Santa Monica Selects GBB for Review of Solid Waste Services
City Aims for Ambitious Diversion Goals, Service Improvements and Rate Equity

(Fairfax, VA – December 15, 2005) – Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc. (GBB) announced today that it was selected by the City of Santa Monica, CA, to evaluate current solid waste service delivery methods, finances and rates, and identify and evaluate alternative methods of structuring services and rates.

Santa Monica’s solid waste services received mostly positive reviews in the City’s biennial resident satisfaction survey, but the fund balance of the Solid Waste department is declining. The City Council recently approved rate increases for 2005-06 with the understanding that prior to their consideration of a multi-year schedule of increases, an operation and financial review would be conducted.

“This assignment from the city reflects their desire to provide excellent, efficient service and rate equity to a demanding customer base, a commitment to achieving ambitious diversion goals using best environmental practices and the need to renovate and restructure the City’s corporate yards for the 21st century,” said Harvey Gershman, GBB President.

As part of its assignment, the GBB Project Team will be conducting the operations and financial review to assist the City in verifying base-line expenditure and revenue data for each element of the current service configuration, identifying potential operating efficiencies and service delivery alternatives, and gauging their potential effect on expenditures and revenues if implemented. A comparison of the City’s current solid waste rate structures with those of surrounding communities and an analysis of equity between customer classes will be performed.

GBB will also assist City staff in identifying potential alternative service delivery models and presenting them for City Council consideration during the first quarter of calendar year 2006. The Council will then examine the long-range policy implications of the alternative service delivery models and provide specific direction about what models to address in the future.

“Making major changes is not without challenge, and it requires extensive planning, intense focus, and a tireless effort with the many stakeholders involved,” said Frank Bernheisel, GBB Vice President. “As a change agent, with a deep understanding of the waste management and recycling industry, GBB has been able to help communities navigate through obstacles and advance into successful implementation.”

Santa Monica, with a population of approximately 84,000, is comprised of 8.3 square miles with a balance of vibrant commercial districts and neighboring residential communities. It is bordered by the City of Los Angeles on three sides and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The City currently operates traditional solid waste collection and transfer services for a customer base of 62,000 with a fleet of 128 vehicles and a staff of 121. The City directly provides all residential and much commercial solid waste and recycling collection citywide and operates a transfer station. Processing of commingled recycling and operation of a buy-back center are provided to the City via contract.

GBB is a national solid waste management consulting firm founded in 1980 that works on solid waste collection, processing, recycling and disposal issues, including construction waste and demolition debris projects at the local, state, and national levels for both the public and private sectors. For more information on the firm and its products and services, visit www.GBBinc.com or call 1-800-573-5801.

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