Increase could go into effect Wednesday
By Rene De La Cruz
Staff Writer
The Town Council will open the floor for residents to express their thoughts as council members discuss a possible trash rate increase during its meeting tonight.
Based on the town’s contract with Burrtec Waste Industries for trash and recycling services, the company is requesting a rate increase based upon changes in the Consumer Price Index, according to a town staff report.
The rate request is based upon increased costs incurred over the past three years by the Burrtec for solid waste collection and recycling services, the report said.
A change in the service rate occurs only when the CPI evidences a change greater than plus 1 percent or minus 2 percent from the previous year.
The service rate calculation was performed, which resulted in an increase of 3.9 percent from the preceding period. The calculation of the service rate last year did not result in an increase.
The last increase to the service rate occurred in August 2008.
In January, a total of 22,354 written notices were mailed to property owners, which notified them of the hearing and their right to protest the proposed fee increase.
As of Thursday, the town had received a total of 1,641 protests, and 1,115 of letters marked as undeliverable, which are regarded as protests.
A majority protest, which would halt an increase, would require 11,178 property owners to protest the proposed fee increase.
Since the present vote falls short of that total, the council may adopt the rate increase resolution, which would become effective on Wednesday.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. today at Town Hall, 14955 Dale Evans Parkway. Residents can also watch the meeting online at www.AppleValley.org.