Elkhart considers charging for trash pickup to avoid cuts

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Elkhart trash service

The city of Elkhart is considering charging residents for trash service to help balance the budget without cutting city employees and services. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Aug 26, 2008 at 4:52 PM EST

Story Updated: Aug 29, 2008 at 12:07 AM EST

ELKHART — A proposal to start charging Elkhart homeowners for trash service is getting mixed reaction from council members.

The mayor claims it's necessary to balance next year's budget without cutting city employees and services.

What the city is considering would require people to pay about $11 a month for trash pickup. That would generate around $2 million. The city needs that money to balance the budget for next year.

“We had to find a way to reduce that budget and so one of our ways is to transfer the trash pickup fee way from the tax base and actually put it on the utility bill,” explained Mayor Dick Moore.

He says if the ordinance does not pass, he would have to look at cuts in other areas, including police and fire departments.

“Something has to go, whether that's employees, whether that's departments, whether that's programs,” he said.

A few council members say there are several areas where money can be saved, without charging for trash pickup.

"I'm willing to sit down with whomever will listen, to point out where we can cut this budget and fund trash and still supply service without cutting police and fire,” said city council member Mary Olson.

Many people told WSBT News that if it came down to it, they'd be willing to pay for trash pickup as opposed to the possibility of losing city services or employees.

“I think I'd rather pay for the trash service than to lose policemen or firemen,” said Luke Stemm.

"I feel that we should pay for trash pickup — it has to be picked up!” said Karen Smith.

"I just wouldn't even know which decision to make, because cutting additional people wouldn't be a wise decision,” said Elizabeth Federonick.

The council's finance committee is reviewing the trash fee proposal.

You'll also have to pay more to get rid of your trash in South Bend next month. The Common Council approved a rate increase Monday night:

Residential Customers
New Rate: $10.56
Current Rate: $8.80

Senior Citizen Discount
New Rate: $6.34
Current Rate: $5.50

Commercial Customers
20% increase

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