Gautier May Boost Solid Waste Fees: Council to Discuss It on July 5

By Vivian Austin, The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss.

Jun. 22–GAUTIER — Solid waste fees could see another $3 to $4 increase during upcoming budget hearings.

The City Council is expected to discuss the issue July 5.

The officials also plan to continue talks about borrowing money from the general fund to help pay for emergency services provided by new solid waste collection contractor Red River Services Corp. of Texas.

“We will even it out from the general fund so citizens don’t see a spike on their bills,” said Councilman Jeff Wilkinson.

The council agreed 4-3 in May to pay Red River $18.95 monthly per household for the emergency waste collection after DisposAll Inc. suddenly ended a four-month extension for services.

Within the last two weeks, the council discussed using money from the general fund because collections have not kept up with solid waste expenses due to a change in how the fees are paid.

The council decided in October last year to remove solid waste fees from tax roll statements and transfer them to water bills. Finance Director Linda Green said again this week the change has left a gap in collections for the enterprise fund, which normally would gain money during the first months of the year.

At the time the payment method was changed, the city increased waste collection fees from about $9.50 to $12.67, including a $1 charge from the city for equipment, maintenance and utility operations.

The four-year contract with Red River will increase solid waste fees from $12.67 to $15.65, including city charges.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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