City staff is recommending that sanitation rates be raised to cover increasing costs.

Public Works staff annually reviews and analyzes the rates and needs of the department to fund operations, capital improvements and emergencies. A similar review is conducted annually for utility rates.

On Tuesday, City Commissioners are scheduled to vote on setting a public hearing for Nov. 7 on the proposed increases, that if approved, would go into effect on Dec. 1.

According to the staff report, the increase is being driven largely by the increase in landfill fees, and personnel and equipment replacement costs. The increases are needed, staff say, to continue providing the required pickup and disposal services.

The last residential and commercial rate increase was in October 2015.

Staff is recommending a 5 percent increase to residential rates and a 5 percent increase on commercial construction dumpsters.

The 5 percent increase for a regular residential 96 gallon container would increase by 58 cents, from $11.51 to $12.09 monthly.

A 20-yard construction dumpster would increase by $13, from the current rate of $272.00 to $285.00.  Special pick-ups on large appliances would increase from $9 to $10 per pick-up and large appliances with Freon would increase from $40 to $45 per pick-up.