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MR&E asks Soda Springs council for 4.9% rate increase for refuse service
Summary
MR&E representatives told council rising parts, fuel and labor costs have pushed refuse operations higher and requested a 4.9% increase; council agreed to consider utility/enterprise rate changes at September hearings.
Representatives from MR&E told the Soda Springs council on Aug. 21 that operating costs for municipal refuse service have risen significantly and requested a 4.9% rate increase.
MR&E (speaker 10) highlighted rising repair costs (a 45% increase from 2021 to 2023), fuel increases (about 60% from 2021 to 2023), higher truck and parts prices and nearly 46% growth in payroll costs since 2021. MR&E said labor market pressures and the cost of parts and tires have made it difficult to recruit and retain drivers and maintenance staff. MR&E asked the council to consider a 4.9% increase in the refuse base rate to help cover wages, parts and insurance costs.
Council members asked for comparative rates in neighboring jurisdictions and discussed when to schedule public hearings to consider the change. Staff suggested placing enterprise rate increases on the agenda for the Sept. meetings; one councilmember suggested the garbage change might be handled at the Sept. 2 meeting so it could take effect Oct. 1 if approved. Residents during public comment urged the council to consider whether the city should continue to bill private garbage customers on behalf of a contractor.
Next steps: council will include enterprise fund rate changes (including MR&E’s request) on September’s public-notice hearings so residents can comment; staff will provide comparative rate information.
