Trash Collection Fee Increase for Lafayette County Residents
Lafayette County is set to implement a new trash collection fee starting October 1, 2024. Residents living outside the city limits will see their monthly trash bill rise by **$8**, bringing the total charge from **$12** to **$20**. This change follows the recent approval by the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors during a budget hearing.
Reasons for the Increase
The county officials highlighted several factors that led to the decision for the fee increase. According to County Administrator Kate Victor, the overall cost to the county for picking up residential trash is **$19.80** per month. This figure includes expenses related to fuel, equipment, and labor—all of which have been rising over recent years.
Victor further noted that these increasing costs were particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when no adjustments to trash collection fees were made.
Historical Context of Trash Fees
The last time Lafayette County raised its trash collection rate was in 2014, when it jumped from **$10** to **$12**. For over a decade prior to that increase, the fee had only gone up by a single dollar since the year 2000. This long period without significant increases contributed to the county’s current need for adjustments to keep the Solid Waste Department functioning smoothly.
Transition to Automated Collection
In 2017, Lafayette County made an important shift from using rear-loading garbage trucks to adopting **automated trucks**. This change improved safety for workers but also brought about higher operational costs. Notably, the county provides trash cans to customers at no charge. However, each trash can costs the county around **$55**. The switch to automated trucks has increased wear and tear on the mechanical arms used for loading trash, leading to higher repair costs.
Implications for Residents
Starting in October, Lafayette County residents living outside the city limits will notice this new charge in their monthly bills. As expenses continue to rise, the Board of Supervisors felt it necessary to implement this increase to maintain the quality of trash collection services in the area.
Conclusion
In summary, residents of Lafayette County should prepare for the upcoming changes to their trash collection fees. The increase, driven by a range of factors from rising operational costs to the shift in collection methods, reflects the county’s efforts to ensure that the Solid Waste Department can continue to provide efficient and reliable services.
This increase marks a significant adjustment since it is the first major fee change in nearly a decade, and it serves as a reminder of the ongoing impacts of inflation and operational changes faced by local governments.
