NEWPORT– Residents will pay a little extra for their early morning garbage truck visit after the city council last week approved a 5.99 percent rate increase.
Starting July 1, the average Thomspon’s Sanitary Service customer will see a $2.49 increase on their monthly bill. The hike is a response to more expensive vehicles, labor, insurance, and disposal costs, according to the company’s report to the city.
Usually, rate reviews can happen on even-numbered years but the company can ask for an increase because prescribed operating ratios exceeded the acceptable range outlined in franchise agreements.
“We have made every effort to accurately anticipate future market pressures and develop a reasonable projection of future revenues and expenses,” Thompson’s controller Walter Budzik wrote to the city. “We have also made, and continue to make, operational changes to realize cost savings from innovation and efficiency to offset these market pressures.”
Newport city council unanimously approved the rate increase during its May 5 meeting. Councilor Ryan Parker was not present.
Beginning July 1, residential customers in Newport now paying $41.65 will pay $2.49 more a month for a 24-gallon bin weekly collection. Residents with a 95-gallon bin who pay $97.05 will pay $5.81 more.
When will TSS start offering every other week pickup? People who recycle & compost don’t need weekly pickup. Being able to choose every other week pickup would help people offset the ever more frequent rate increases or w/regards to Newport water & sewer bills, increases in the range of fees/”costs” that the city includes in its water & sewer bill.