By By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Higher fuel prices and a state-mandated landfill fee mean Hartselle residents will be paying more for garbage service this fall.
The city is looking at an increase of around $1 per month, effective Oct. 1. The exact amount will be determined once this year’s budget is finalized. The budget has to be in place by Oct. 1.
Last week, the city council approved moving $20,000 from another line item to cover fuel costs associated with garbage pickup. The city began providing its own garbage service in 2006 and moved recycling services in-house this year.
Starting Sept. 1, county garbage customers will pay $12.50 per month for garbage pickup only, up from the current cost of $10.50. Hartselle customers pay $9.50 for garbage and yard waste pickup and $2.10 for recycling.
In addition to escalating gas costs, the city is also facing an extra $1 per ton fee put into place earlier this year.
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management instituted the fee, adding the extra $1 per-ton costs for anyone using a landfill. The fee costs the city some $20,000 yearly.