COM 0124.031 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Environmental Management Budget Review March 30, 2005 Page 2 of 8 This position will help to reduce overtime, meet deadlines, ensure compliance with procurement rules and improve customer service for both our vendors and employees. Payroll is a critical function with many complexities and it needs proper oversight to ensure that employees are paid timely and accurately. Contractual services make up approximately 50% of the department's total operating budget. Contracts need to be executed on a timely basis to ensure that operations are not disrupted and payments on those contracts need to be monitored for compliance with the contract terms and conditions. The department is anticipating nearly $1.5 million in grant revenues in FY05-06 which need to be properly accounted for and invoiced on a timely basis. Our current staffing level is not sufficient to give proper attention to each of these functions and ensure that they are handled on a timely basis. Solid Waste Fund 3. What is the status of account receivables? Accounts receivable over 90 days currently makes up 28% of the total accounts receivable for Solid Waste. This is a much better picture than a few years ago, when Accounts receivable over 90 days was at 47%. We have instituted two changes, which are responsible for this improved situation, 1. New contract language for trash removal services requiring a current account in order to receive payment from the County, otherwise the payment will be applied against the delinquent balance, and 2. A County Code change which now requires a hauler's account to be current to receive a residential credit. We continue to work with the Finance Department and will bring proposals to the County Council as required to provide additional incentives for keeping accounts current. 4. Recycling program appears to have increased from $1.7M in FY05 to $3.4M in FY06. It appears that the County is shouldering this increase. What can be done to supplement and decrease its dependence? Recycling is a means of disposal of our solid waste stream. It is cost effective; that's why we educate promote and facilitate to all extents possible. There are many commodities and activities included in the recycling program. Please review the attached spreadsheets named "Solid Waste Disposal Summary" and "CommerciaUResidential Revenue/Expense". You will see that collecting household hazardous waste, used motor oil, used cooking oil, and plastics, as well as complying with Department of Health permits, illegal dumping activities, and education in regards to appropriate solid waste management practices are included and it is still about $35/ton less ($93.58 compared to $58.23) than the average Transfer Station hauling costs! It's about $9.50/ton less than the average landfilled ton! AND, based on the last 6 months of 2004, we're projected to recycle or reuse almost 48,000 tons this year! Supporting local recycling and re-use markets can reduce the cost of solid waste management and disposal further. We are also actively pursuing actions and policies that increase recycling opportunities. I really cannot imagine what we would need, if we were not working feverishly on our aggressive recycling programs. Hawaii County is un equal opportunity provider and employer.