April 29, 2024 |
Photo – Rawlins Landfill – Bigfoot99 file photo
Residents of Rawlins likely will pay more to dispose of certain items at the city’s landfill under a new plan being considered to generate more money.
Earlier this year, Rawlins officials began reviewing the rates for city utilities and services. The purpose of the review is to find opportunities for the city to increase revenue. The added funds are needed to cover inflation and pay for decades of deferred maintenance.
The city has raised the rates on administrative services, such as liquor permits and impound fees. Membership rates at the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course and Rawlins Family Recreation Center have also been increased.
During an April 16th special work session, the city reviewed the proposed rate increases to landfill services. City Manager Tom Sarvey said the monthly fee, included in residents’ water bills, won’t increase. However, Sarvey said, the cost to dispose of construction and demolition debris should go up by $20 per ton.
The Rawlins Landfill was accepting livestock manure for free. Sarvey suggested a new $23 per ton charge to accept solid animal waste. The city manager said the manure may potentially be used for agriculture in the future.
Sarvey asked for a new $5 per gallon charge to dispose of antifreeze at the landfill. Also, the city manager suggested the landfill no longer accept 35 gallons or less of used oil for free.
At the April 16th work session, a concerned citizen said the increased rates will cause more people to dump garbage and construction debris illegally south of the city, along 20 Mile Road. She asked if people who volunteer to clean up 20 Mile Road will receive discounted rates at the landfill. Mayor Terry Weickum said he supports compensating clean up volunteers. However, Mayor Weickum said he would prefer to prosecute the illegal dumpers.
The concerned citizen said she has only ever heard of one individual being caught and charged for illegally dumping on 20 Mile Road.
Mayor Weickum instructed City Manager Sarvey to arrange a clean up effort supported by the city. No cleaning date was set at the April 16th meeting.
Councilman Chris Weisenburg said he supports reimbursing the volunteers for their time if they give the city advanced notice of their intention to pick up garbage.
To prevent abuse of the system, Mayor Weickum said any resident asking to be compensated for cleaning up an illegal dump will first need to present a case file from the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office.
Later during the April 16th regular council meeting, the board voted to approve all the proposed rate changes.
