Fees rise for trash collection services

Trash pickup rates will rise next month in Leon Valley for the first time since 2018, when Tiger Sanitation began providing the service for the city.

Despite growing operational costs, Tiger delayed seeking the change — a 2.5 percent increase approved by City Council last month — out of deference to the financial struggles of residents hit hard by the pandemic, said Lee Kuhn, the company’s general manager.

“We … tried to be good partners with the city and your citizens,” Kuhn said at a recent council meeting.

But “our diesel prices have gone up 90 percent since we started this contract,” Kuhn said. “It’s essentially a dollar per mile … to operate a truck.”

Starting July 1, residents and businesses in Leon Valley who use the standard 65-gallon bin will see their rates increase by 42 cents — from $16.75 to $17.17 per month — while those customers who use the 95gallon bin will end up paying 43 cents more — an increase from $17 to $17.43 per month.

Tiger Sanitation had sought a larger rate increase — 7.5 percent — at the May 17 council meeting to cover increasing labor and landfill costs caused by inflation — in addition to covering higher fuel prices. Kuhn said labor costs have increased by 26 percent, landfill fees by 11 percent and overall costs by 28 percent since Tiger started its contract with the city four years ago.

No one on the council made a motion to support the 7.5 percent rate increase.

Councilman Jed Hefner said there is frustration among residents over inconsistent service. In one instance, Hefner said, all his brush was picked up while his neighbor, who had the same amount of brush, was told it would cost several hundred dollars to have it hauled.

Councilman Benny Martinez said there have been a lot of complaints from residents who say their garbage isn’t picked up for a week and they aren’t credited on their bills. Also, Martinez said, the company needs to improve its communication with residents, as some have said their phone calls have gone unanswered.

Kuhn said the company, to his understanding, has been quick in trying to resolve service problems with residents.