Residents of Danielsville may soon see an increase in garbage rates.
At another lengthy meeting Aug. 2, the council voted to amend the solid waste ordinance to include a $2 increase over what garbage service actually costs the city.
City clerk Connie Riley was asked to provide the council with an actual cost figure for garbage pick up for both residences and business.
The council met again this month with Fred Wood of WastePro Sanitation, whose company provides garbage service to Danielsville. Wood told the council that the city does not charge enough for its garbage service to cover administration costs.
“We need to move toward industry standards,” councilman Ron Faust agreed.
Councilman Jamie Spurlin agreed.
“The city has to stop losing money on this,” he said.
City attorney Victor Johnson pointed out that the city and WastePro have not followed all the guidelines for pricing in their current contract.
“The city is charging less than what its paying for garbage service,” Johnson noted.
Council member Janice Merk said going up on water, garbage rates and possibly taxes will be tough on city residents.
“I know that’s life, but that’s going to kill some folks,” she said.
The council tabled a decision on whether or not to establish a franchise agreement with WastePro on commercial dumpsters.
In a separate matter the council discussed concerns about the difference in monthly reports between police chief Rodney Christian and police officer Steve Gary.
The council agreed to ask Mayor Philip Croya, who was not present at the meeting Monday night, to discuss the matter with Christian. Several council members noted that there is a substantial difference between traffic stops handled by the two officers, with Gary making considerably more stops than Christian. City clerk Riley pointed out that Christian, as chief, also has administrative duties to perform as well as patrol work.
