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McDonough approves 3% sanitation increase; residents face 76¢ monthly rise
Summary
The council voted 7–0 to adopt a 3% annual sanitation rate increase tied to the city’s contract with Republic Services, raising the typical monthly charge from $25.38 to $26.14; staff said the sanitation enterprise fund is under strain, in part because of large‑item drop‑off misuse.
The City Council of McDonough on April 20 approved a contract‑driven 3% sanitation rate increase effective June 1, 2026. City staff said the increase is a pass-through required by the service provider’s contract and will raise the current monthly cost from $25.38 to $26.14 — an increase of $0.76 per household per month.
City Administrator Keith explained the increase and the contract terms to the council, noting that the current contract with Republic Services calls for a 3% annual price escalation. He described the sanitation enterprise as financially stressed, attributing much of the pressure to expanded use of the large‑item drop‑off site during and since the pandemic and to residents not using scheduled curbside or pickup options.
"The current cost is $25.38. The increase is 76¢ a month. The new cost will be $26.14," the city administrator said. Staff said the cost increase is a pass-through under the existing contract and that they will follow up with communications to residents explaining proper use of large-item drop-off and the pickup services available.
Council members discussed outreach and education about existing services and asked staff to coordinate a public information campaign so residents can better use services already paid for on their bills. The motion to approve the 3% increase passed unanimously, 7–0.
