The Hennepin County Board moved Dec. 2 to direct staff to study potential amendments to Ordinance 18 — the county’s 1995 solid waste management fee — as a possible revenue source to accelerate 0‑waste implementation.

Commissioner Conley, who sponsored the item, said the ordinance currently allows a fee tied to taxable property market value but the rate is set at zero. The board action directs staff to evaluate options that might target the county’s largest waste producers, outline revenue potential and propose a public engagement plan and timeline for presentation by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Multiple commissioners supported a study but warned about unintended consequences. Commissioner Anderson and others asked staff to identify legal and fiscal limits on county authority, to assess capacity and to ensure proposals avoid shifting costs to residents least able to pay. Commissioner Edelson urged caution given upcoming product‑stewardship laws and existing tariffs.

Commissioner Green and Conley said the evaluation should aim for progressive collection mechanisms and avoid perverse incentives. The board approved the staff‑direction motion by voice vote.

Staff will return with options, proposed public engagement and analyses of distributional impacts and legal constraints.