Tallahassee, FL - In keeping with her commitment to save taxpayers money, specifically those in Palm Beach County, Representative Lori Berman (D-Lantana) is proud that her local bill, House Bill 531, Solid Waste Authority, was signed by Governor Scott yesterday evening.
“I am proud to work alongside the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) on this legislation to increase competition and provide cost-savings for our county’s consumers,” explained Representative Lori Berman. “The SWA has upheld its value by exceeding its economic and environmental goals.”
The proposal to extend the term of the agreements will increase the amount of competition for contracts.
“The more bidders we have, the greater the competition and opportunity for lower rates for our customers,” said Dan Pellowitz, the Managing Director of the SWA. “A longer contract may encourage haulers who are not currently operating in the county to consider entering the market.”
The SWA and Palm Beach County are consistently ranked among the most successful counties in reaching the recycling goals established by the Florida Legislature. The SWA franchises waste collection to private contractors in the unincorporated area of Palm Beach County, which includes about 282,000 residential and 2,200 commercial customers.
FACT SHEET
Background:
- The Solid Waste of Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) established in 1975 by Special Act of the Florida Legislature (Chapter75-473)
- SWA is a Dependent Special District
- SWA provides solid waste collection services to the unincorporated area of the County through a competitively bid franchise system
- SWA’s mission: manage the materials discarded by the residents of Palm Beach County in a manner consistent with its legislative mandate, applicable local, state and federal ordinances, regulations and laws
- SWA has overseen the construction and operation of a six transfer stations, two waste-to-energy plants, a landfill, and the reclamation of several closed landfills in Palm Beach County.
- The current SWA collection agreements expire in September 2018 and the longer term would be included in the next request for bids.
Adopted amendment: Subsection 10 of section (10) of section (3) of chapter 2001-331(1). Change ’’5" to "7" Rationale:
- The current limitation of five years for collection franchises, with no option to renew is shorter than nine counties and 27 municipalities surveyed in the State. Typical terms are seven to 10 years.
- The change would allow private companies to depreciate their equipment over seven years, which is the industry standard, rather than five.
- Seven-year contracts would encourage haulers not currently operating in the County to compete for future franchise awards.
- Lower fees for ratepayers should result as the level of competition increases and haulers can depreciate the cost of equipment over a longer period of time.
- ###
