Tipton officials weigh raising waste fee after repeated trash truck breakdowns

The Board of Public Works discussed repeated breakdowns of the city's primary trash truck and the possibility of raising the city—s waste fee to pay for a second vehicle at its July meeting. City staff said recurring mechanical failures have forced crews to collect trash by hand and incur repair costs and overtime. The issue matters because the current $15 fee for trash and recycling, staff said, covers routine expenses but leaves no margin for capital replacement or a backup truck. Without a second truck, a single failure can delay service and require manual pickups that demand more labor. Street Department staff reported that the city's trash truck has required several expensive repairs in recent months, including a PTO shaft replacement and frequent out-of-service periods. A board member summarized the argument for new revenue: "I think it's time that we pull the trigger on. Nobody wants to do this, but we're gonna have to raise the tax rate." The statement was made during discussion of options to fund a second truck. Staff provided cost context: the city currently charges $15 for trash, recycling and yard waste pickup; recent truck repairs have cost roughly $15,000 to $20,000 over the past six months, not counting extra labor for manual collection. Staff said manufacturers now commonly sell dual-drive trucks (right- or left-hand drive) and that single-drive trucks suitable for Tipton—s crews are typically $20,000 to $30,000 less than dual-drive models. Staff also reported receiving two quotes and seeking additional vendor estimates. Board members and staff discussed operational impacts and options. Staff said with two functioning automated trucks, crews could avoid working through lunch and reduce route disruptions. They noted the public works fleet had also faced other downtime (boom truck and bucket truck repairs earlier in the year) that constrained sign and banner work. No formal vote or rate change was taken; the matter remained a discussion item. The board asked staff to refine cost estimates and options for purchasing a replacement or backup truck and to return with recommendation(s) for council consideration. The meeting then proceeded to other agenda items, including capital projects, permitting updates and community programs.