Brighton planning to raise trash collection rates

BRIGHTON — The city of Brighton plans to change its municipal code to raise the recycling and solid waste disposal fees from $17 to $20 per month for each residence with weekly trash pickup. Council members completed their second public reading of the proposal Monday night.

A third reading, scheduled for the next regular council meeting, would put the ordinance on the books assuming no complications arise by then.

Mayor Melvin Rich said the increased rates were necessary to keep up with the market demands of waste collection contractors, as several small cities have ended spring and fall cleanup days.

“I was told this week that a lot of towns have quit both of them,” he said at the council meeting. “We’ve been talking to waste management, we’re looking into it to see if we want to go that route later on. Right now, though, people depend on that.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com