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City manager proposes moving refuse service to enterprise fund; council questions rates and equity
Summary
City Manager Golden proposed shifting Lowell’s refuse and recycling operation into an enterprise fund to stop a long‑running deficit; managers flagged likely new rates (~$3.25 for single‑family, ~$5.25 for investor/absentee) and promised a final proposal next week amid council calls for tiered pricing and enforcement measures.
The city manager told the council Feb. 17 that Lowell’s refuse and recycling service has run a structural deficit for years and that the administration plans to bring a proposal next week to convert the service into an enterprise fund and reset user fees.
Manager Golden said recent competitive bids and alignment of collection and disposal contracts make the transition feasible, and that comparable towns pay about $4.25 per household per year; the administration’s working estimate for Lowell is about $3.25 for single‑family homes and $5.25 for absentee/investor properties, while maintaining a $50 annual senior rate.
Councilors raised questions about fairness, enforcement and options to reduce household bills: Councilor Scott proposed smaller container sizes or a pay‑as‑you‑throw tiered model, and Councilor McDonough urged charging based on actual usage so lower‑waste households pay less. Officials said enforcement already uses truck cameras in the contract and that the administration issues fines for violations.
The manager said final numbers will be brought back at the next meeting with procurement details and recommended rates; councilors signaled interest in alternative rate structures, stronger enforcement and exemptions or discounts for low‑income seniors.
Next steps: manager to present final enterprise fund ordinance and rate schedule for council consideration at the next meeting.
