Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District (LSWDD) is a truly community-led endeavor, and requires dependable and recurring support from several sources to maintain current services, including free recycling and Take It Or Leave It (TIOLI). Our sources of support include garbage disposal fees, volunteer hours, donations, and our annual levy.
Washington State authorizes disposal districts to seek levy funding only one year at a time, which means LSWDD must pass a levy each year to secure funding for the following year.
How much do property owners pay?
The proposed 2025 levy rate is about $0.094 per $1,000 of taxable assessed property value. So, if your property's taxable assessed value is $600,000, you will contribute about $56.40 over the entire year to help sustain the Lopez Dump.
Taxable Property Value | $300,000 | $600,000 | $1,000,000 |
Estimated Total Contribution | $28.20 | $56.40 | $94.00 |
How does this levy compare to previous years?
Historically, levy revenue has remained the same, despite significant increases in operating costs. In 2014, a levy of $105,000 supported about 40% of LSWDD's operating expenses. In 2023, that same amount covered only 19% of expenses. The LSWDD board determined that in 2025, a $210,000 levy is needed to sustain services and make essential improvements. This levy amount is required to:
Repair and replace critical equipment. The Dump's garbage truck, excavator, and forklift are in urgent need of replacement.
Cover significant increases in transportation and disposal costs. This year, the rate LSWDD pays to dispose of our community's garbage is increasing from $111 to $138 per ton — a 24% increase. Within five years, the rate will increase to nearly 30%. Rising fuel and ferry costs also add to LSWDD's growing expenses.
Maintain sufficient staff. In order to safely and efficiently operate the Dump and sustain services like free recycling and TIOLI, LSWDD must maintain sufficient staff by offering sustainable wages and benefits.
Prepare for uncertain circumstances following LSWDD's interlocal agreement renewal with San Juan County in 2025, which could include new lease payments and capital improvements.
What if the levy fails?
If the levy doesn't pass, LSWDD will have to operate on about 67% of the funding that's needed to sustain current services. Difficult options to address such a large drop in revenue would include drastically reduced services (including recycling and TIOLI), elimination of free recycling, and significant increases to garbage disposal fees.
If you have any questions about the levy, please reach out to sarahr@lopezsolidwaste.org!
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