By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
At least three proposed options for hikes in monthly trash rates for Hays customers will be discussed again and possibly voted on at Thursday's city commission meeting.
Expenses and inflation have continued to go up for the Solid Waste Department. Services include refuse collection, recycling collection, compost operations, the annual fall cleanup and tree disposal for customers.
Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, said there have been several years of higher hauling and sorting fees for recyclables, higher personnel and equipment costs, and increased tipping fees at the Ellis County landfill.
Staff recommended a graduated rate increase that will cover expenses and will fund the Solid Waste Reserve Fund for the foreseeable future.
The last rate hike was in 2019. Customers currently pay $19.91 a month for solid waste services, with 69% of that going to weekly trash pickup.
Commissioners will consider
1. A 5-year increase similar to the 2019 rate structure ($22, $24, $25.25, $25.75, $26.25)
2. One-time increase ($25)
3. Three-year step increase ($22, $24, $26)
4. Other options
Pteranodon Addition final plat
Commissioners will also hear from Jesse Rohr, public works director, regarding the final plat for Pteranodon Addition.
The property is the site of the city's tree farm, near 22nd and Commerce Parkway just south of Interstate 70. A project that extends infrastructure across interstate has created the opportunity to develop the property, which would require platting.
The Hays Area Planning Commission approved the final plat during its Oct. 19 meeting.
The complete Nov. 12 agenda is available here.
The commission meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.