March 28, 2024

Sanitation costs on the rise

Jim’s Sanitation notified the City Administrator Ty Wheeler that landfill expenses have increased, requiring an increase in garbage rates for residents of Osceola. Citizens will now be expected to pay an addition 42 cents, or $21.12, for garbage disposal. While that’s less than neighbors on all sides, it’s also the second increase in a year, making some on the council worry the costs will continue to rise.

“I don’t like it, but it’s still probably the least option we have,” said At-Large City Council Member Dr. George Fotiadis.

Alternatives include building a transfer station and having garbage hauled to a landfill farther away from town. The city has a contract with Jim’s Sanitation which won’t expire for another year and a half.

Other benefits of working with the company?

“We’re not getting our streets torn up by some big, heavy truck,” said At-Large City Council Member Dennis Page.

A public hearing on the increase has been set for the next City Council meeting, 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5.