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Lebanon council outlines sanitation fee rollout, exemptions to follow property-tax-freeze criteria
Summary
City officials said the new sanitation fee will be placed on utility bills and that an exemption process will follow the same guidelines used for the property-tax freeze (income threshold and age/disability criteria); officials said billing will take time and enforcement will be through utility shutoffs after arrears exceed thresholds.
Lebanon city officials told the City Council that a new sanitation fee will be billed through the city's utility system, that exemptions will use the same eligibility rules as the property-tax freeze, and that enforcement will ultimately use standard utility-collection procedures.
The matter affects households across the city because the fee will appear on utility bills rather than as a standalone charge; officials said a process is being developed for people who qualify for relief and that outreach will accompany the rollout so residents know how to apply.
Council members described the policy details in general terms and asked for a clear application process. Councilor Camille Burdine confirmed the city plans to follow the same eligibility guidelines used for the property-tax freeze: an income line at about $38,000 annually, an age threshold of 65 or older, and a disability provision. City staff said a form similar to the property-tax-freeze application will be used and will be distributed with utility bills.
Stuart (city staff) and other staff members said the fee would not begin charging customers immediately on July 1 because accounting and billing systems need time to be updated; officials indicated customers could begin seeing implementation and outreach materials in August. The city also plans a public information flyer with instructions for opting into recycling.
Officials discussed recycling-cart and fee options but acknowledged multiple figures were still being finalized. Council discussion referenced a $75 cart purchase option and recurring recycling charges; staff said final pricing and opt-in timing will be communicated when the rollout materials are mailed.
On enforcement, staff said because the sanitation charge will be on the city utility bill, the city's existing collection remedies apply. If an account accrues more than a $25 past-due threshold for multiple months, water and gas services can be disconnected under current billing practice. City staff advised residents that most sanitation customers will be billed along with other utilities and that shutoffs are the established collection tool for unpaid utility balances.
Council members asked about commercial accounts and townhome developments. Staff said most townhomes and owner-occupied units should fall under residential pricing, while larger apartment complexes are treated as commercial and may contract separately for dumpster service.
Councilors asked staff to complete application forms and outreach plans soon so residents can apply for relief and be informed of recycling and fee options; staff committed to provide the finalized application and materials to councilors once complete.
