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Eagle Pass OKs first reading to raise residential garbage rate to $17; exemptions kept for seniors and disabled veterans
Summary
On first reading, council approved an increase in the municipal solid waste base rate from $13.50 to $17 for city residents, kept subsidized service for seniors and disabled veterans, formalized Quemal library drop-off rules and scheduled further review before final readings.
The Eagle Pass City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance on Dec. 3 that would raise the city residential solid waste base rate by $3.50 per container, increasing the base monthly charge for city residents to $17.
Public Works Director Daniel Ibarra said the proposed change ‘‘goes up by $3.50 per [can]’’ and that county rates would increase from $16.50 to $20. Ibarra said the proposal keeps the incremental price for an additional 96-gallon container lower than the full base rate, and he cited comparisons with larger cities to justify the level of the increase.
Ibarra also outlined a formalized process for the city’s weekend service at the Quemal library, where residents currently dump bags into a 3-yard container: the ordinance draft would set bag fees (for example, $1 per 13-gallon bag; about $3 for 30-gallon bags; $5 for 50 gallons and up) and require that refuse arrive bagged to keep the drop-off controlled and cleaner.
Council asked about discounts for vulnerable populations. Ibarra stated the first container ‘‘is completely subsidized for city residents, disabled veterans, and the elderly,’’ and that fees would apply to additional containers for county residents.
Council members expressed interest in confirming the revenue impacts alongside an ongoing compensation study for city employees. Several members supported approving the first reading while reserving the right to revisit rates on later readings if the compensation study or further analysis shows the need for different adjustments. Councilman Garcia moved and Councilwoman Cruz seconded the first reading; the vote was announced as unanimous.
What’s next: This was the ordinance’s first reading; staff will return with final language and any adjustments after additional review and in light of the city’s compensation study.
Financial details and clarifications: The ordinance draft raises the primary city-resident container charge to $17 per month. An additional 96-gallon container would remain at a reduced incremental charge ($13.50 under current structure). Specific rental fees for 20–40-yard containers will be researched and provided at a later reading.
