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Gadsden City Council adopts fee for intentionally damaged garbage carts
Summary
The council adopted an amendment to city code to charge $58 plus a $25 delivery/return fee to replace garbage carts intentionally defaced or rendered inoperable; council members said offenders should pay rather than taxpayers. The ordinance passed on a voice vote.
Gadsden City Council on Nov. 10 adopted an ordinance amending city code section 106-86 to charge residents for garbage carts intentionally defaced or damaged. The ordinance sets a replacement cost of $58 plus a $25 delivery and return fee for damage not caused by normal use.
Council discussion centered on fairness and accountability. A councilmember summed up the measure with an example: if someone smashes a cart’s wheels, that person should pay to fix it rather than burdening taxpayers. The council chair clarified the policy targets deliberate damage such as removing lids, tearing off wheels or setting fires, not normal wear and tear. After brief exchanges, the council voted by voice to adopt the ordinance.
No formal vote tally was recorded in the meeting transcript; the clerk announced the motion carried. The ordinance was presented to the council as a follow-up to a first reading held the prior week.
