By Ray King
Even though every member of the Pine Bluff City Council has complained about the service provided by Waste Management, they voted 8-0 Monday to approve a rate increase for the company effective Nov. 1.
They actually had no choice because the contract between the city and Waste Management provides that a yearly allowance, based on the consumer price index is in effect until November of 2025 and requires that the amount customers pay each year is enough to cover the costs of collecting trash and garbage.
Council member Lloyd Holcomb Jr., was asked about the council’s actions and responded this way.
Customers will pay $20.64 per month for service, a 2.1 percent rate hike from the 20.22 rate that is currently being collected.
Mayor Shirley Washington said with the current contract expiring next year, the city has already been approached by other companies who can also provide garbage pickup service.
Also Monday, an ordinance requiring restaurants and hotels who have to pay the “hamburger tax” be required to obtain a permit from the Advertising and promotion Commission to legally operate in the city was read for a second time and placed on the calendar for a final reading next month.
Sherie Storie, the Executive Director of the A&P Commission told the council that information about the required permit will be sent to every restaurant and hotel, and the permits will be issued at no charge.
Getting the permit will be condition of obtaining an occupation license and the city collectors office will not be able to issue a new license or renew an existing license until it verifies that the applicant has obtained the necessary permit
