Latrobe residents could pay higher garbage fees next year, as officials consider passing on a 2% increase in the city’s contract with hauler Republic Services.

City Manager Michael Gray is proposing the rate hikes as part of a revised schedule of various fees being reviewed by council. The new fees could come to a vote in February.

“They’ll offset the costs we will be charged next year,” Gray said of the garbage rates, indicating Latrobe will pay Republic an additional $18,000 for its services in 2021. “We have no option other than to increase the rates to pay for that service.”

Beginning next year, Republic will receive an annual 2% hike for the final three years of its five-year contract. It received a 26% increase in the first year but held the line on fees this year.

If residents are asked to share in the costs, those who have their trash picked up in bags will pay $67.32 per quarter, up from $66, according to Gray. Those who use a larger “toter” container, will see their quarterly rate rise from $81 to $82.62.

Residents also must purchase stickers to attach to bags they place at the curb for collection. Because of a change in vendors, Gray said, those stickers will be sold in sheets of 12, instead of 10, but the price will remain at 40 cents per sticker.

Rates for commercial garbage customers also would be revised. Gray said he was awaiting input from the public works department for setting those fees.

Gray additionally proposed a new land disturbance fee for developers to help support requirements of a new storm water management ordinance council recently approved and to coincide with a similar county ordinance.

Developers who disturb more than 10,000 square feet of land would be charged a $75 fee to cover the costs of a project plan review.

“It’s an administrative fee to make sure everything is coordinated with the Westmoreland Conservation District,” Gray said.

The fee would not be charged for smaller residential projects. “It’s not for remodeling in your backyard,” he said.

Transfer Station closed Saturday

Latrobe’s Solid Waste Transfer Station will be closed Saturday, for the holiday weekend, and will resume normal hours, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Monday. The facility charges fees for accepting municipal waste as well as some recyclable items, including tires and appliances containing Freon.

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