City sanitation rates going up

The City of Pensacola Sanitation Services Department is proposing a rate increase for City Sanitation customers, which will help ensure quality sanitation services are provided to residents while accounting for rising labor costs, replacing aging equipment and replenishing reserve funds.

The proposed rate changes are on the June 16 City Council Meeting agenda to be voted on by City Council on first reading. If approved on first reading, the new rates must also be approved on second reading at the July 21 City Council Meeting. If approved by City Council, 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:

These rate increases include a sanitation equipment surcharge, which will help ensure the city is able to replace aging equipment as needed and minimize unnecessary repair costs.

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.

For more information about City of Pensacola Sanitation Services, visit the city website.