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Commission approves trash fee increase amid complaints about yard‑waste pickup and recycling contamination
Summary
The commission adopted an ordinance raising refuse charges by the greater of 4% or CPI to keep the sanitation fund positive; discussion focused on yard‑waste pickup procedures, claw‑truck scheduling and a reported recycling contamination rate (~37%).
New Smyrna Beach — The City Commission adopted Ordinance 49‑24 on a unanimous vote to increase user charges for refuse, recycling and rental containers by the greater of 4% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The proposed CPI this year was 4.35 percent; staff said the ordinance relies on the 4% baseline to keep the sanitation fund solvent for fiscal year 2025.
David Ray, director of maintenance operations, told commissioners the adjustment is required to preserve the sanitation fund: "CPI this year is 4.35. So that's what we are proposing to raise the current rates to." Commissioners probed which services are covered and raised resident complaints that yard‑waste requiring a cherry‑picker must now be called in rather than being scheduled automatically by the route crew. Commissioner McGurk said residents have experienced multi‑week delays for claw‑truck service; the city manager committed to follow up with the contractor and negotiate return to faster response times.
Staff also reported a recycling contamination rate of roughly 37 percent — meaning contaminated loads are diverted to landfill — which prompted discussion about whether curbside recycling remains cost‑effective. The commission approved the ordinance on a roll call vote with all five members voting yes.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance 49‑24 adopted (5–0).
