Local hauler asks Springfield council to revisit decade‑old refuse rate cap

Jim Graham, owner of Lake Area Disposal, told the council during public comment that a rate cap and review schedule in the city’s ordinance have not been followed and that the industry’s costs have risen sharply since the rules were written.

Graham said his company, a family business founded in 1932 with roughly 90 employees, serves much of Sangamon County and that the city remains its largest source of business. He asked the council to review and update the rate language to allow a modest rate increase to cover higher disposal, fuel and processing costs. “In the last 10 years, everything has went up in the garbage business,” Graham said, and he cited a statutory provision in the ordinance that requires the council to review rates at least every three years beginning July 1, 2019.

Graham also called attention to recycling revenue, saying the proceeds from glass are negligible (he cited about $6 per ton) and arguing that the ordinance’s promise to offset material processing costs has not materialized for haulers. He left council members his handout and said he is available to discuss technical details and supporting documents.

Council did not take immediate action on Graham’s request during the meeting; staff follow‑up was suggested so the council can review the ordinance language and the haulers’ cost data at a future committee meeting.