Jacksonville city committee denies a proposed trash fee increase
A proposal to increase trash fees in the City of Jacksonville is moving through city committees.
The bill would gradually raise the garbage fee over three years.
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The city's finance committee voted this down Tuesday, but it will still come up for a final vote by the full council. If this is approved, impacted homeowners will be notified about the rate increase.
'If this bill passes it is going to finally sustain our solid waste department,' said Councilman Matt Carlucci.
Currently, the solid waste fee stands at $12.65 per month, but Carlucci said that the fee isn't covering the actual cost of residential garbage pickup. He said there is a $40 million deficit each year just for residential services.
Action News Jax has been following all the discussions over the proposed trash fee increase.
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The city's garbage fee hasn't changed since 2010, and the initial proposal would have raised Jacksonville's trash fee from $12.65 a month to $30.40 a month starting next year.
But now there is an alternative that was introduced which would gradually raise the fee over three years.
The rates that were proposed were $27 a month this year. $29.50 a month in 2026 and $32 a month in 2027.
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While it did not pass through the finance committee Tuesday, Carlucci is still optimistic about this bill moving forward.
'I've had six or seven town meetings,' said Carlucci. 'I've had chances to speak before business organizations, my neighbors, people downtown... I'm just amazed that people have said thank you for getting this garbage mess cleaned up.'
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