Trash Rate Increase Heads Back For Formal Vote

Princeton residents could see a small increase in their monthly trash bill if council approves a proposed Community Waste Disposal rate adjustment later this month. City staff told council the increase would raise the residential rate by 47 cents per month, from $20.45 to $20.92.

According to the workshop update, the proposed change represents a 2.3% increase under the city’s contract formula. Staff said that formula is tied to the consumer price index, compressed natural gas fuel costs, and landfill disposal costs.

Officials also said the higher rate would not add any new services. Instead, the proposal would keep current service levels in place while applying the annual contract adjustment.

During the discussion, staff pointed back to a previous resident survey showing limited support for expanding service if it meant higher costs. More than 60% of respondents, staff said, did not want additional waste services because of the price.

The rate increase was presented as a workshop item only, and council did not take final action at the September 21 meeting. Staff said the proposal is expected to return for a formal vote at the next council meeting on September 28, with an October 1 effective date described during the presentation.