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Council tables proposed $10 monthly leaf and brush fee after residents voice fairness and opt‑out concerns
Summary
Council postponed action on ordinance 2025-54, which would add a $10 monthly charge per solid waste customer for leaf/brush collection, after public commenters called for an opt‑out option and raised equity concerns; council set a 90‑day review to explore alternatives and data.
Fredericksburg City Council on Jan. 6 discussed an ordinance (2025-54) that would implement new utility billing for leaf and brush collection, proposing a $10 monthly charge per solid waste customer as part of FY26 revenue assumptions.
Staff said the FY26 budget included $531,000 for the program and that services would be implemented through utility billing once operational details were finalized. Council members and staff reviewed proposed service scope (annual 2–3 week spring collection) and noted details on prohibited items would be published online.
Multiple residents testified. One commenter said the $10 figure "is really the total cost of this service" and argued it is unfair to charge all residents the same rate when many do not use curbside collection; another (Eric Hammerson) proposed an opt‑out for households that do not use the service, noting some households have no trees or yard waste.
Council members raised concerns about equity, the city's current positive budget position and the need to confirm whether the proposed fee truly reflects an additional deficit rather than a reallocation. Several members urged more time to analyze alternatives such as opt‑out mechanisms and implementation logistics.
After discussion the council voted to table the ordinance and set a review within approximately 90 days to allow staff time to provide more detail and solicit additional public feedback.
