JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Monthly trash fees in Jacksonville could more than double under a new proposal filed by a city councilman.
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The legislation aims to avert what the sponsor characterizes as an impending financial crisis.
Under the new bill filed by Councilmember Matt Carlucci (R-Group 4 At-Large), garbage fees in Jacksonville would increase from $12.65 a month to $30.40 a month.
That’s the price council auditors have calculated the city actually spends on trash services for residents.
“Whether we phase it in over a couple of years or whether we do it all at once, I’d like to know how my colleagues feel about it,” said Carlucci.
Carlucci’s fee increase bill comes alongside another bill that would allow for trash fees to be waived for households within 150 percent of the national poverty line.
“There already is an exemption for the vulnerable amongst us that need help with stormwater fees. So, we’d just be kind of duplicating that,” said Carlucci.
But Finance Chair Ron Salem (R-Group 2 At-Large) told Action News Jax he expects Carlucci’s legislation to be met with resistance.
Salem argued with a $2 billion budget, the city should be able to pay for trash services without raising the fee on residents.
“I think the council is of the opinion we can live within our means,” said Salem.
But Carlucci argued the increase has to happen eventually, as the city has been racking up tabs that are expected to reach more than $100 million later this year because the city charges less than it pays for trash services.
“And by fiscal year 30/31 it’ll be half a billion. This is not sustainable,” said Carlucci.
Carlucci expects the bill could be ready for a final vote as soon as late February.
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