The Jacksonville City Council is facing a tough decision as they consider raising trash fees to address a mounting debt for a solid waste loan. Councilman Matt Carlucci argues that the increase is essential to ensure continued trash collection services and avoid a financial crisis.
Jacksonville City Council is set to vote on two bills Tuesday night that would increase trash fees for residents. Councilman Matt Carlucci says the increase is necessary to help pay off a growing debt for a solid waste loan . The debt is expected to reach $500 million by fiscal year 2031-2032 if the fees aren't raised. Carlucci says that if the council doesn't raise fees, the city could face the difficult situation of not being able to collect trash.
'This is kind of the elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about, and so I decided to talk about it,' Carlucci said. 'If we pay a garbage fee like every other city does, that will put an additional $40 million into our solid waste fee, and we won't have to worry about trash not being picked up.' The second bill aims to address affordability concerns by offering assistance to people in need. The Rules Committee revised the proposal to exempt low-income residents from the fee increase, requiring them to pay the current rate of $120 annually if eligible. Carlucci says residents would have to reapply for the program each year. He acknowledged the financial struggles many face. 'Some folks, if they’re eligible, can get assistance,' Carlucci said. 'To those that may not qualify but are still in that range, that’s tough. I get it. I’m not tone deaf to that, but this loan and its weight are keeping us from providing our community with the services that a lot of these lower-income people need.
Trash Fees Jacksonville City Council Solid Waste Loan Debt Affordability
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