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KITTITAS COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS <br />STAFF REPORT <br />STUDY SESSION DATE: August 11, 2026 <br />ACTION REQUESTED: Informational discussion regarding the five-year septage rate <br />review. <br />BACKGROUND: The County septage lagoon system is supported by user fees <br />rather than the General Fund. The current septage fee is $0.28 <br />per gallon. Staff reviewed five years of operating revenues and <br />expenses to evaluate whether the existing rate remains sufficient <br />to recover current costs and support the long-term financial <br />needs of the system. <br />DISCUSSION: Annual revenues have generally exceeded routine operating <br />expenses by a limited amount. However, the system also <br />requires funding for irregular and potentially significant <br />expenses, such as lagoon maintenance, relining, contractor cost <br />increases, and other necessary capital work. When proposed fee <br />updates occur, they intend to maintain cost recovery and provide <br />reasonable capacity to address these expenses without relying on <br />other County funding sources. Provided are the results of the <br />five-year review and the basis for any proposed rate. <br />FISCAL IMPACT: The financial effect will depend on the final rate adopted and the <br />volume of septage received. <br />RECOMMENDATION: Discuss the five-year rate review and the basis for any future <br />proposed septage fees. No formal action is requested. <br />ATTACHMENTS: Septage Yearly Revenue and Cost Tracking Sheet <br />LEAD STAFF: Jesse Cox, Solid Waste Director <br />