Garbage fees going up April 1

YOUNGSTOWN — A 25-percent increase beginning April 1 in city residential garbage fees could have some people feeling like Oscar the Grouch.

The city’s board of control recently awarded a one-year contract, effective March 1, with a one-year option to Waste Management, a Houston-based company.

Beginning April 1, the monthly cost for residential customers will go from $9 to $11.25. City council is to vote on the increase at its meeting today.

Waste Management received the contract through competitive bidding, beating two other companies, said Carmen S. Conglose Jr., deputy director of the city’s department of public works.

Waste Management has served as the city’s residential garbage vendor for at least the past four years, he said.

The rising cost of fuel is the primary reason for Waste Management’s rate increase, Conglose said.

There are about 29,000 residential garbage customers in the city.

For full story, see Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.