Garbage fund shows shortfall; council discusses raising minimum dump fee

City Manager Richard Braithwaite told the council the newly separated garbage (solid waste) fund shows a projected shortfall primarily due to a $30,000 capital item for dumpster off‑loading ramps at the Public Works facility. He said many line items were carried forward from prior budgets while adding specific allocations such as $1,000 for equipment repairs and $2,500 for public‑works vehicle expenses.

Director Joe Massa described the service charges: $5 per truckload for general refuse, $3–$5 for limb processing, and $10–$15 for appliance disposal, and said the largest cost component is the landfill tipping fee. Mayor Dana Holbrook suggested reviewing rates after cleanup week; Councilmember Denise Taylor said she supports increasing the minimum dump fee from $5 to $10. Staff noted the solid waste fund may receive general fund support if needed and that the city’s overall surplus could absorb temporary deficits.