City advertising garbage fee increase

By Randy Bell

Waste Management will soon be collecting more money for trash pickup in Clinton. The Board of Aldermen took the first step at its February 17 meeting, approving the publication of a notice of intent to raise the garbage rates for residential and commercial customers.

“It’s tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI),” says Mayor Will Purdie, who explains that the annual fee adjustment is triggered by an increase in the CPI and the company’s cost of doing business. “Really, it’s an automatic escalator. Unfortunately, it’s a pretty standard part of waste collection contracts. So, we’re bound to allow it.”

Ward 4 Alderman Chip Wilbanks agrees that there’s nothing the City can do about it.

“It’s aggravating,” he says. “They do a good job. It’s just that, I think, the price is too much, particularly, for what they make in profits.”

Wilbanks recalls that Clinton tried to stir up some competition on the garbage collection contract several years ago, but Waste Management was the only company which bid on it.
According to City Clerk Jimmy Baldree, the increase, effective at the end of March, will be $1.25 per month for residential customers, pushing the garbage collection rate to $28.55. A $1 beautification fee is added to garbage bills. For commercial customers, the new amount will be $32.55.

The Board, at its meeting on March 17, will hold a public hearing on the new rates and then consider approving them.