Commission moves to consider trash-collection fee to fund demolition of dangerous structures

The Herington City Commission on Jan. 6 considered an amendment to the municipal solid waste collection ordinance that would direct a small collection fee toward demolishing dangerous structures and related costs.

Staff said the proposed collection fee is expected to generate roughly $13,000 a year under current customer counts but recommended capping available demolition reimbursement at $12,000 annually as a conservative estimate and to avoid unanticipated deficits if contractor rates rise. The fee would be part of the city's contract with M and K Trash and would be used to reimburse demolition costs, dump fees and similar removal expenses.

Commissioners questioned the draft language during debate. One commissioner asked why the draft said only a "portion" of the increase would be used for demolition; staff offered to remove the word "portion" and replace it with a clear directive. The mayor/administrator suggested simplifying the provision to read: "the collection fee shall be utilized for demolition or removal of dangerous structures, including homes, accessory buildings or vacant commercial buildings."

Some commissioners and residents opposed raising fees, saying even a small increase can matter to low-income households. As one commissioner put it, "we're taxing our people to death," and said they would vote no on a fee increase. Another commissioner described the change as a fair mechanism to fund cleanup and continued code enforcement.

A motion was made to consider the ordinance amendment, ask staff to refine the wording (removing ambiguity over "portion"), and return it for final action with the mayor's signature authorized pending staff review. The transcript records the motion and second but does not show a final recorded vote on adoption in the available record. Staff said the ordinance would need to be published for at least seven days before any effective date and suggested an implementation start in early February to allow time for public notice.

What happens next: staff will edit the ordinance language per commissioners' direction, confirm any necessary contract addendum with M and K Trash, publish the ordinance as required, and return with a final adoption vote at a subsequent meeting.