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Sanitation fund near self‑sufficiency but administration proposes extra‑cart fee and a $0.50 rate increase
Summary
Administration told council the sanitation enterprise fund is close to self‑sustaining but faces rising costs and aging equipment; staff proposed letting residents buy a second city cart for $60 plus a $5/month fee and signaled a proposed $0.50 annual sanitation rate increase phased over three years to shore up revenue.
Sanitation supervisor Mike Durkin and finance staff presented the city’s sanitation enterprise fund status and several proposed revenue changes to maintain operations and address rising costs.
Durkin said the sanitation fund spent roughly $5.1M in 2024 and $5.4M in 2025 and the 2026 budget is roughly in the $5.4M range. He reported about 20,280 residential sanitation accounts and told council the department has retrieved more than 115 extra carts from properties with more than one cart. Debt service on the original fleet ($272,200) ends this year, which lowers near‑term obligations.
To discourage loose trash and to help route efficiency, the department proposed allowing residents to purchase a city‑supplied second cart for $60 and charging a $5/month tipping fee for the extra cart. "If somebody wants a second cart, we'd like to make it available for that cost of $60 apiece…and then we would deliver it," Durkin said. The administration framed the fee as a way to recoup disposal costs for additional waste and keep routes on schedule.
Staff also proposed legislation to increase the sanitation rate by $0.50 over each of three years (a total of $1.50) to address escalating payroll and operating costs; the administration said it will bring formal legislation to council after the budget process. Durkin said some equipment purchases will be deferred in 2026 because mechanics and warranties allow the fleet to be maintained this year, but the department is requesting several roll‑offs and a used shop truck (combined ~ $100K) and anticipates ordering a new garbage truck in 2027 when needed.
Council asked about walk‑up service for residents who cannot bring carts to the curb; staff confirmed walk‑up service continues for eligible households. The administration also noted long‑term wastewater capital (Mill Creek projects) will drive multi‑year rate increases in the sewer/wastewater program because of recently approved large contracts ($43M and $33M were cited) and federal mandates.
The Committee heard the sanitation overview, flagged operational questions and expected formal rate and cart‑fee legislation after the administration refines the proposals.
