Refuse rate change likely
By Anessa Myers
Published in News on May 15, 2008 2:08 PM
Even though Goldsboro residents likely won't see an increase in property taxes this year, they might see an even bigger increase in garbage collection rates than was first considered by the City Council in its initial budget work sessions.
Last month, the proposed budget for 2008-09 showed a 25-cent per month increase for residential users.
That increase was intended to offset state-mandated increases of $2 per ton in landfill charges by Wayne County. Since then, county officials have told city officials that the disposal rate will likely go up even more than expected.
As the county finishes its budget process and adopts the increase in rates, city officials will be able to pinpoint a more exact figure, City Manager Joe Huffman said.
"We have to pay the county to place material in the landfill. The rates will only go up enough to cover whatever county increase is adopted," Huffman said.
But for now, Huffman said the city has to plan for what county officials believe will be the highest rate.
When the city's proposed budget came out, the refuse rate was 25 cents more per month for residential users, but since then, with the county placing more financial stress on the city for refuse disposal with a rate of $30 per ton compared to the current $23 per ton, the rate needed to be increased to 50 cents more per month, Huffman said.
That means residents may see their monthly bills totaling $15.50 for refuse.
The rate increase won't just mean a rise in monthly bills for residents.
Commercial rates for dumpsters are also proposed to move upward from $4 per cubic yard to $4.15 per cubic yard, and commercial rates for roll-out containers will likely increase from $40 per month to $40.50 per month.