Ashland City Council Votes
Reversing a decision made two months ago, Ashland City Council Tuesday night approved a 6.5 percent increase in trash collection rates. Voting for the rate increase were Councilors Tonya Graham, Paula Hyatt, Steve Jensen and Stefi Seffinger. In opposition were Gina DuQuenne and Shaun Moran.
In Mid-March the increase was defeated when Mayor Julie Akins broke a two-two tie with Councilors Jensen and Seffinger absent.
The issue was brought back to the council by City Attorney Katrina L. Brown who said the city’s agreement with Recology provides for an annual cost of living adjustment. The average household will see a $1.38 increase in the monthly Recology bill.
By the same 4-2 margin, Council approved a $1 million increase in borrowing from a state fund at a percentage and a half to pay for relocating the outflow pipeline from the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Cost of the project has ballooned to an estimated $3.5 million.
The new outflow line will discharge into Bear Creek. The state Department of Environmental Quality has objected to the current discharge into Ashland Creek because on some days the effluent over heats the creek’s water.
Chronicle Staff
