Public Works officials found that the rates were necessary to keep up with rising costs, including a 17% increase in fuel costs since last year for the 42-truck Integrated Waste Management fleet that consumes about 400,000 gallons of fuel annually. City officials estimate that next year's fuel cost for the fleet will be approximately $1.2 million.
"This year … we came away with the fact that the refuse fund was in need of a rate increase to meet the demands put on it," Zurn said.
However, even with the hike, Glendale remains on the low side of other Los Angeles area cities, officials said.
"We fare very well when compared to others in L.A. County and Orange County as far as our rates," Zurn said. "And we're committed to keeping that rate as low as we can, but we do have some operational needs we need to address."
Councilman Bob Yousefian pointed out that in a survey of rubbish pickup rates in local cities, many were far higher than Glendale, with Los Angeles at $33.45 Long Beach at $20.25 and Santa Monica at $36.48 per month.
"I just wanted people to know what the other cities are charging. It's not that we are overcharging," he said.
Zurn noted that the city makes every effort to use its equipment in the most efficient way to give its customers the best service for their money.
"We've kept our staffing levels pretty lean," he said. "We've kept our truck fleet pretty lean."
City Councilman Dave Weaver said he is pleased that even with the hike, the city has been able to keep its fees relatively low.
"This is very reasonable," he said. Our cash fees are lower than many other cities."
ROBERT S. HONG covers City Hall. He may be reached at (818) 637-3235 or by e-mail at robert.honglatimes.com.
