Wisconsin municipality to consider charge for garbage, recycling services

Citing ongoing budget challenges tied to state-imposed levy limits, the city of Waukesha, Wisconsin, will consider a proposal Sept. 30 to implement a special charge for garbage and recycling services. 

Under the proposal, the city says each household would pay an annual fee of $160. If approved, the proposal would move to the common council Oct. 7. 

“By dedicating a separate, stable revenue stream for garbage and recycling, these costs are covered directly by the households that use the services,” according to the city’s news release. “This prevents garbage and recycling from competing with other essential services such as public safety, publics works operations, and community programs, within the city’s general fund. This provides long-term funding stability for garbage and recycling services.” 

According to Waukesha, during the past 12 years the consumer price index increased an average of 2.6 percent annually while the city’s allowable levy growth averaged only 1.2 percent annually. It also cited increased labor, fuel and contract costs as reasons driving the need for a special charge.