Sebring council adopts new residential assessment and commercial solid-waste rates

The Sebring City Council on Sept. 2 approved a resolution setting the residential solid-waste assessment rate and adopted a separate resolution increasing commercial solid-waste collection and disposal rates, both effective this fall. City staff presented Resolution No. 2025-17 to set the solid-waste assessment rate and said the current rate is $230 per unit and the recommended rate is $235 per unit; staff also said the maximum rate that can be set without mailed notice to property owners is $204. Council approved the resolution and authorized the city attorney to sign the assessment certificate. Council then considered Resolution No. 2025-18 to adopt new commercial solid-waste rates. City staff said the proposal includes a 5% increase for commercial customers next year and new fees to cover special collections and time-based charges when crews must wait or move dumpsters. Council approved the resolution; staff stated the new commercial rates will take effect in October 2025. Both votes were taken by roll call during the meeting; council members recorded affirmative votes during roll call for each resolution. The clerk called the roll and several members responded “Yes.” City staff clarified that the commercial rate resolution adds fees for special circumstances such as long waits at customer facilities, removal and replacement of dumpsters, and other time- and equipment-related charges. Next steps: The city will publish the updated assessment certificate as required and implement the commercial rate schedule beginning October 2025. Property owners who would be affected by an increase above the statutory threshold would be given notice if required by state law and local procedures.