HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-15-2023_Open Session_Item 11_Brown, Hardy_ADA ACCOMMODATION REQUESTED_RedactedHARDY BROWN 2/14/23 San Bernardino City Clerk’s Office Genoveva Rocha, City Clerk Attention: Solid Waste Rates 215 North “D” Street San Bernardino, CA 92401 Subject; Public Hearing regarding Solid Waste Rate Increase agenda item 11. I am submitting this written protest to the Solid Waste Rate Increase of $11.55 as outlined in agenda item 11of the Public Hearing on 2/15/23. Your current monthly rate is $26.42 and the proposed monthly rate is $37.97 per month, which is an $11.55 increase pre household, effective July 1, 2023. Now I am aware of what our state legislators are trying to do in SB 1383 with this new organic “food” waste program but this increase with other increases over the past few years has reduced “buying food” for many citizens, especially seniors in San Bernardino. In San Bernardino we just raised taxes with Measure S, Utility Tax increase on Electricity, Gas, Water, Phone, Cable and State Tax on Gasoline. You are trying to solve the problem of Homelessness or Unhoused; this will only add to that problem as landlord increase the rent of those who rent. Let me share a few demographics of our city, that you already know; we have a
population of 220,813 with 10.8% being over the age of 65 and this senior population
will increase to 11.9% by 2027; 26.1% of them have only Social Security as there income
while, 15.5% seniors are on other private Retirement Plans; 7.6% Households at 65
years of age live alone and 16.1% have two (couple) living in the same house; SB median
household income is $52,416 compared to $72,414 in surrounding areas;
The average monthly Social Security payment in California is $1,696.13 per month or
$17,953.56 a year. It is lower in the Inland Empire Communities because the wages are
lower during our earning years; Our city population has 21.9% living below the poverty
level; 23.6% households qualify for Food stamps and 31.8% households have someone
with a disability.
So take these facts into consideration before you vote. Look hard for alternatives to
assist those who cannot pass the rate increase on to others.
Thank you
Hardy Brown a property owner of two residential properties.