PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — Port St. Lucie residents will pay more for trash service after the City Council approved an increase to the annual solid waste assessment Monday night.
The council approved Resolution 26-R70, raising the annual assessment by $14.83 per dwelling unit, from $467.33 to $482.16 for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.
There was no public comment or council discussion before the item was read and approved.
The assessment pays for garbage collection, disposal services, facilities and related solid waste programs. It is collected through residents’ property tax bills.
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The increase amounts to about $1.24 more per month for residential properties.
City officials previously said the increase is required under Port St. Lucie’s solid waste franchise agreement with FCC Environmental Service and reflects rising costs for labor, equipment, vehicle maintenance and fuel.
The new $482.16 assessment remains below the city’s previously established maximum rate of $513.70.
The increase comes as Port St. Lucie’s trash service remains a major issue for residents. The city previously reached a $24 million settlement with Waste Pro over poor service, and voters are expected to decide in November whether to bring back twice-weekly garbage pickup.