LAKEPORT, Calif. — Following a brief public hearing on Tuesday evening, the Lakeport City Council approved a rate hike for its solid waste franchise hauler.

The council’s unanimous vote approved a 13.52% increase that will go into effect on Oct. 1 for Lakeport Disposal, its franchise hauler since universal solid waste collection — including garbage, recycling and green waste — was instituted in the city on Jan. 1, 2004.

Under the new rate structure, Lakeport’s monthly rates would be $19.91 for a 20-gallon container; $29.40 for a 32-gallon container; and $86.48 for a 95-gallon container.

The city hired R3 Consulting Group, which specializes in solid waste management, to conduct a study of the proposal, including reviewing Lakeport Disposal’s financial position.

After studying Lakeport Disposal’s financial position, the consultant proposed the increase. On June 18, staff and the consultant took a detailed study to the council, which set the public hearing for Tuesday and directed staff to send out the proper notices to customers.

On Tuesday the council hosted a Proposition 218 protest hearing, a necessary step for increasing utility costs.

California voters approved Proposition 218 in 1996. It set up procedures that the government must follow in adopting increased fees or charges for utility services, including solid waste.

Nick Walker, Lakeport’s assistant city manager and finance director, said the latest franchise agreement with Lakeport Disposal, which began on May 19, 2015, is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2026.

The resolution the council approved on Tuesday calls for Consumer Price Index, or CPI, adjustments to the solid waste rates on July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026. Walker said Lakeport Disposal last received a CPI increase in 2021.

Walker explained that in the Proposition 218 process, rates can only be increased if a majority of ratepayers don’t protest.

“Prior to tonight we’ve received two protests,” he said.

After the increase, Walker said Lakeport’s rates will remain competitive within the local market.

The rate adjustment also will include the city’s franchise fee, allowing the city to collect more funds. Walker said those franchise fees total about $42,000 a year.

City Manager Kevin Ingram said that, in order for protests to be valid, they had to be submitted in writing prior to the close of the public hearing.

There was no public comment, and only seven people were in the chamber audience — one from R3 Consulting Group, along with Lance and Craig Butcher of Lakeport Disposal.

Mayor Michael Froio said he believed the city did a great job in messaging about the rate increase, making it easier for the community and the council to digest the information.

Councilman Brandon Disney moved to adopt the resolution authorizing the proposed rate adjustments, with Councilman Kenny Parlet seconding and the council voting 5-0.

During the hour-long meeting, the council also unanimously approved an agreement between the city and the Lake County Health Services Department to permit the county to utilize the Lakeport Silveira Community Center and its parking lot located at 500 N. Main St. for medical respite use during disasters, and heard the Lakeport Police Department’s July 4 Fireworks Operations After Action Report.

Additionally, the council approved Utilities Director Paul Harris’ request to award an $80,555 contract to Calgon Carbon Corp. for granulated activated carbon replacement. The vote was 4-1, with Froio the lone dissenter because staff only brought one qualified bid to the council for approval. The mayor has made clear on numerous occasions that he wants at least three bids when considering awarding contracts.

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