Considering a consolidated solid waste collection program for its citizens, whereby it contracts with haulers or performs the collection itself, James City County, VA, tasked GBB with evaluating its options. As part of the study, GBB:

• Identified the existing state of curbside solid waste collection for residents throughout the County
• Defined the major concerns that both the County administration and residents have with the existing collection system
• Considered options for solid waste collection that would best address those problems and concerns
• Evaluated costs for each considered option, including how best to fund them
• Evaluated the use of convenience centers by residential properties; and
• Evaluated cost reductions associated with the possible closing of some convenience centers, if a curbside program is implemented

Full Cost Accounting and Billing Options Analysis

Finally, GBB developed an Implementation Outline and a recommendation for a Consolidation Plan using Full Cost Accounting and Billing Options Analysis. Before choosing a selected option and finalizing a consolidation plan, it was advised that the County conduct a full-cost accounting study of the solid waste program. Such a study would aggregate costs and revenues on an activity basis to identify which services are self-supporting (if any), what cross-subsidies exist, and whether services are adequately financed. A full-cost analysis would endeavor to include all relevant costs of providing services, including the indirect costs, to determine the fee mechanism for residents.

Connected to the full cost accounting effort was a full review of billing options, with an understanding of the potential to connect to current County efforts toward holistic billing mechanisms. Trash modules were reviewed as add-ons at a lower incremental cost than would be the case with a stand-alone trash billing option. In this step, consideration also included the details of the HOAs and the Convenience Center plan research.