20250320-001: FY 26 & FY27 Austin Resource Recovery Budget Goals — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Zero Waste Advisory Commission Recommendation Number (20250320-1): FY26 & 27 Whereas, It is the Responsibility of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission to review, evaluate and make recommendations to City Council, City Management and City Staff regarding policies concerning solid waste, recycling, organic and heavy brush collection pursuant to its Zero Waste Master Plan Goals; and Whereas, Austin Resource Recovery is one of four Enterprise Departments within the City of Austin and is responsible for meeting its annual financial responsibilities through sound budgeting and efficient customer rate setting that provide Residents with a safe and cost effective collection and disposal service; and Whereas, Austin Resource Recovery has established waste diversion and circular economy programs such as MoveOutATX, Fix-it and Repair Clinics and Zero Waste Business Incentive and Rebate Programs; and Whereas, Implementation and/or adherence to City policies must be reflected in the process of planning for future disposal and diversion challenges within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas and supporting Austin Resource Recovery (ARR), who is responsible for implementing such Policies and Operations; and  Whereas, in 2000 the City of Austin adopted a comprehensive Master Plan for future garbage, recycling, organic and brush collection within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas area; and Whereas, The City of Austin has grown dramatically in population, development and competitiveness over the past five years and is in need of solid waste drop off options in the northern portion of Austin, Travis County, Texas; and Whereas, the 2024-25 Austin Resource Recovery Budget recommendation was seeking to provide competitive compensation for support and collection staff and for the development of a much more efficient and cost effective North Austin Transfer and Hazardous Waste facility which will minimize employee attrition and provide much needed solid waste, recycling and hazardous waste drop off options for North, Northeast and West Austin residents seeking more comprehensive garbage, recycling, household hazardous waste and organic and brush collection and dropoff options; and Whereas, it is the goal of the Commission to more closely adhere to our Zero Waste Master Plan’s diversion goals while acknowledging the future financial demands of unforeseen weather and environmental events facing ARR in meeting these evolving responsibilities beginning with the 2025-2026 Budget cycle; Now Therefore, Be It Further Resolved the Zero Waste Advisory Commission of the City of Austin; asks City Management and City Council to support a 2025-26 Budget increase that will fund ARR’s innovative programs, future infrastructure development, provide competitive employee compensation and add additional ARR FTE staffing to successfully implement these programs. Be It Resolved That the Zero Waste Advisory Commission of the City of Austin; Respectfully asks City Management and City Council to formally consider the financial implications of addressing the City of Austin’s current and unforeseen events associated with the responsible implementation of daily waste, recycling, heavy brush and organic recycling collection by initiating adequate reserve funding for the support of these operations within Austin, Travis County, Texas. Be It Further Resolved the Zero Waste Advisory Commission of the City of Austin; asks City Management and the City Council of Austin, Texas, to proactively and aggressively identify and develop a North Austin Transfer Station to address the enormous growth occurring in this Austin, Travis County, Texas area. The development of a North Austin Transfer Station will provide a more cost effective and efficient collection methodology for ARR which will lead to greater operational cost efficiencies ratepayer savings. Be it Further Resolved the Zero Waste Advisory Commission of the City of Austin; asks City Management and City Council to responsibly increase ARR’s Reserve Fund Balance to meet at a minimum a three month cost of operation reserve. Resolution Date: March 20, 2025 Sponsor: Co Sponsor: Co Sponsor: Gerry Acuna, Chair Melissa Caudle Craig Nazor Date of Approval: March 20, 2025 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, Commissioner Masino, Griffith, Ishaq and Suddaby were absent. Attest: _____________________________________________