Weston board sets 2026 curbside refuse charge at $205.50

The Village of Weston Board of Trustees voted to set the 2026 curbside refuse and recycling special charge at $205.50 per household.

Trustee Cronin moved to set the rate at $205.50; the motion was seconded by Trustee Opus and carried on a voice vote. Staff presented three rate scenarios ($204.00, $205.00 and $205.50) and described estimated effects on the refuse fund balance under each option.

Village staff told trustees that the village’s current curbside rate is $167 and that the new contractor’s proposal is less costly than retaining the old contractor over a seven‑year horizon. Staff also noted the fund carries a relatively large balance because the village records property tax receipts early in the year; staff estimated a projected refuse fund balance of about $1.61 million before the final fall pickup expenses are posted. Staff cautioned that the lower rate options could rely more on fund balance and that the board often seeks to avoid large, single‑year increases for residents.

Board members discussed the equity rationale for maintaining refuse as a special charge rather than rolling it into the tax levy: board discussion noted the charge applies equally to single‑family households (up to four units under the contract) so that households pay the same curbside charge regardless of assessed value. Staff also explained that the refuse fund receives a recycling grant (shown in the budget worksheets as roughly $79,000 in revenue), and that curbside, yard waste and other revenues are budgeted conservatively.

After discussion, Trustee Cronin’s motion to set the annual special charge at $205.50 carried. Staff will apply the rate in the 2026 billing cycle and monitor actual costs and fund balance through the year.