MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - The Martinsburg City Council on Thursday approved a $27.6 million budget plan for the 2009-10 fiscal year that doesn't include a tax increase, but residents might very well be asked to pay more in garbage fees later this spring.
The city council unanimously voted to authorize the preparation of an ordinance to increase sanitation fees.
Residents who receive a discounted rate for paying their bills within 20 days of the billing date could be asked to pay $5.74 more per month or $68.88 per year, according to a draft of proposed increases reviewed by the council's Budget and Finance Committee earlier this month.
About 80 percent of the customers take advantage of the 18 percent discount program, City Finance Director Mark B. Spickler said.
Without the discount, the regular rate for sanitation service would increase by $7 per month and $84 per year. Dumpster (3-cubic yard size) rates would increase by $250 per weekly pickup, if the ordinance is adopted.
