Several residents voiced concerns about trash prices and compost possibilities at Jefferson City's second open house on solid waste services.
Jefferson City held the open house Tuesday to solicit public input on the solid waste services, which are currently provided by Allied Waste. Two representatives of Allied also attended, as did four City Council members.
The city's six-year contract with the waste company is ending in October 2015, so employees are trying to get information from residents for contract negotiations, said Janice McMillan, director of the Planning and Protective Services Department. The open house was the second held and the city plans to send out a survey to interested residents on the services.
In the first half of the open house, eight residents came in, some with questions and concerns, while others were there simply to listen.
Several residents brought up an interest in composting service, noting it would significantly lessen the amount of solid waste sent to the landfill. And nearly all in attendance said the roughly $15 per month cost was too high.
Though most residents used a figure around $15 per month, the city's website states the "cost for individual residential homes is $17.82 (per) month."
Tim Stallman said the city's old method of using bags was far more beneficial for him and many others who are now paying far more than they ever did for trash service.
"I loved those bags, I really did," Stallman said. "And then they took them away from me. I've been unhappy ever since."
Two people suggested there should be a smaller cost for people living alone who produce far less trash than big families, yet are largely paying the same price.
Fourth Ward Councilman Carlos Graham said he spoke with several people who suggested they'd like to see some type of senior discount offer, as they generally produce less trash than many other families.
McMillan said the current service does offer a smaller cart at a savings of roughly $2 per month.