Garbage rate hike on the horizon for Princeton residents

Council approved first ordinance reading that would increase fees as early as May 1

Princeton city council

Princeton Council on Monday moved to a second reading an ordinance that will increase trash collection fees as of May 1.

The city has undergone weeks of debate surrounding whether to contract out garbage collection service or to keep it in-house. After weighing its potential options, the city has moved forward with keeping trash pickup city-run and will purchase two one-armed trucks along with totes for garbage and recycling.

Should it pass on the second reading, the garbage rates will increase to $16 per month for in-city residential collection of garbage, recycling and landscape waste and $26 per month for those outside city limits who use city garbage pickup (of which there are about 20 residences, City Manager Theresa Wittenauer said.)

Garbage pickup would continue to be weekly and curbside recycling would move to every other week.

“This $16 fee is a global fee, billed to every household,“ Mayor Joel Quiram stated.” It will cover weekly garbage pick up, seasonal weekly brush pick up and bi-weekly curbside recycling pick up. The fee will also allow us to set aside funds, each year, that will be used to purchase both replacement garbage trucks, and brush trucks, when needed, eliminating the need for future debt.”

Quiram mentioned on a post to his official social media page that the city was able to use budget amendments to find a way to finance this truck purchase without taking on a hefty debt.

He stated the Wittenauer was able to revise the initial quote that would have required the city to take on around $750,000 in debt for the purchase.

“(Wittenauer) has been working on our new budget for fiscal year 22/23, which goes into effect May 1,” Quiram stated. “During the process, she determined that due to a much better than expected year, we will not need to take on any debt to purchase new garbage trucks or totes.”

A worker collects garbage in this file photo. Trash collection is the fifth most dangerous job according to the Labor Department.

Due to the revisions, the city determined that it will be able to give its residents quality services without having to charge for further amenities.

“Not having to take on debt, changes what we are able to provide residents in reasonable fees, and we can do so without a recycling subscription service,” Quiram said.

Assuming the ordinance’s passage, the city will order two new trucks, which are anticipated to be delivered in October.

The city will also be ordering garbage totes for every household and are expected to be available in 95 or 65 gallon sizes. Recycling totes will be ordered later this year for those who want them.

“Increasing the fee in May will allow us to position ourselves better, financially, for when we order recycling totes,” he said.

If the ordinance were to pass in the upcoming meeting, the city will start to go about informing its residents on what the changes mean for them and steps they may need to take.

“Putting this new program in place will be a challenge for the city; we’ve not done it before, " Quiram said. “Assuming the ordinance passes its second reading in two weeks, we will be notifying residents by mailing, social media and the city’s website, on how garbage totes will be ordered.”

Quiram also said currently that there has been no decision on possibly eliminating alley service at this time.

“While eliminating alley service in favor of curb/street side service would enhance the efficiency and ease of the service and reduce maintenance cost of our alleys, we recognize that such a change would be a challenge for some households,” Quiram said “We have until fall to determine what is best long-term.”

Quiram also stated that this year will be the last one for city-wide cleanup days, due to the changes in service. This event is scheduled for October. After that, stickers will be needed to have bulk items picked up from residences.

The final vote on the ordinance will take place during the regular city council meeting that is scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 21.