Public Notification Process to Raise Trash Rates on Council Agenda

On Tuesday, the Turlock City Council will consider beginning the notification process for a possible rate increase for solid waste customers in the city.

Turlock Scavenger is requesting a rate increase of around 9 percent for residential customers to address the company’s increased costs.

The public rate hearing was originally scheduled for July 28, after Council requested staff beginning the property owner notification, but staff requested the hearing be postponed to allow for more time to review Turlock Scavenger’s financial records.

If approved by Council on Tuesday, staff would begin the notification process, required under Proposition 218, of the consideration of a rate structure increase and establish the public rate hearing for Oct. 13.

The more than 9 percent rate increase for residential customers would amount to $2.30 (9.16 percent) for customers with 32 gallon grey, 68 gallon blue, and 95 gallon green bins; $3.10 (9.37 percent) for customers with 64 gallon grey, 68 gallon blue, and 95 gallon green bins; and $3.60 (9.45 percent) for customers with 96 gallon grey, 68 gallon blue, and 95 gallon green bins.

Currently, solid waste users pay $25.10, $33.10, and $38.10, respectively, depending on the service. This would be a one-time increase for residential customers and would be set for the next five years.

If ultimately approved, the rate increase would be the first solid waste increase in Turlock since 2003.

On Tuesday, Turlock City Council will also:

• Consider accepting a $69,000 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) through the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to pay for police DUI patrols and checkpoints.
• Consider approving an agreement between the City of Turlock and Turlock Unified School District for police services at Turlock and Pitman high schools.
• Consider approving the design and construction of the Broadway City Hall parking lot and directing staff to prepare a Request for Proposal (RFP).
• Consider cancelling the Turlock City Council meeting scheduled for Aug. 25.

Turlock City Council will meet at 6 p.m. in the Yosemite Room of City Hall, 156 S. Broadway.