Charles City approves new garbage rates; commits to depot project

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Council approved a resolution to increase city garbage rates during its regular meeting Monday.

The 7.4% rate increase was requested by Jendro Sanitation, whose contract with the city allows the company to ask for Consumer Price Index adjustments on an annual basis.

Last year, the city chose to weigh the increase more toward higher end users in order to reduce the impact on households that produce less garbage. The city has decided to continue this practice, so while the overall rate increase will amount to 7.4%, the dollar amount increase will be higher for customers who use the larger garbage totes.

Under the new rates, the monthly rate for 35-gallon wheeled totes will increase from $13.77 to $14.54; the rate for 65-gallon wheeled totes will increase from $18 to $19.41; and the rate for 95-gallon wheeled totes will increase from $22.30 to $24.40.

In addition, the cost of additional 15-gallon and 33-gallon trash bags will increase from $1.39 and $1.83 to $1.50 and $1.97 respectively.

Council member Patrick Lumley noted that he had received some calls about the proposed rate increase and confirmed with the city that garbage rates are a “cash-in, cash-out” expense, which does not generate revenue for the city.

“We’re at the mercy of the economy on this one,” said Lumley.

In other business, the council also discussed the city’s commitment toward a public restroom project at the American Passenger Train History Museum’s relocated depot building. In the previous planning meeting, it was estimated that such a project could exceed $300,000. The museum has requested the city’s assistance for the project to help secure a Destination Iowa grant for the project.

The council approved a resolution committing the city to a contribution not to exceed $50,000. This resolution doesn’t move funds right away, but does express the city’s commitment to the project.