Danville residents could soon be paying more for garbage collection under a solid waste proposal that is headed to the full city council. Members of the Public Works Committee of the City Council approved a proposal last night calling for raising the solid waste collection fee over each of the next five years.
Alderman Jon Cooper was the only committee member who voted against the increase. Mayor Scott Eisenhauer says the hikes are necessary in order to continue to provide good service to residents. ‘’The cost of providing the service continues to increase,’’ said the Mayor, ‘’so our alternatives are we either continue to do it in a cost-effective manner and provide the same service, or we don’t increase (the fee) and we reduce our level of service. What you’ve seen here is somewhat of a combination of the two.’’
Under the plan approved by the committee the monthly fee for solid waste collection will rise from its current $23.50 a month to $24 – effective April first. Then the fee would rise by 75-cents over each of the next four years. It would take the fee to $27 a month in the year 2021.
Mayor Eisenhauer says if the fee is not increased, it will be necessary to reduce service.
The City is considering contracting with a private vendor for major collections with the use of roll-off containers. But Public Works Director Doug Ahrens says that would require discussions with the union covering Public Works employees first. The City is also considering using a specially equipped truck to pick up bags that can hold up to two and a half tons. Some demonstration bags will be tested as part of that plan.
The City Council will consider the recommendations when it meets on Tuesday, January 17th at 6:00 p.m.
