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Prattville council adopts sanitation rate increase as costs climb
Summary
The Prattville City Council adopted a sanitation ordinance after a presentation from sanitation staff explaining higher equipment, maintenance and emissions-related costs; councilors said they tried to limit impacts on low-income residents but did not provide a roll-call vote tally on the record.
The Prattville City Council voted to adopt a sanitation ordinance after hearing from the city’s sanitation department about rising equipment and operating costs.
Tracy Simpson, the city’s sanitation department head, told the council that vehicle and emission-system costs have climbed sharply, noting that a truck that cost $210,000 in 2019 now costs about $346,000 and that upcoming emission upgrades could add roughly $37,000 per vehicle. "When we decide to do this and like you said, we went through this this consulting group that came in, but we took in consideration at that time of, people with with income and people who had their 2nd can and not charging them the same amount," Simpson said.
Councilors discussed measures intended to reduce the burden on lower-income residents and households with a second can. Councilor Langley acknowledged the impact on fixed incomes but said the city must balance service levels and costs; he described the council’s decision as difficult. The council adopted the ordinance by raising hands; members announced the adoption on the record but did not give a roll-call tally.
The record includes references to specific monthly rates raised in debate: council discussion referenced a $5-per-month increase and a $27-per-month service level mentioned for certain customers. The ordinance was presented as necessary to cover higher maintenance, tipping fees and mechanization costs.
The council did not record full vote details in the transcript; staff and councilors said they will continue to negotiate tipping fees and evaluate rate schedules. For residents who said the increase would be difficult, councilors encouraged them to contact city staff to identify possible assistance or exemptions.
