Over the last several years, the Solid Waste Council has been looking for long-term funding solutions for the County’s solid waste program, which includes recycling, household hazardous waste, and electronics recycling, and education programs. The program has been funded the last few years by a fee of $0.50 for every cubic yard of waste deposited at Glen’s Landfill. Since this surcharge was adopted in 2003, volumes at the landfill declined, and revenues from the fee didn't cover the costs of the program.

In 2005, legislation was signed into law by Governor Granholm amending Public Act 138. In its original form, PA 138 allowed counties to impose a fee, by resolution, of up to $25 per household per year, in order to fund its solid waste programs. It has been determined that under PA 138, this is a 'voluntary' fee and citizens can opt out if they wish.

The amendment, known as Public Act 69, is different in that it allows a vote at the polls.  If the vote is approved, a fee of up to $50 per year per household can be imposed and collected on the tax bills.  If approved by a vote, it is not voluntary and must be paid.  This is the first time in Michigan that it’s been legal to put a flat household fee (as opposed to a millage) on the ballot.

Solid Waste Council members felt that a voter-approved per-household fee, as authorized under this Act, was the best available option for Leelanau County’s solid waste programs. Unlike a landfill surcharge, it is a predictable, stable source of funding. Like a millage, it has the benefit of allowing voters to decide on adoption of the charge, but unlike a millage, the charge is the same for all households. Acting on the recommendation of the Solid Waste Council, the County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution in November of 2005 authorizing staff and the Solid Waste Council to pursue interlocal agreements with townships and villages, and to allow a vote in August 2006 on a flat fee per household per year. In order to hold the election, all local governments in the County must approve an interlocal agreement allowing the County to hold the election in their jurisdiction.

All townships and villages in the county approved the interlocal agreement.  At the August 8, 2006 election, all 3 villages and 7 townships approved the vote.  Four townships (Bingham, Solon, Cleveland, and Kasson) did not pass the vote.  At their October 10, 2006 meeting, the County Board of Commissioners approved placing an amount of $25 per year per household on the tax bills in the villages and townships which passed it.  The Board used this amount in case any of the four remaining townships wanted to come on board with the program and utilize PA 138 (which authorizes a maximum of $25). 

In 2007, Kasson, Solon, and Bingham Townships entered into an agreement with the county and utilized the PA 138 method.  Cleveland Township will be holding another vote in August of 2008. 

If you are in one of these 4 townships and wish to participate in the programs, please contact the Planning Department at 256-9812, for more information.