We have had 36 percent inflation over the last 10 years and have had only a 2 percent millage increase in that time outside of the 2016 property revaluation. That reval saw the millage adjust up because on average property values went down. By law we had to be revenue neutral, hence the adjustment but no additional taxes were added to the adjusted millage. The Board of Commissioners have been good stewards of the tax dollars and have made tremendous strides in all areas of the county in spite of these rising costs due to our sound fiscal management. The Transfer Station has seen the least amount of improvements and minimal funding. A tax increase would have resulted in all property being taxed. Many would argue that the Solid Waste Availability Fee is the fairest (while not perfect) and most transparent way of collecting operational revenue for the Transfer Station.
Benefits of it being a solid waste availability fee includes the fact that the money is earmarked for the Transfer Station and can’t be used by this board or future boards to offset expenditures in other areas of the budget. We will be able to show the Transfer Station is self sufficient from an operational standpoint as we seek grants and low interest loans to address much needed capital improvements to address safety and efficiency for the higher demands being placed on the facility due to the counties growth. A 2022 inspection report notes a need to repair or replace the tipping floor and fix sidewalls. These are mandated repairs which will be required soon. (A large expense as noted by the DEQ Inspector) The Transfer Station needs other necessary improvements and repairs to stay operational, ie, scales, equipment.
The Ordinance is consistent with N.C. General Statutes, particularly with regard to jurisdiction and how that relates to the Town of Hayesville.
Some may face hardship as a result of the fee increase, particularly the elderly and disabled and we encourage them to seek tax relief at the tax office. If they qualify, this helps offset their tax burden and therefore the trash fee.
This is not unique to Clay County. Direct comparisons to other counties aren’t apples to apples due to size, needs and sources of funding (ie, larger tax base, more sales tax etc.) but many have done the same to meet the growing costs associated with running these facilities. This includes, Cherokee, Macon, Swain, Jackson and Haywood in the Western Region.
The easiest thing for the Board of Commissioners to do would have been to do nothing and kick the can down the road for future boards to deal with. We are trying to put measures in place now that can ensure the needs are met in the near future to remain compliant, operational, efficient and safe. Putting off the inevitable will only cost more money to all of us as cost continue to climb.
Dr. Rob Peck, Chairman
Clay County Board of Commissioners