5/26/1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MAY 2 6 193 Ohl r �e" 800 really normal operating months, because there are some'big expenses included for that period. Mr. Barton pointed out that their year ending March 31, 1986 is the test year, and they have supplied us with supplemental information for the 51 months from that date to September 30, 1986. Commissioner Wheeler asked how this rate increase would affect Harris Sanitation, and Mr. Barton explained that Harris would have to come in with a separate request for a rate increase, and staff would have to review their financial status before making a recommendation to the Board. He emphasized that Rural's request for a rate increase is for residential customers only. Commissioner Wheeler asked if other collection firms could come in and request franchises for garbage pickup, and Mr. Barton confirmed that they could. Attorney Robert Jackson, representing Rural Sanitation, recalled that the County first got into the franchise business back in 1960-61 because there was a proliferation of out -of -county haulers servicing Indian River County. The County granted franchises to R or 5 of the existing collection firms, and established that no others could come in. In 1982 when Harris bought out Indian River Sanitation Service from C. Reed Knight, Jr., the County redid its entire franchise agreement, stating that Harris and Rural could handle the trash collection in the County unless the Commission determined there was a need for additional firms to service the area. The reason the County sets the rates is to protect the public. Attorney Jackson felt that Harris, being the largest company, believes that they are going to ride piggyback on Rural's request for a rate increase. Mr. Barton pointed out, however, that they will have to go through a financial analysis and justify an increase. Utilities Director Terry Pinto emphasized that if it is found that a franchise does not operate prudently, the County can 22