Morro Bay approves 35% garbage rate hike

The Morro Bay City Council unanimously approved a significant garbage rate increase of 38.58% this week, following recent hikes in water, sewer, gas, and electric bills for city residents.

Ratepayers were given 45 days to submit written objections to the increase. To block the hike, a majority of 2,680 ratepayers needed to voice their protest in writing, but only 723 did so, according to a report by CalCoast News.

The increase is in response to requests from various garbage companies across the county, who are facing rising costs due to new food waste processing requirements, escalating gas prices, and other operational expenses. These companies are constrained by a 7% profit margin cap.

Morro Bay garbage rates to increase

The Morro Bay City Council has approved a garbage rate increase ranging from 20.20% to 38.58%. This comes after residents already experienced hikes in water, sewer, gas, and electric bills. 

Several garbage companies across the county are seeking rate hikes due to increased costs such as food waste processing and higher gas prices. 

These companies are limited to a 7% profit margin, according to CalCoast News. Morro Bay Garbage Service is asking for a 38.58% increase for the first nine months to address a nearly $1 million shortfall, followed by a 20.20% increase. 

Morro Bay City Council selects Yvonne Kimball as next city manager

Yvonne Kimball was selected as the new city manager for the City of Morro Bay.

City Council made the appointment following an extensive recruitment process conducted by Mosaic Public, a public employee executive search firm. Yvonne will replace Scott Collins, who left the City in March 2023. Kimballs starts in August.

A total of 41 applicants applied for the position, with six candidates interviewed by the City Council in closed session. The City Council selected two finalists after the first day of interviews. On the second day of interviews, the finalists participated in a series of interviews with different stakeholders who provided their feedback to the City Council. After an additional interview with City Council, and comprehensive background and reference checks, Yvonne Kimball was selected as the new City Manager by City Council.