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Mulga council adopts higher garbage rates, approves 7% pay raise and authorizes $1,400 lawsuit
Summary
At its Aug. 6 meeting, the Mulga Town Council adopted Ordinance No. 2024-03 raising garbage-collection rates, approved a 7% cost-of-living pay increase, authorized Resolution No. 2024-08 to pursue $1,400 in damages from Unlimited Underground and approved routine bills and permits.
Mulga’s Town Council on Aug. 6 voted to raise local garbage-collection rates, approved a 7% cost-of-living increase for town employees and authorized litigation seeking $1,400 from a contractor.
The council adopted Ordinance No. 2024-03 to amend garbage service rates after staff presented the proposed changes. The ordinance, introduced by Shelby Morris and adopted following motions from Lelan Taylor and Lisa Armstrong, raises the monthly charge for the first can from $15 to $20 and increases the second/extra-can rate from $7.50 to $10; a $75 upfront charge was also described. The town will grandfather existing customers, and the new rates are slated to take effect in September.
Why it matters: the change alters monthly costs for residential customers and is intended to align Mulga’s service rates with regional pricing. Council discussion referenced neighboring-town service rates and a grandfather clause for current customers.
The council also approved a 7% cost-of-living pay increase for town employees after a motion by Lisa Armstrong and a second from Rachel Davis. The roll-call vote recorded District 1, District 3, District 4 and District 5 as yes; District 2 was absent and Mayor W. Keith Varner abstained. District 3 had presented background research supporting the 7% recommendation and members cited employee retention and the lack of a COLA increase since 2017.
The body authorized Resolution No. 2024-08 to file litigation against Unlimited Underground seeking $1,400 in damages. Shelby Morris presented the resolution; Lisa Armstrong moved adoption and Rachel Davis seconded. The council voted to adopt the resolution (District 2 absent).
Votes at a glance: - Approval of August 2024 bills: motion by Rachel Davis; second Jeremy Davis. Roll-call: District 1 Yes; District 2 Absent; District 3 Yes; District 4 Yes; District 5 Yes; Mayor Yes. Outcome: approved. - Manufactured-home permit, 220 Forest Avenue: motion by Jeremy Davis; second Rachel Davis. Roll-call: District 1 Yes; District 2 Absent; District 3 Abstain; District 4 Yes; District 5 Yes; Mayor Yes. Outcome: approved (one abstention). - Ordinance No. 2024-03 (garbage rates): introduced by Shelby Morris; motion to consider by Lisa Armstrong; adoption motion by Lelan Taylor, second Lisa Armstrong. Roll-call for adoption: District 1 Yes; District 2 Absent; District 3 Yes; District 4 Yes; District 5 Yes; Mayor Yes. Outcome: adopted. - Resolution No. 2024-08 (litigation vs. Unlimited Underground, $1,400): motion Lisa Armstrong; second Rachel Davis. Outcome: adopted. - 7% across-the-board pay increase: motion Lisa Armstrong; second Rachel Davis. Roll-call: District 1 Yes; District 2 Absent; District 3 Yes; District 4 Yes; District 5 Yes; Mayor Abstain. Outcome: approved.
Council members directed staff (Shelby Morris) to draft a resolution specifying proposed dollar amounts for council and mayor pay adjustments for consideration at a future meeting; the Mayor noted timing rules for any elected-official pay changes (six months prior to an election). The meeting was adjourned following a motion by Lelan Taylor.
