County simplifies trash dropoff rates

At the regular meeting of the August 25 Commissioner’s Court, the court considered price rate adjustments and reviewed graphics that showed itemized rates for bags and bulk trash.

Commissioner Bobby Harris presented the drawing to the court.

“I came up with a chart reflective of our prices that we charge at each garbage station. They are precise and to the point. I propose that we have these made into signs and posted at each garbage station location.” He pointed out one of the examples: “It’s a guideline that’ll help the customers understand why they would be charged $200 – just look at the picture and look at your truck. It also helps my operator justify what he’s charging.”

Harris said some customers have discontinued their trash service that disposed of garbage from 96-gallon containers.

“These customers are now bringing these containers to us. I estimate these to be $14 to dispose of. So, these photos will stop a lot of confusion in each facility and make it more clear to the user and to the operator of why we’re charging what we do,” he said.

While referring to a truck load, Harris said, “If you come in and you’re half way between a level bed and cab height, then the operator will have to adjust for a half price of a full load. These are accurate cubic yard figures that we’re using here.” Harris concluded, “Lost revenue is when the operator is not charging the right amount for a cubic yard. This will clarify that and help us immensely.”

Commissioner Jody Rutherford reminded the court tire pricing would need to be next.

“We gotta go up on the tires because they’ve gone up at least two to three dollars,” he said.

Harris confirmed pictures and pricing for tires could be drawn up in the next couple of weeks.

Harris made the motion to adopt the signage and have Bandera Signs make the signs for each garbage collection station. The court approved the motion with no price increases.

Per Rutherford, they plan on having the signs completed in the next two to three weeks.