City Council to look at raising refuse disposal prices
CHILLICOTHE — During a recent City Services Committee meeting of the Chillicothe City Council members of the committee voted on an issue involving raising the price for refuse disposal.
Members include Deidra Nickerson, Lisa Bennett and Steve Barnes but other members of council were also present at the meeting to give their thoughts on possible increases.
The increases would help cover costs for personnel, operations and establish a capital fund. This capital fund would help the city require fewer loans when it comes to big item purchases for the services such as new trucks.
Previously, closing the recycling program down was discussed but many council members found that doing so would not solve any problems as the recycling would just be moved to the trash bins to be picked up and disposed of. Councilman Steve Branes mentioned that people are going to have to pay one way or another with trash and recycling so it was best to take the environmentally conscious route.
The overall price change would be refuse collection and disposal going from $15 to $17 per month and recycling going from $195 to $4 per month. The council would also be required to look at the prices yearly to make sure the service stays solvent.
All three members of the committee voted to pass this ordinance meaning it will soon be seen and voted on by the entire council.
Councilwoman Nickerson said price increases are never something the people, or council, want to happen but unfortunately, it is the cost of doing business and offering services these days.
"It hurts to raise the prices," said Nickerson but she said it was a must done order to stay solvent and efficient. "I hate it but we have to do it."
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: A look at how much trash and recycling prices could be increasing
