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Public commenters and council members seek clarity on proposed downtown dumpster permit fees
Summary
At a Feb. 5 Finance & Personnel Committee meeting, downtown business advocates criticized proposed dumpster-permit fees as excessive; the committee moved the ordinance to full council without recommendation so legal and administrative questions about fee amounts and permit responsibility can be clarified.
The Finance & Personnel Committee on Feb. 5 heard strong objections from downtown business advocates about a proposed change to the city fee schedule that would create permits and fees for dumpsters in public alleys.
"My job is to advocate and defend the businesses," said Chad Honeycutt, a La Crosse resident, who told the committee the proposed fees — as shown in a draft list — would effectively saddle businesses with another major cost and could deter new entrepreneurs. "This fee is also in addition to the average $500 monthly sanitation garbage pickup fee...This is not creating a pro-business climate."
Elaine Yeager of La Crosse asked the committee to clarify the actual cost and who would be required to obtain the permit. "I was told that in reality, it would be a $75 one‑time fee to get the permit, and then a $75 annual fee," Yeager said. She asked whether building owners, business tenants or haulers would be responsible for signing up and paying.
Council discussion focused on confusion about draft numbers and on who in city government wrote the fee language. Councilmember Sleznickl said the committee needs clearer answers before the common council considers the measure; Councilmember Janssen moved to forward the item to the full council with no recommendation. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Sleznickl, passed unanimously.
Why it matters: Downtown businesses and the council want to avoid imposing unexpectedly large fees that could damage business climate or duplicate existing sanitation charges. Committee members asked staff and legal to clarify the final fee amounts and the designated permit holder before the full council votes.
Next steps: The committee voted to move the proposed amendment to Appendix C of the municipal code to the common council with no recommendation and requested clarifications from legal and relevant departments; the item will return to the full council for further consideration.
