After holding steady for three decades, Leon County’s $40 annual solid waste assessment for unincorporated residents could soon increase as officials confront rising costs and a growing reliance on general revenue subsidies. The issue will be addressed at the May 12 Leon County Commission meeti ng. The assessment, unchanged since 1996, was originally set to cover the cost of residential waste disposal and the operation of rural waste collection centers. Over time, however, those costs have outpaced revenues, forcing the County to supplement the program with general funds for more than 20 years. Officials say that approach is no longer sustainable amid inflation and uncertainty surrounding major revenue sources, including potential property tax reforms. County staff argue the current funding model conflicts with fiscal policies requiring enterprise operations—such as solid waste services—to be self-supporting. To address the imbalance, a Solid Waste Assessment Rate Study completed in fiscal year 2025 recommended raising the annual fee to $134 to fully cover operational costs. Rather than implementing a sharp increase, commissioners are considering a phased approach. Under the recommended plan, the assessment would rise to $80 in fiscal year 2027—about $3.33 per month—followed by incremental increases every other year until reaching $134 by 2031. If approved, the change would reduce the County’s projected $3.8 million general revenue subsidy for solid waste operations to about $2.2 million in 2027, a 42% decrease. The subsidy would gradually decline and be eliminated entirely by 2031 as the higher assessment takes effect. The proposed solid waste budget for 2027 totals roughly $24 million. Most funding would come from tipping fees paid by the City of Tallahassee and private haulers, estimated at $15 million, along with $3.6 million from recycling revenues, interest earnings, and other sources. The residential assessment currently contributes about $1.6 million. The issue comes as part of the County’s broader multiyear fiscal planning efforts and a pending Revenue Diversification Study, which has found Leon County collects less in service charges than many Florida counties. Officials say aligning fees with actual costs will be key to maintaining long-term financial stability. Commissioners are expected to revisit the proposal during upcoming budget discussions in June. ...read more read less