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Millville commission removes trash-fee ordinance from agenda after public objections
Summary
After public comment and debate about whether newly elected commissioners should decide rate changes, the Millville City Commission voted 3–2 to remove an ordinance in its first reading that would have changed solid-waste fee deductions; commissioners disputed the timing and equity of the change.
The Millville City Commission voted 3–2 to remove an ordinance in its first reading that would have implemented changes to solid‑waste deductions and related trash‑fee procedures after sustained public comment and commissioner debate.
Resident Lyn Caperryi of Millville opened public comment on the topic, asking: "Why are you passing ordinances on first reading when there's a new commission coming in and they won't be able to vote yourselves on the second reading?" Caperryi also questioned why trash fees were being raised after the budget was already adopted and asked for details about a UEZ‑funded "clean team."
The push to delay action gained traction on the commission. Commissioner Suie moved to remove (table) the ordinance in its first reading; the motion was seconded and adopted by roll call. The clerk recorded votes as follows: Commissioner Huitt — Yes; Vice Mayor Watson — No; Commissioner Kasaboon — No; Commissioner Suie — Yes; Mayor Romnik — Yes. The motion carried 3–2, and the ordinance was taken off tonight's agenda.
Vice Mayor Watson defended proceeding with some items, saying the current commission has been working on matters for months and that some decisions prepare the city for the incoming commission. Commissioners and speakers debated whether utility fees should be set by ordinance or by annual resolution. Officials explained that the solid‑waste utility is structured as a self‑liquidating utility, which allows the fee to be set annually by resolution because costs (particularly tipping fees) fluctuate year to year.
During the discussion staff described a proposed UEZ "clean team" initiative as a two‑person crew funded at about $166,000 intended to keep the designated UE zone clean; officials said UEZ funds must be spent by year‑end. Commissioners and the public exchanged numbers and cost estimates: one commissioner said about 168 customers would qualify for a proposed deduction, and staff reported tipping‑fee changes that were described in the record as adding roughly $3 and increasing tipping costs by about 3 percent.
Opponents of immediate action argued the incoming commission should have the chance to review and, if appropriate, revise policies that affect residents long term. Supporters said delaying could stall projects and contractual commitments that have been under discussion for months.
With the ordinance removed from the agenda, commissioners moved on to other business and then approved a resolution authorizing a closed session on contract negotiations and attorney‑client matters.
The commission took no formal vote tonight to adopt or alter trash rates; the ordinance in first reading was removed and may be reconsidered by a future commission or at a later meeting.
