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Sellersburg council raises residential trash fee to $15, approves container-cost policy
Summary
The Sellersburg Town Council voted unanimously Sept. 22 to raise the towns monthly refuse pickup fee from $10 to $15 per container and allow residents to purchase up to two town containers at the towns actual cost. Council members said the change responds to a multi-year shortfall in refuse revenues.
The Sellersburg Town Council on Sept. 22 approved ordinance 2025-OR-019 to increase the monthly residential refuse pickup charge from $10 to $15 per container, effective Nov. 1, 2025, and to allow residents to purchase up to two town refuse containers at the towns actual acquisition cost.
Council members said the change responds to a long-running shortfall in the towns sanitation fund. "We stated we're losing a roughly, 162, almost $163,000 a year," the presiding officer said during discussion. Councilmember Scott moved the ordinance and Terry seconded; the council approved the measure 4-0.
Under the new ordinance, the $15 monthly charge applies per container with a maximum of two containers per residence. The ordinance also replaces the prior provision that allowed residents to purchase cans for a fixed fee; instead, residents may buy up to two containers at a price "equal to and not exceeding the actual cost of the container the town incurred to acquire it, including any freight charges associated with delivery," the ordinance language states.
Council and staff described the services included with the charge: weekly trash pickup; a scheduled large-item pickup by a grapple truck when residents call; spring and fall cleanups; lawn-waste pickup on a biweekly schedule; and an expanded weekly pickup schedule that begins in October. Councilmember Randy said residents were receiving substantial service for the new rate: "You're getting a lot of bang for your buck." Councilmember Scott noted the town has not adjusted garbage rates in roughly eight years, citing 2017 or 2018 as the last change.
The ordinance text cites Indiana Code 36-5-2-9 as authority for municipal ordinances. The council also waived a second reading before approving the ordinance. Town officials said details about pickup schedules, spring/fall cleanup dates and container purchase procedures are posted on the town website.
The ordinance takes effect upon passage and the majority signatures of the council; the council indicated that implementation would begin Nov. 1, 2025.
Residents with questions were advised to consult the town website or contact the town offices for specifics on container costs and pickup schedules.
