Virgin Islanders could soon see a new fee for garbage collection as the Public Services Commission launches a formal rate investigation into the V.I. Waste Management Authority this year. On Tuesday, PSC Legal Counsel Boyd Sprehn outlined the process, which aims to address WMA’s financial challenges and improve waste management services across the territory.
The commission plans to hire an expert in waste management and a hearing examiner to conduct the investigation, which will take place in two phases. The first phase will focus on solid waste disposal operations, while the second, set for later this summer, will examine sewage and wastewater services. Sprehn emphasized that the process will include public input and comment before a final report is presented to the PSC. The commission will then determine whether to approve any proposed rate changes.
He added that the rate investigation process would involve public input and comment, along with a final report to the commission from the hearing examiner.
Interim WMA Executive Director Daryl Griffith also spoke to the commission Tuesday. He did not formally request the fee but noted that it was needed to improve the quality of WMA’s services. The rate investigation is expected to take six to eight months.
Griffith told senators last month that the fee was needed, and the authority had devised a plan that included a $30 a month fee for residents to cover waste collection, disposal, and maintenance costs.
The authority sent out a press release at the beginning of March saying rental prices for trash carts were being increased due to rising operational costs.
However, that increase has been rescinded pending compliance with the Ratepayers’ Bill of Rights and review by the commission.
Commissioners Pedro Williams, David Hughes, Laura Nichols-Samms, Raymond Williams, and ex-officio member Sen. Carla Joseph attended the meeting. Commissioner Clement Magras was absent.
