York County proposed budget increases recycling fees, county employee pay

March 20-- Mar. 20--The York County budget proposed Tuesday by county administrator Neil Morgan would increase recycling and solid waste fees but keep real estate and personal property taxes consistent.

The proposed general fund operating budget, which would start July 1, is $146.5 million. Currently, the operating budget is $139.2 million.

Even without increasing real estate and personal property tax, general fund revenues are expected to increase by 3.2 percent, Morgan said. The increased revenue is expected from real estate, personal property, consumer taxes and occupational licenses.

But the recommendation to raise recycling and trash fees in York County comes with increased recycling costs across the country after China banned certain recyclables from the United States.

Under the proposed budget, residents who have recycling and trash collection would pay $24.50 a month. The current monthly fee is $17.50.

Morgan said he'd like to introduce a new collection program for York County residents over the age of 70. Those who continue to subscribe to both services would pay $20 a month.

"Older households tend to be smaller households that have less waste," Morgan said. The lower rates would give those homes a break without being an excessive burden on everyone else, he added.

Morgan said it would be too complicated to reduce the number of pickup days for these homes, so they'd still receive service.

Low-income residents would not be affected by the increased fees and would continue to pay $15 a month.

Morgan's proposal also would introduce a new option that would allow people to switch to only trash collection at a rate of $21.50 a month. There is an existing $2 a month recycling-only option that would increase to $7.50 a month under the proposal.

The goal is to encourage people to continue to participate in the recycling program despite the increased costs, Morgan said.

Morgan's proposal also includes a raise for county employees in an effort to keep up with surrounding localities.

County employees would see a 2.5 percent general salary increase and an additional $500. There would be no increase to their health insurance premiums, and some employees may even see a cost reduction.

This year's focus is on employee retention -- there are no plans to add any new positions.

Every budget cycle that there's an increase for county employees it's about keeping up with Newport News, Hampton and surrounding areas, said Walter Zaremba, who has served on the Board of Supervisors for 24 years.

"You're trying to tell me that our teachers and our employees will leave York County to go down and work for Newport News -- especially if the job requires them to move to Newport News? I don't think so," Zaremba said.

No one spoke during the public comment period, but the public hearing for the budget is planned for 6 p.m. April 16 in York Hall, 301 Main St. The board is slated to adopt a budget May 7.

Jessica Nolte, 757-247-4513, jnolte@dailypress.com, @jessicamnolte

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