Fayetteville director proposes 25% sanitation rate increase; ordinance to be drafted

Director Jack Williams told the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on April 9 that the city needs to increase residential sanitation rates and presented two scenarios — a 20% and a 25% increase — using surrounding jurisdictions as comparables. "I think we're ready for an increase," Williams said, and he asked the board for direction on which percentage to pursue.

A committee motion favored a 25% increase; a committee member said, "We made the motion for 25 in our committee just to meet their needs," indicating consensus in committee. Under the 25% scenario described at the work session the residential per-can rate would rise from $19 to $23.75. Williams recommended leaving the additional-can fee unchanged at $15 and noted comparables show many neighboring jurisdictions at or above the proposed level.

City staff said an ordinance would need to be drafted to enact the change. The board instructed staff to prepare an ordinance for consideration at the regular board meeting on Tuesday. No formal vote on the ordinance was taken during the work session.

Why it matters: garbage collection fees affect household budgets and the sanitation fund's ability to cover operating and disposal costs. The board's decision to move an ordinance forward means the question will be before the full council soon, with public notice and a formal vote required.

What’s next: staff will draft ordinance language for Tuesday's meeting and the board may take a formal vote then.