Small Town News

Garbage rates likely going up

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The Regional Board of Mayors voted Tuesday to raise garbage pickup rates $1.50 a month, making the cost $26.50 a month.

Now the issue goes to the four city councils for resolution approval.

The increase was voted to overcome a $30,000 deficit anticipated for this year.

This is the year that the four cities start paying interest on the loan the mayors took out to put in the transfer station. Last year's payment was interest free and existing rates made it possible to meet that obligation.

This year, after five months, the garbage reserve fund only gained $5,606. In fact, two of the five months showed a loss.

The new rates would go into effect 45 days after the respective councils approve the raise.

The mayors also voted to raise the tipping fees at the landfill site $2. This increase would take effect Jan. 1, 2011.

At that time, it is anticipated that Sunrise Disposal would put in effect a cost-of-living increase in the amount it charges the cities for pickup services.

The increases will enable Grand Coulee, the city that manages the transfer station, to build up the mayors' reserve fund. The cities have agreed to set aside 15 percent of what Sunrise charges the cities into a reserve fund to handle the transfer station debt.

In other action, the mayors agreed to sell an unused D6H dozer, not now needed at the transfer station. Electric City Mayor Jerry Sands said the sale of the dozer could be applied to the shortfall expected in the garbage fund.

A pre-bid meeting for the closure of Cell 1 at the landfill will be held at 1 p.m., July 13, with the bid opening set for 1 p.m., July 20. Both meetings will be at the Grand Coulee City Council chambers.



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© 2011 The Star Grand Coulee, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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