Council hears options as Trenton prepares for expected Rumpke rate increase

Finance Director Matthew Mesisklis told council the Refuse Revenue Fund is about 38% spent while revenues are at roughly 50%, in part because the city moved many employee costs out of that fund. He said the city has "effectively been giving residents breaks on refuse bills for the past four years" by passing along smaller increases than Rumpke charged the city, which has reduced fund balances.

Mesisklis warned the city expects a significant rate increase when Rumpke's service is rebid next year and noted neighboring communities such as Lebanon and Monroe already pay higher trash rates. "Some terms in the Rumpke agreement could potentially be adjusted to reduce service costs," he said. Mayor asked staff to begin negotiations early, review service options, and consider asking the public which services they want before moving forward. No contract decision was made at the work session.