A proposed resolution to increase fees for trash and garbage pickup service was tabled Monday evening’s Batesville City Council meeting.
When the resolution was introduced, Mayor Rick Elumbaugh noted rates had not been increased since 2010. Under the proposed resolution, residential garbage and trash pickup is set at $13.60 per month per house — an increase in fees of about 30 cents a month, noted Councilman David Shetron.
Shetron proposed that a final vote on the resolution be postponed until the next meeting to give citizens a chance to have input.
Another provision of the resolution says that occupants of a house or living unit age 65 or older whose household income is under $10,000 annually would have a fee of $8.75 a month. Previous exemption rates granted for hardship will be repealed under the resolution.
The council discussed changing either the age limit or income threshold for the hardship fee. Councilman Doug Matthews asked whether the age should be raised to 70. He also said the $10,000 income level should be raised because it has not been changed in years. The council decided to leave the age limit at 65 but raised the income level to $16,000 a year.
The changes will be incorporated into the resolution when it is considered at the next council meeting, which is set for Monday, Jan. 8. An Arkansas Municipal League conference will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 9, which would have been the regular meeting date. The city of Batesville will receive four 2017 Trendsetter City awards at the event.
Reported by Bob Qualls
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