The City of Knox had to once again make up the difference for recycling pick-up charges during the most recent billing cycle.
As was covered during a meeting back in June due to the unpredictable nature of the recycling market, there is a portion of the City’s contract which allows Waste Management to adjust the price for recycling pick-up if the cost to dispose of it changes.
Mayor Estok told members what the additional charges have amounted to with the most recent increases.
He stated, “So far this year we’ve paid $4,555.43, we’ve got probably another quarter of this year. If you all notice on the back page, with the first notice we got that initial extra cost was $1,670 this one is $2,884 so it really went up.”
He explained that officials have been able to utilize money out of the Community Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT) fund to cover the additional cost for these last few billing cycles.
However, in order for the trash and recycling utility to be self-supporting, like the other utilities, officials may have to consider a rate adjustment.
He told members, “If it continues to do that, there’s probably a pretty good chance that we’re going to have to raise the rates for next year. Right now we’re looking at if we go with that it’s about 73 cents per household.”
Councilman Jeff V. Berg asked how much longer the City’s contract with Waste Management was. Mayor Estok replied that they entered into a 3-year contract with them, and will still have two years left on it after this year concludes.
To make sure you’re recycling responsibly, view the City’s reminder about what items are acceptable and which ones should never make their way into your bin
