Council advances sanitation fee increase proposal; debate over notifying property owners

City Manager Miller told the council on June 12 that the primary revenue source for sanitation (the special assessment fee) covers roughly 90–91% of the sanitation operating budget, but the department faces an approximate $250,000 shortfall due to higher transfer‑station disposal costs, increased salary and benefits, truck repair needs and a planned replacement refuse truck.

Miller proposed increasing the base assessment by $2 per month ($24 per year) — raising the residential assessment from $180 to $204 annually (from $15 to $17 per month) and the commercial base from $240 to $264 annually (from $20 to $22 per month). He said the landfill/transfer station lowest responsive bid for disposal was $43.75 per ton, an increase of $10.75 per ton that drives much of the added cost. The city proposes to finance a replacement rear‑end loader through a five‑year capital note and to appropriate funds for truck maintenance.

Council considered whether to mail a postcard or letter to property owners. Mailing quotes: a 5x7 postcard option was $4,180.85 (printing, postage and mail service); a mailed letter option was $7,311.86. Manager Miller noted that mailed notices would be sent to the property owner on the tax roll (not to a renter at the property address) and that many tax bills are sent to mortgage companies for escrowed accounts, so mailed notices may not reach all residents directly. Some council members expressed concern about seniors and other residents without reliable online access, while others preferred a press release and social‑media notices as cost‑effective alternatives. The manager asked for direction in time to meet the June 26 second reading and the ordinance effective date of July 1, 2025.

Vote: Council approved Ordinance 12‑27 (first reading) to increase sanitation assessments; motion recorded as made by Councilmember Andrea Witt and seconded by Vice Mayor Tyler; roll call vote was recorded as unanimous on first reading. The council asked Miller to use social media and press releases and gave mixed signals on whether to use the paid postcard option; Miller said he would proceed based on council guidance and the timing constraints for second reading.

Why this matters: the fee change affects all households and businesses receiving city sanitation service, will take effect July 1 if adopted on second reading, and aims to stabilize the sanitation fund amid rising disposal and equipment costs. The notification decision matters to renters and senior residents who may not receive electronic outreach or mortgage‑escrowed tax mailings.

Ending: The sanitation assessment increase will return for second and final reading on June 26; staff will finalize notification choices and timing before that meeting.