Hikes in trash fees, water and sewer rates in Attleboro mayor’s $175.3 million budget

By alexandreFinance

Hikes in trash fees, water and sewer rates in Attleboro mayor’s $175.3 million budget

The residents of Attleboro are going to see an increase in their trash fees, water, and sewer rates as the mayor proposed the city’s budget for the fiscal year 2022. The $175.3 million budget is focused on improving public safety, education, and upgrading infrastructure while also meeting the needs of the city’s growing population.

Hikes in Trash Fees

Under the new budget, the city’s trash fee will increase from $200 to $250 per household. The increase is meant to cover the rising costs of disposing of the city’s trash and recyclables. The city has also decided to switch its recycling program to a “pay-as-you-throw” model where residents will pay for each bag of trash they dispose of. This new model aims to encourage people to reduce waste and recycle more.

While some residents are unhappy about the increase in fees, others see it as a necessary measure to ensure the cleanliness of the city and promote responsible waste management.

The new fee structure will come into effect from July 1, 2021, and residents will receive their new trash bags in the mail by the end of June. The city has also stated that it will provide financial assistance to low-income households to help them with the additional costs.

Water and Sewer Rates

The budget proposal also includes an increase in the city’s water and sewer rates. The mayor has proposed a 4% increase in water rates and a 3% increase in sewer rates. The increased revenue will be used to fund essential improvements and upgrades to the city’s water and sewer systems.

The city’s aging infrastructure has been a major concern for the mayor, and these increases will allow for much-needed repairs and maintenance. However, these hikes will lead to increased bills for residents, especially those who consume large amounts of water or have a bigger family.

The city plans to continue offering financial assistance to low-income households and seniors to help them with their bills. Additionally, the city is also considering implementing a tiered billing system where households that use less water will pay lower rates.

Economic Impact

The proposed hikes in trash fees, water, and sewer rates will have a considerable economic impact on the residents of Attleboro. For many families, the additional costs will mean cutting back on other expenses or finding ways to save money. Some businesses may also be affected, especially those that rely heavily on water consumption.

However, the city’s investment in infrastructure will bring long-term benefits to residents and businesses alike. Upgraded water and sewer systems will attract new businesses and residents to the city, improving the local economy and creating job opportunities.

Moreover, a cleaner city will lead to increased property values, benefiting homeowners and landlords in the long run.

Community Response

The proposed hikes in fees and rates have received mixed reactions from the community. While some residents are resigned to the fact that the increases are necessary for the city’s growth and development, others are protesting against what they see as unnecessary expenses.

Several residents have taken to social media to voice their concerns, with some calling for the city to explore alternative funding options. Others feel that the fee increases unfairly burden low-income families, who are already struggling due to the pandemic’s economic impact.

The city has announced that it will hold a public hearing to discuss the budget proposal and listen to the residents’ feedback and suggestions.

The proposed hikes in trash fees, water, and sewer rates are necessary to fund essential upgrades and improvements to the city’s infrastructure. While the additional costs may be a burden for some residents, investing in the city’s water and sewer systems will bring long-term benefits to the community.

It is important for the city to listen to its residents’ concerns and explore alternative funding options that can lessen the impact on low-income households. The public hearing will be an excellent opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and contribute to the city’s budget decisions.