By China Cassidy The City of Holbrook is looking to increase city sanitation rates due to cost increases for the city. During a council meeting on May 28, the Holbrook City Council approved a resolution awarding a new contract for sanitation services that increases the cost for the city by nearly 40 percent. The contract the city has currently with Larson Waste will end on July 1 so the trash pick-up contract was put out to bid and Waste Management of Arizona Inc. came back with the lowest bid. City Manager Ted Soltis noted that Larson Waste is currently charging $7.67 for one toter and $7.67 for an additional one. The new bid from Larson Waste was $17.50 per toter, plus an additional $17.50 for an extra toter. Waste Management of Arizona Inc. provided a bid of $12 for one toter, plus $7.50 for an additional toter. “Since the fee charged to the city is higher than present, increasing from $7.66 a toter to $12 per toter, rates charged to residents will have to be increased.” The sanitation fee paid by residents is currently $18 per month. Soltis noted, “The fee covers administrative costs, billing, handling customer issues, green waste pick-up and transfer station costs, staffing, equipment, utilities and garbage disposal expenses. Expenses in the sanitation fund are currently above revenues. Rates will have to be increased to cover not only the fee increase charged the city, but also the shortage.” Soltis also stated that sanitation rates have not been raised in at least 10 years but in February of 2019, the city approved a 25 cent increase per 1,000 gallons water rate and 25 cent increase per 1,000 gallons wastewater for residential and commercial users. There was also a doubling of sewer retap fee from $250 to $500 and the sanitation rate increased a dollar for each trash toter. In addition, the water adjudication fee increased from $1 to $5 each month. When asked how much the monthly rate would increase and how much the fees would increase at the transfer station Soltis stated that would be decided at the next city council meeting. In other business, Janet Dean with Arizona Public Service was present to give a brief report about their protocols toward fire mitigation. “We work year-round to minimize the risk of wildfires.” Dean informed the council of the protocols they take to assist on their mission including integrated vegetation management programs and proper vegetation clearance. Soltis reported that the airport gate has received an upgrade. In addition, the splash pad had a leak under it, which has since been repaired. Soltis said they are preparing the splash pad to open in the next couple of weeks. Soltis also thanked the Seventh Day Adventist Church for the help cleaning up the cemetery. The next meeting of the Holbrook City Council will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 11.
