Manteca will start work on a study this year to address new solid rate hikes that will go into effect Jan. 1, 2028.

It is part of a commitment the city repeatedly made during public discussions during the most recent rate hike studies for municipal utilities that required significant jumps in monthly rates for the city to cover lost ground by not making sure rates kept pace with inflation and replacement of equipment and such in a timely manner.

Water and wastewater rates, as an example, went 13 years before new rates were adopted.

The current adopted rate hike covers a four year period that started in 2023.

At full implementation, solid waste rates will have increased nearly 50 percent.

The first step took the monthly rate for a 96-gallon cart from $34.33 to $47.41 in late 2023.

It then increased to $54.68 on Jan. 1. 2025 and then $58.72 on Jan. 1, 2-26.

The last step of the current rate hike goes into place on Jan. 1, 2027 when the monthly cost will increase to $63.07.

The rate hikes were driven by rising operational costs, landfill fees, and state-mandated organic waste programs.

Other projects the city’s solid waste division is undertaking in the fiscal year starting July 1 includes:

*Working with San Joaquin County to relocate the Lovelace transfer Station.

*Roll out an education and outreach for Routeware using the City of Manteca waste-app to improve customer service.

*Secure and install portable facilities at the solid waste office located in the city’s former animal shelter at Wetmore Street as the division has run out of space.

*Start exploring the expansion of the CNG slow-fuel fueling station that allows solid waste trucks to be powered by the conversion of methane gas from the wastewater treatment plant into compressed natural gas.

*Procure long-term contracts with vendors for municipal solid waste, recycling, and organics that include food waste.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@manteabulletin.com