HANFORD, Calif., April 7, 2026 — The Hanford City Council approved a multi-year increase to residential garbage rates in a 5-0 vote following a public hearing that drew limited formal opposition.

The decision came after the city completed the required Proposition 218 process, during which roughly 24,000 notices were sent to ratepayers outlining the proposed increases and protest procedures. To block the measure, a majority protest of about 12,000 submissions was required. Officials reported receiving only 46 protests.

Under the approved plan, the current monthly refuse rate of $31.19 will increase by 10 percent starting July 1, followed by another 10 percent increase the next year. Annual increases of 5 percent will continue over the following three years, bringing the rate to approximately $43.69 by 2030.

City officials said the increases are necessary to address a projected annual shortfall of about $274,000 within the refuse division, which operates as an enterprise fund and must be fully supported by user fees rather than general tax revenues.

The rate structure was based on a 2025 study conducted by an outside consultant, which concluded that the division is operating efficiently but faces growing financial pressure due to rising costs.

Among the primary drivers cited were higher landfill tipping fees, increased costs for refuse containers, and significant increases in the price of replacement vehicles. Officials also pointed to new state regulatory requirements that require earlier replacement of certain equipment, adding further financial strain.

City staff indicated that the additional revenue will be used to stabilize operations, fund equipment replacement, and support system improvements, including the implementation of GPS-based route management technology. The upgrades are expected to improve service efficiency by allowing real-time communication with drivers regarding missed pickups and service requests.

The department is also expected to expand staffing in response to population growth. Officials noted that additional routes and personnel would be required to maintain service levels as the city adds new housing.

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City leaders warned that without the rate increases, the refuse division would face declining service levels and increased financial instability, potentially requiring larger adjustments in the future.

While the measure passed unanimously, some residents who spoke during the public hearing expressed concerns about rising costs and the cumulative impact of multiple increases on household budgets. Others raised questions about alternative funding sources and service frequency.

Officials said Hanford’s rates will remain competitive compared to some nearby cities, though they vary across the region depending on service models and whether systems are publicly operated or privatized.

The new rates are set to take effect July 1.