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Council approves garbage rate hike to match contract costs; 60-day notice required
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Summary
The council raised the monthly garbage collection fee from $14.08 to $23 to cover actual contract costs and reduce the city subsidy, and directed a 60-day notice period before the change takes effect.
The Hammond City Council voted on June 24 to raise the city's monthly fee for twice-weekly garbage collection from $14.08 to $23. City staff told the council the current city subsidy had been approximately $700,000'$800,000 per year and that raising the fee would recoup about $800,000 for capital and infrastructure work.
Staff said the city's contracted cost for twice-weekly service is closer to $23 per household; the council was presented with past bid amounts (Waste Pro, Pelican, AmWaste) and discussion noted annual CPI adjustments in the contract. Staff also said the current contract runs through 2027 and that termination provisions exist but exact costs to break a contract would require a rebid analysis.
Several residents, including seniors and advocates for fixed-income households, urged the council to consider hardships and requested longer notice and options for low-income residents. Staff said usage-based rate structures best protect low-usage customers and that a flat rate could increase bills for fixed-income, low-usage households.
The council approved the ordinance with a 60-day grace period (effective date moved to Sept. 1), and ordered city communications — billing inserts, newspaper notices, website and social media posts — to inform residents. The roll-call vote was 4-1 in favor: Councilman Wells voted no; Councilmen Andrews, Leon, Divatirio and Councilwoman Gonzales voted yes.
