December 9, 2003 News Release Sims thanks council for passing solid waste plan that will allow more than $9 million in efficiencies King County Executive Ron Sims today thanked the King County Council for passing his plan to make the solid waste division more efficient. The plan paves the way for more than $9 million in efficiencies in the solid waste division. The savings will be used to delay a planned garbage rate increase and pay $7 million in rent on the Cedar Hills landfill. The rent will be dedicated to community health and human services programs. "This is a tremendous step forward for the people of King County," said Sims. "We are able to give them a more efficient solid waste division, saving almost $7 million, at the same time providing funding for the programs that support those most in need in our community." The efficiencies to the solid waste division are part of an ongoing effort by Sims to cut costs and maximize efficiencies and the use of assets in county government and are consistent with the Budget Advisory Task Force recommendations. Without the revenue from the rental payments, human service programs would be further cut following two years of drastic cuts. The plan eliminates 86 positions, sets core operating hours at the county's garbage transfer stations, lets the Executive adjust hours outside the core hours so transfer stations are open when most used, and reduces a discount that private haulers receive when they bring waste directly to the Cedar Hills Landfill. The legislation specifically makes changes to: Maximize efficiency by setting core operating hours at transfer stations and authorizing the Executive to modify operating hours outside the core hours to open for increased traffic or close when little used. This will save approximately $3 million annually and would allow hours to be adjusted to meet demand. Increase the amount private haulers pay to bring waste directly to the Cedar Hills Landfill so it reflects the County's costs. This will generate $1.8 million in additional revenue, which would be used to delay for two years a planned garbage rate increase in the County's standard disposal fee. Refocus the recycling program to concentrate on regional services, continue grant support of city recycling programs and target waste reduction and recycling efforts to reduce those materials that are most toxic or are a large part of the waste stream like: food waste, yard waste, electronics, mercury, paper and wood. This will save $1.2 million An additional $3 million savings will be achieved through operational efficiencies such as eliminating positions, reducing contributions for equipment replacement and reducing laundry services and use of consumable supplies. Sims recognized the significant role played by solid waste division employees in identifying the efficiencies. "The plan to maximize value for the solid waste ratepayers was built on the efficiencies identified by solid waste employees. This is an excellent example of public servants acting in the best interest of the people we serve." Sims also pledged to continue working with suburban cities as changes are implemented. "We have begun a productive dialogue with suburban cities that I hope will continue as we implement these changes," said Sims. "Our continued collaboration is in the best interest of our shared residents." For the past several years the Solid Waste Division has been continually improving efficiency. Two independent consultant studies were conducted in the mid 1990s, which made a number of recommendations on how to improvement management and organizational and operational efficiency, fund policies and staffing levels. Of 83 recommendations, 73 were implemented or are ongoing. Additionally, in 1999 and 2000 the division conducted a competitiveness analysis which spurred improvements such as using performance measures to track success, streamlining the payroll process and providing a single point of contact for quick response on maintenance calls. Related Information King County Solid Waste Division News Releases

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