COM 0124.031 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Environmental Management Budget Review March 3Q, 2005 Page 3 of 8 For your information, we have a supplemental request for another position, RECYCLING SPECIALIST I, which is part of the response to the next question, about how to cut down on overtime. These programs need your support to succeed. 5. What is being done to reduce overtime? Increased tonnage, worsening traffic and staff shortages have all contributed to the amount of overtime necessary to provide essential solid waste management services. In addition, worker injuries, leaves of absence and disciplinary actions negatively impact the Division's ability to maintain these essential services. The Division is currently in the process of filling vacant positions and acquiring new positions to address labor shortages. In addition, the Department is examining the staffing hours required to operate each of the facilities and the average hours worked by the employees to determine how staffing can be made more efficient. Before calling employees back to work on their days off, the Superintendent and Supervisors will try to move employees from other baseyards to provide coverage as long as it does not impact the workload. Also, see response to Question 8. 6. Is there a plan to reduce the department's dependency on the General Fund? Yes. Landfill tipping fees for commercial solid waste were changed by ordinance in June, 2003. The fee shall be increased by $10/ton/year during the next three years (tipping fee is currently $55/ton and will rise to $65/ton on July 1). At present projections we will reach between 51% and 53% of Solid Waste Fund expenditures paid for through landfill tipping fees when we reach $85/ton. A green waste tipping fee was passed in February 2005 for commercial haulers. The rate is set at 25% of the landfill tipping charge to support continuation of the County's greenwaste diversion program. This fee will go into effect on October 1, 2005. Prior to that, the Vehicle Registration fee was increased from $4 to $12 annually to establish a fund for the towing, removal, disposal and recycling of vehicles. 7. What is the status of the waste technology RFP that would reduce or eliminate the dependence on landfill? The County recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Waste Reduction Technology. Responses are currently being reviewed. In accordance with County Council Resolution No. 218 04, the RFP evaluation committee intends to recommend at least one but no more than two vendors to the County Council by Apri130, 2005. Due to procurement laws and policies, no additional information can be provided at this time. 8. Please justify the need for 11 new employees? 6 EQUIPMENT OPERATOR IIIs, 4 TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANTS The Solid Waste Division operates and maintains, either by County personnel or contracted services, all solid waste collection and disposal facilities in the County of Hawai i including twenty-one (21) solid waste transfer stations, two (2) active landfills, eight (8) beverage container redemption centers, two (2) greenwaste collection and Hawaii County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.