PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — Port St. Lucie City Council is set to hold a public hearing Monday night before voting on a proposed increase to the annual solid waste assessment charged to residential properties.
The assessment would rise $14.83 per dwelling unit, from $467.33 to $482.16 for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. That works out to about $1.24 more per month.
The non-ad valorem assessment pays for solid waste and recycling collection, disposal services, facilities, and related programs. It is collected through property tax bills.
City officials said the increase is required under Port St. Lucie’s solid waste franchise agreement with FCC Environmental Service. Public Information Officer Scott Samples said the adjustment reflects inflationary costs for labor, equipment, vehicle maintenance and fuel.
“This is standard for most solid waste contracts throughout the country,” Samples said.
The proposed increase arrives after years of frustration over trash service in Port St. Lucie. The city won a $24 million settlement with Waste Pro over poor service, but residents received a tax credit rather than refund checks.
RELATED: Port St. Lucie mayor’s race is tied to lingering trash problems
Trash collection also became a central issue in this year’s mayoral campaign, with residents and candidates debating the reliability of service and whether the city should restore twice-weekly garbage pickup. Voters are expected to weigh in on that question on the November ballot.
The city adopted a preliminary rate resolution in July and mailed notices to affected residential property owners, according to the proposed final rate resolution. Council members will hear public comments and objections before considering the final rate.
The proposed $482.16 annual assessment remains below the city’s previously established maximum rate of $513.70. If approved, the new assessment would take effect Oct. 1.