What’s happening
According to the petition, the rate adjustment was prompted by Central Texas Refuse’s need to offset the effects inflation has had on operational costs. The most recent consumer price index, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reports an 8.8% inflation rate for this year. However, the existing contract between the city and CTR limits annual rate increases to 5%.
“We have asked them to do a lot of things they didn’t have to do,” Mayor Craig Morgan said in reference to the company's debris pickups after this year’s winter storm. “I think we're all supportive of [Central Texas Refuse]. It's always hard to do increases of any sort.”
What residents should know
Round Rock residents can anticipate a slight increase in the base rate for services, from $22.14 to $23.08 per month. The rate also includes a $3.10 administrative fee for services provided by the city, such as weekly garbage collections, operating the Round Rock Recycling Center and offering hazardous waste collection services.
According to a presentation by the city's utility department, even with this proposed rate increase, Round Rock will continue to offer one of the lowest residential service rates in the area.
Additionally, CTR’s proposal includes a 5% increase to downtown commercial district and commercial services rates. Both the residential and commercial rate adjustments would go into effect following council approval on a second reading, which will be held Oct. 26. If approved, residents can expect to see the changes reflected in their December bills.
Also of note
City Council also adopted the 2023 Transportation Master Plan, resulting in more than $1.9 billion in updated cost estimates for the city to complete its Ultimate Roadway Plan. The Transportation Master Plan is a long-term planning document meant to guide funding decisions for the city over the next several decades.
