Andalusia City Council considers garbage rate increase
Date: 2017-02-27 Type: Regular Meeting
Quick Summary
Council noted a first reading is required for the proposed garbage-rate ordinance and reported they conducted a survey of other cities’ rates. Staff discussed pros/cons of contracting collection versus city service, confirmed a $20 fee for a second receptacle, and said they will include a litter-control provision in an upcoming right-of-way mowing contract and use additional garbage revenues for litter control.
Key Decisions
- Proceed with the required first reading of the garbage-rate ordinance (first reading required as stated).
- Staff completed a survey of other cities’ garbage rates to inform the proposal.
- Include a litter-control provision in the upcoming right-of-way mowing/cutting contract.
- Confirm the cost for a second receptacle is $20 (as stated).
- Intend to apply additional revenue from the garbage/trash increase toward litter control efforts.
Notable Discussion
- Comparison of in-house collection versus contracting: contractors may not retrieve or replace overturned/misplaced cans and may not assist elderly/infirm residents; city crews provide that service.
- Steel trash bins from contractors are expensive, cited as a cost consideration for residents.
- Discussion of a roughly million-dollar budget item covering tasks from recycling to roadway trash pickup; recycling was noted as not part of that budget.
- Staff noted recurring litter in cleaned areas and the need for ongoing litter-control efforts.
Action Items
- Conduct the first reading of the proposed garbage-rate ordinance (as required).
- Distribute the right-of-way mowing/cutting contract including the litter-control provision.
- Allocate additional revenues from the garbage/trash increase to support litter-control activities.