The proposed rate changes were approved by City Council on first reading at the Aug. 18 City Council Meeting. If approved on second reading at the Sept. 15 City Council Meeting, the new rates will be effective Oct. 1, 2022.
By implementing the rate increases through a 5-year rate plan, the impact to customers will be reduced after the initial increase on Oct. 1, 2022. If approved, customers’ monthly rates will increase as follows:
- Effective Oct. 1, 2022: $2.29/month increase
- Effective Oct. 1, 2023: $2.11/month increase
- Effective Oct. 1, 2024: $1.15/month increase
- Effective Oct. 1, 2025: $1.77/month increase
- Effective Oct. 1, 2026: $0.79/month increase
The city hired Geosyntec Consultants Inc. in January 2022 to conduct a solid waste rate study and business plan for Sanitation Services, which evaluated historical data from the city to determine the amount of additional revenue needed to meet financial goals and continue to provide quality service. The proposed rate increases were determined by the Geosyntec study based on historic and projected costs of operation for City of Pensacola Sanitation Services.
City of Pensacola Sanitation Services provides several core services to residents, including garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection. The department also collects bulk waste and other items during the Mayor’s Neighborhood Cleanup events, manages debris cleanup after hurricanes or other storms, provides recycling services for events, and works to maintain efficient and friendly customer service.
With rising labor costs and challenges with aging equipment, the rate increases will not only help Sanitation Services continue to provide quality services to residents, but also help the department build healthy reserve funds in compliance with City of Pensacola policy.
To view the Geosyntec rate study, click here. To view the City Council Meeting presentation, click here.
Meanwhile, NorthEscambia.com reports The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) has proposed a rate increase for sanitation, water and wastewater services.
Proposed Sanitation Rate Increase
ECUA is proposing a sanitation (garbage) rate increase of 6% plus the addition of a $1 per month fee to fund the construction of a new sanitation transfer station on Pine Forest Road. Customers will continue to pay the $1 per month until the transfer station is paid off, which is currently projected to be in 2043.
The rate increase applies to the collection fee. For the average family with one 90-gallon container, the monthly rate will increase from $26.39 to $27.67, plus the $1 fee for the transfer station. The transfer station location is the current ECUA complex at Godwin Lane and Pine Forest Road.
Proposed Water And Wastewater Rate Increase
ECUA is proposing a 5% rate increase for water and wastewater. For an average customer using 6,000 gallons, the increase will be less than $1 per month for water and about $2 for wastewater.
The motion approving a budget with the rate increase for water and wastewater was made by District 1 representative Vicki Campbell and seconded by Dale Perkins before passing unanimously.