Williams residents will see a jump in cost to their monthly garbage service next year, due to the highest bout of inflation since the 1980s.
Recology, which serves Butte and Colusa counties, notified the Williams City Council of the increase, per the terms of the city’s franchise agreement with the refuse company.
The increase is based automatically on changes in the consumer price index and does not need City Council approval, City Administrator Frank Kennedy said.
According to Recology, the rate adjustment formula consists of three components: the base rate, cost of fuel (up from $3.64 per gallon to $5.40 gallons), and the cost of disposal, which will be applied to the new rates, which go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
“The residential rate adjustment formula results in a 6.3 percent increase, which equates to a $2.28 increase per month for 96-gallon service,” said Recology General Manager Marci Walton, in a letter to the city. “Commercial rates are also increasing 6.3 percent above the current rates.”
According to Recology, the rate adjustment formula is based on a base increase of 6.8 percent and disposal component increase of 2.6 percent, but more significantly, a 48.40 percent increase in the fuel base rate, up from 3.64 percent for the 12 month period from Aug. 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021.
New rates will be $38.47 for regular 96-gallon residential garbage service, which is mandatory for all households.
Commercial rates for a 1.5 cubic yard bin, picked up one time per week, will increase to $101.68 per month or $152.46 for twice-weekly pickup, effective Jan. 1. ■