waste management services.

Future Fee Adjustments Linked to Tipping Costs

A critical amendment to the ordinance ties future county collection fee increases to changes in tipping fees set by the Maverick County Solid Waste Authority. The tipping fee, currently $40.00 per ton, has been unchanged since the landfill opened in 2010. If this fee is raised in the future, county residents’ collection rates will increase by the same percentage.

This provision directly links county fees to the cost of waste disposal at the landfill, ensuring that any financial burdens stemming from tipping fee adjustments are proportionately shared.

Why Are Rates Increasing Now?

Eagle Pass has not updated its solid waste collection rates since 2009, despite steady increases in operational costs over the years. Inflation, higher fuel prices, and rising equipment maintenance expenses have strained the system, prompting the need for a rate hike. Without the proposed increase, the city risks significant challenges in maintaining reliable waste management services.

The updated rates are intended to provide the resources needed to address current demands and improve service efficiency. Officials noted that the increase was long overdue and vital for the system’s stability.

The Role of the Maverick County Solid Waste Authority

The Maverick County Solid Waste Authority operates the Type 1 landfill where city and county waste is processed. Its tipping fee of $40.00 per ton has been a cornerstone of waste management costs in the region. These fees cover essential landfill operations, compliance with environmental regulations, and waste processing.

If the authority raises tipping fees in the future, the ripple effects could directly impact county residents’ collection rates under the ordinance’s new provisions. This connection underscores the landfill’s central role in the local waste management ecosystem.

Resident Concerns About Fee Increases

The proposed fee hikes have drawn mixed reactions from the community. While some residents acknowledge the need for adjustments after 15 years without a change, others are frustrated by the steep increases. County residents, in particular, have expressed concerns about the additional costs and the possibility of future rate hikes tied to tipping fees.

Many residents are also questioning how the additional revenue will be utilized and whether it will lead to noticeable improvements in waste collection services, such as addressing delayed pickups and upgrading aging equipment.

What Happens Next?

The ordinance must still pass a third and final reading before the new rates and provisions for future adjustments can take effect. The City Council has encouraged residents to attend upcoming meetings to share their feedback and stay informed about the changes.

As the final vote approaches, public interest in the ordinance continues to grow. Residents and officials alike are focused on how the increased funds will be managed and whether they will effectively address the challenges faced by the city’s waste management system. This rate adjustment represents a pivotal moment for Eagle Pass as it works to balance financial sustainability with the needs of its community.

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