The Brockton City Ordinance Committee on Nov. 25 discussed a proposed amendment to Chapter 8, Section 8-9 that would raise the annual trash disposal fee to $440, billed quarterly at $110, but tabled the measure after councilors expressed concern about fairness and funding.

Dr. Troy Clarkson, the city's chief financial officer, told the committee that the city recently entered a multi-year contract with Republic Waste that pushed refuse operating costs higher and that a $20-per-quarter increase — $80 a year — "is responsible and conservative" and would help keep the refuse enterprise fund solvent. He said the city will likely need about $130,000 from certified free cash to cover last year's shortfall if fees are not adjusted.

Several councilors pressed alternatives. Councilor Rodriguez argued a blanket fee "punishes those that don't need punishing" and urged the committee to consider a menu of options that would raise ancillary charges (for mattresses, white goods and similar pickup) rather than the base quarterly fee. DPW Commissioner Patrick Hale agreed some ancillary fees could be adjusted but cautioned that higher charges can lead to illegal dumping; he also noted that about 41C tax-abatement qualifiers receive free trash service.

Councilor Plower said he was uncomfortable that the city extended a contract while the enterprise fund revenue stream was insufficient and cited legal limits on commitments without appropriation, pressing staff to ensure funding before future contracts. Clarkson answered that the solid-waste contract is exempt from Chapter 30B procurement and that staff negotiated with multiple vendors to secure a more favorable price.

The committee asked staff to return with a regional rate comparison, the projected revenue effect of raising ancillary fees, and options that would reduce the burden on fixed-income residents. A motion to table the ordinance carried; the transcript records that the committee tabled the matter but does not include a roll-call vote tally.