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Greendale council approves sanitation rate hike to replace failing trucks
Summary
The Greendale Common Council voted to adopt Ordinance 2026‑01 raising sanitation rates to fund replacement of two garbage trucks (roughly $744,000), after officials said the city hadn’t increased rates in 17½ years and equipment failures made replacement urgent.
The Greendale Common Council on May 13 approved Ordinance 2026‑01, a final reading that raises sanitation rates to pay for two replacement garbage trucks and other sanitation needs. Mayor Vince Karstetter said the city had not raised sanitation rates in 17½ years and that recent equipment failures created an urgent funding need.
"We had not raised the sanitation rates in 17 and 1/2 years," Karstetter said during the final reading, explaining the change will allow the city to replace two trucks at a total price the council discussed as about $744,000. Council members moved, seconded and approved the ordinance by voice vote.
Why it matters: Council and staff said the sanitation fleet suffered multiple breakdowns that left the city vulnerable and that replacing the trucks is necessary to maintain regular collection services. Council thanked members of the sanitation committee and singled out Andy Lions for doing the committee math that helped frame the rate proposal.
Votes at a glance: Council approved several smaller fiscal items alongside the sanitation ordinance. The council authorized a $100 sponsorship for the Sons of American Legion golf outing, a $200 banner renewal with the Lawrenceburg Lions Club, and a $100 hole sponsorship for the Lawrenceburg Elks golf outing. The council also approved a multi‑year conversion from legacy Keystone software to the Boyce Cloud (see below for costs and timing).
Budget and next steps: Officials said proceeds from the rate adjustment will be applied to the purchase and financing of two garbage trucks; one unit is already available and a second is expected to be built with delivery early next year. The ordinance takes effect per the city’s adopted effective‑date procedures. Staff will continue to report on procurement and implementation timelines at future meetings.
What council said: Karstetter framed the vote as pragmatic: the ordinance follows a public hearing earlier in the meeting that produced no public comment and proceeds the second reading that satisfied the public‑notice requirement. Council members indicated support for minimizing service interruptions and ensuring crews can continue operations safely.
Council actions supporting operations: During the meeting staff reported that patchwork and paving projects are scheduled for Ridge Avenue this summer and that the city signed agreements to buy replacement sanitation equipment. Officials asked residents to expect night work for milling and paving and to monitor project notices.
The council adjourned with routine business to follow at its next meeting; staff will return with procurement updates and any implementation details residents should know.
