City Council approves significant trash fee hike after nine years without changes

During the Gloucester City Council meeting on March 11, 2025, significant discussions centered around proposed increases to trash fees, reflecting broader fiscal challenges faced by the city. The council deliberated on a motion to approve a new fee schedule for trash collection, which would raise the cost of trash bags significantly for residents.

Councilor Gilman highlighted that the last fee adjustment occurred in 2016, making the proposed increases necessary to address rising operational costs. The proposed changes would see the price of 15-gallon bags increase from $1.25 to $1.75 and 36-gallon bags from $2.25 to $3.00. Additionally, bulk item fees would rise from $10 to $25, and appliance disposal fees would increase from $30 to $35.

Councilor Nolan emphasized the need for the city to operate like a business, arguing that the costs associated with trash collection should not be subsidized by the general fund, which supports essential services like education and public safety. He noted that the trash industry has undergone significant changes, with costs rising sharply, and stressed the importance of adjusting fees to reflect these realities.

Despite the necessity of the fee increases, some council members expressed concerns about the impact on residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. Councilor Worthley proposed an amendment to moderate the increases, suggesting a smaller rise in fees to lessen the financial burden on constituents. However, this amendment was ultimately rejected by the council, which favored the original proposal.

The council's discussions underscored the delicate balance between maintaining essential services and managing the city's budget. As the council moves forward, the approved fee increases are expected to generate necessary revenue to cover rising costs while also prompting ongoing conversations about affordability and service delivery in Gloucester City. The council anticipates revisiting the fee structure in the future, particularly as new contracts for waste management are negotiated.