9/15/1992 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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M Administrator Chandler announced that the proposed total budget for the Solid Waste Disposal District is $8,051,681, and contains a net increase of $332,374 over last year as a result of the full year recycling collection cost and funding for services, such as the rate study and master plan. The overall capital expense in the proposed budget has been reduced by $988,300. The proposed rate of $35.32 for FY 1992-93 is the same as the current fiscal year. Commissioner Scurlock advised that he had some concern with revenue figures and with the $22 a ton charge, but OMB Director Baird had answered his questions at the last public hearing. He felt this is an area that should be considered highly for privatization. Another concern was with regard to audit provisions for the County's franchised haulers and the confusion in billings caused by the transfer of areas for trash pickup. Commissioner Scurlock suggested that an audit be done every 5 years to make sure we are getting what we are supposed to be getting. One reason why he feels that should be done is that he has not been billed by Harris Sanitation for trash pickup since last April when the new service areas were assigned. Administrator Chandler agreed that we need to audit these on a regular basis because of the collection of franchise fees and for other reasons also. OMB Director Baird advised that it would cost approximately $3,000-$5,000 to audit a small operation. First, we have to determine whether we have the legal ability to pass on that expense. He has talked to our auditors a number of times about this matter, but it is a question of cost. We are going to have to look at all our franchises to see if our agreements are written tight enough to allow us to pass a cost on to the franchise holder, which he assumed would be passed on to the consumer. It is not only garbage haulers and cable TV, there are water and sewer franchises as well, along with electric. The audits would be just revenue audits. Commissioner Scurlock's intent was not to add any cost, just to look into it, and if a problem is found, to go ahead and look further. He felt that if we don't look into it periodically, we would experience some problems. He hoped the new Commission would proceed with his suggestion for periodic auditing. Commissioner Tippin liked Commissioner Scurlock's suggestion for periodic audits of the franchises. Attorney Vitunac advised that the franchise agreements all say that we have the right to require reasonable financial data. 34 SEP 15 1992 RR �° , 1�,r} 9 � '✓'O� ':a filo