To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Rex Bohn
Agenda Section: Initiated by Board Member
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Consider Amending Sections 521 and 522 of County Code Regarding Dumping and Littering to Increase the Fees
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Direct staff to amend sections 521 and 522 of County Code ordinance entitled Regulations of the Storage, Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Solid Waste and Source Separation Materials and Littering as directed; and
2. Return to the Board of Supervisors at a future meeting to introduce said ordinance amendments.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1001 -Support and sustain partnerships between public safety and partner agencies to enhance public safety in our communities
DISCUSSION:
Illegal dumping has become a growing concern in Humboldt County, burdening Public Works with cleanup costs and straining county resources. From abandoned appliances and construction debris to household waste left along roadsides, these activities harm the environment, create public health risks and reduce community pride. Additionally, there is minimal set enforcement fees or structure for law enforcement to hold the people who are dumping accountable.
Currently, much of the cleanup cost falls on taxpayers. The absence of a dedicated funding mechanism leaves Public Works financially constrained and lends to the Sheriff’s Office an inability to enforce dumping violations per a county code.
Proposed amendments to the ordinance would establish higher fees for illegal dumping. It would also support Public Works in cleanup and prevention efforts while providing resources for law enforcement and investigation activities.
This amended ordinance would provide environmental protection, reduce pollution and help preserve county lands and waterways. Financially it would shift cleanup costs from general taxpayers to the waste producers through fees. It would provide law enforcement an avenue to investigate and prosecute repeat offenders while providing Humboldt residents with cleaner roadsides, public spaces and rural areas and encourage community pride and attract visitors.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
Road Fund (1200)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to directing staff to create an ordinance outside of staff time spent researching and drafting the ordinance.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Additional staff time would be required to research and draft the proposed ordinance. Reviewing similar ordinances already adopted by other counties, such as Merced County, could help reduce the time needed to draft the ordinance.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could decide not to amend the ordinance and explore other options to deal with the dumping and littering throughout the county.
ATTACHMENTS:
Current County Code Section 521 and 522
Sample Ordinance from Merced County
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A