Montgomery to see fee increase in solid waste management

Montgomery City Council members approved a rate adjustment and an additional 2.5% increase in solid waste collection service fees at a routine council meeting Jan. 10.

According to a Waste Management document contained in the agenda packet, the rate adjustment of 7.625% is part of the company's annual review. Montgomery City Attorney Alan Petrov said the rate change is on par with the consumer price index, which measures the monthly change in prices paid by U.S. consumers.

Waste Management's per-cart rate increased from $20.64 to $22.21.

The city has been using Waste Management approximately since 2015-16. According to council members, the contract is valid for 2 1/2 more years.

City Secretary Nici Browe said the additional 2.5% increase above the new fee will cover the city's administrative costs for the delivery of service to the residents and wear and tear on streets.

With the increase, residents in Montgomery will pay a total of $22.76 per residential cart per month. Commercial carts will cost $28.29 with additional carts for both costing an extra $8.82.

The new rates went into effect immediately.