08-25-08 City trims rate hike, collects trash at half private rates

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Office of the Mayor NEWS RELEASE August 25, 2008 4:45 p.m. City trims rate hike, collects trash at half private rates Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564 or Gary Gilot, Director of Public Works, 235-9251 With Mayor Stephen J. Luecke’s direction and based on Council input, a proposed rate increase for trash collection service is lower than originally considered and limited to a one-time increase, rather than three increases in three consecutive years. The proposed rate, being considered today by the South Bend Common Council, would keep South Bend’s standard rates lower than proposed new rates in Mishawaka and as little as half the cost of private services to residents in unincorporated areas of St. Joseph County. The Council will consider raising standard residential rates to $10.56 per month, compared with the current rate of $8.80 per month, which has been in place since 2005. Senior citizens, who receive a 40 percent discount compared with standard rates, would see rates rise from $5.50 per month to $6.34 per month. Commercial customers and apartment facilities also would see fees rise by 20 percent. “Trash collection represents a core city service, and it’s important that South Bend continue to be a clean city,” Luecke said. “I’m pleased with the ingenuity of staff and their commitment to providing value for our residents and customers by finding ways to reduce service costs through increased efficiency in operations and judicious use of fees from rate payers and users.” While South Bend’s Bureau of Solid Waste has improved services, added 96 gallon containers for each customer and reduced staff by more than one-third since 2002, costs since 2004 have increased faster than revenue. “Rising fuel costs, an aging fleet and increased landfill tipping fees have cut into our