Overview

• The court denied a preliminary injunction sought by homeowners who argue the fee violates Proposition 218.
• The ruling allows the Environmental Services Department to bill through the county tax assessor, with charges added to property tax bills this fall.
• Plaintiffs say voters were told to expect $23–$29 per month and allege the higher rate is unlawful and tied to budget shortfalls after a failed sales-tax measure.
• The city’s attorney argues the fee fixes an inequitable system for single-family homes and says other revenues also help cover trash service costs.
• New tagged bins are being rolled out, with many nonrespondents defaulted to larger containers and an opportunity to switch to smaller sizes after delivery.