Agenda Date:  February 23, 2000
Item Number: 

Docket:   TG-000051 
Company Name: Dahl-Smyth, Inc., d.b.a. Disposal Services, G-165

Staff:   Nicki Johnson, Policy Research Specialist
   Penny Hansen, Public Involvement Coordinator
          
Recommendation:

Issue a complaint and order to suspend the filing in Docket TG-000051 and 
approve temporary rates per RCW 81.77.160 to become effective March 1, 2000, 
with rates not to exceed the disposal fee increase.

Discussion:

On January 14, 2000, Dahl-Smyth, Inc., filed for increased solid waste rates to 
recover an increase in disposal fees and other operating costs.  On November 
17, 1999, the City Council of Walla Walla passed an ordinance approving an 
increase in disposal fees at its landfill.  On February 14, 2000, disposal fees 
at the landfill increased from $24.41 per ton to $26.84 per ton.  Dahl-Smyth 
provides service to 3,500 regulated customers in Walla Walla and Columbia 
Counties.  The Company also has a contract with the City of College Place to 
provide service to its 2,100 residents.

The Commission received one letter opposed to the filing. 

The proposed solid waste rates generate revenues of approximately $21,000 
(2.81% increase).  
Commission Staff’s preliminary analysis of the Company’s operations indicates 
that the Company has a revenue requirement of approximately $8,000 with a 
recommended operating ratio of 86.10 percent.  Staff informed the Company that 
the proposed rates appear to be excessive and requested that the Company 
provide more data on the allocations between regulated and non-regulated 
operations.  At this time, the Company has not yet provided the data so Staff 
is unable to determine if the proposed rates are fair, just, reasonable and 
sufficient.  The Company requested that disposal fees be passed through per RCW 
81.77.160.  The increase in disposal fees is $13,560 and is reflected in Staff 
recommended revised rates.


The following table is a sample of current, proposed and staff revised rates. 

   Current Proposed Revised
Residential
Monthly rate for weekly
pickup
 32gal. Toter $ 8.95 $ 9.20 $ 9.08
 64 gal. toter       11.75    12.10  11.95
 90 gal. toter   14.55  14.95  14.82
 

Commercial per Pickup      
 One Yard 8.05 8.28 8.15
 20 Yard Dropbox 84.00 87.00 84.00



Staff recommends the Commission issue a complaint and order to suspend the 
filing in Docket TG-000051 and approve temporary rates per RCW 81.77.160 to 
become effective March 1, 2000 with rates not to exceed the disposal fee 
increase.