Keeping Mission Country Disposal (MCD) as Cambria's waste management provider rather than transitioning the service to be managed directly by the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) has several advantages. 

1. Cost Savings and Efficiency

• Specialization: MCD specializes in waste management, leveraging economies of scale, expertise, and established processes that CCSD does not have. Transitioning to in-house management would require significant investment in equipment, personnel, training, and infrastructure.
• Avoiding Capital Investment: Managing waste disposal services would require purchasing trucks, bins, maintenance equipment, and facilities, which would burden the District's budget.

2. Administrative and Operational Burden

• Resource Allocation: CCSD staff and resources are already allocated to water, wastewater collection and treatment, fire protection, and other essential community services. Adding waste management would overload administrative capacity.
• Regulatory Compliance: Waste management involves navigating complex environmental regulations and compliance requirements. MCD already has experience and systems in place to meet these obligations.

3. Financial Risks

• Revenue Uncertainty: Waste management services would not generate sufficient revenue to cover operational costs, leading to budget shortfalls.
• Unforeseen Expenses: Issues such as rising fuel costs, regulatory changes, and equipment failures would result in unexpected expenses for CCSD.

4. Continuity and Stability

• Proven Track Record: MCD has an established system for handling solid waste collection and disposal and recycling efficiently. Transitioning services would disrupt established routines and could lead to public dissatisfaction.
• Avoiding Transition Challenges: A shift to in-house management would involve logistical challenges, such as hiring new staff, implementing new systems, and negotiating contracts with third parties.

5. Partnership Benefits

• Shared Risk: Outsourcing waste management shifts financial and operational risks to MCD, protecting CCSD from liability in areas such as accidents, environmental spills, and legal disputes.
• Flexibility: MCD’s existing infrastructure and personnel allow it to adapt to changing needs, such as population growth or new recycling mandates, without requiring CCSD to bear the associated costs.

6. Environmental Expertise

• Recycling Programs: MCD already implements state-mandated programs for recycling and organics waste diversion (e.g., SB 1383 compliance). CCSD would need to establish these programs from scratch, requiring significant time and expertise.

Unless there is evidence of significant cost savings, service improvements, or community benefits from transitioning waste management to CCSD, it is prudent to continue outsourcing this service, as it allows CCSD to focus on its core functions while benefiting from MCD's expertise and economies of scale.