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Council adopts ordinance setting recycling fees and new apartment sewer rate; recycling rollout to begin after can delivery
Summary
Morgan City adopted Ordinance 25-02 to add a fee for a second curbside recycling cart and to establish a specific apartment sewer rate (75% of one ERU); the ordinance sets an April 1, 2025 effective date for the sewer rate, while recycling service and billing will start after all city carts are delivered.
Morgan City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 25-02 on March 11, 2025, amending the consolidated fee schedule to add charges for recycling service and to create a new apartment sewer rate.
City staff explained the ordinance adds a $10 charge for an additional residential recycle cart (biweekly collection) and creates a commercial recycling line item. Ty (city staff) said the apartment sewer rate will be standardized: each apartment will be charged 75% of one equivalent residential unit (ERU) to address inconsistent billing practices in which some apartments had been charged the full residential rate and others the commercial rate based on estimated water usage.
Theresa (councilmember) asked about the ordinance’s effective date. Ty clarified that the ordinance establishes the rates effective April 1, 2025 for the sewer changes but that recycling collection and its billing will not begin until the city finishes delivery of recycle carts (no earlier than June 1 as discussed); the recycling ordinance language governs the start of collection and billing. Ty said, "the billing doesn't start until all the cans have been delivered or June 1." Staff noted provisions for hardship discounts and existing homestead/circuit-breaker credits will remain available for qualifying residents.
Councilmember Dave moved to adopt Ordinance 25-02 amending Title 1, Chapter 1.15 of the Morgan City Code to add the second-recycle-can rate and the apartment sewer rate; a second was recorded and the ordinance passed with recorded “Aye” votes. The mayor declared the ordinance adopted.
The ordinance sets the apartment sewer rate and the additional-recycle-cart fee; staff will implement billing changes once cart delivery is complete and will process eligibility for discounts for qualifying residents.
