Let’s Talk Trash: Increase Fee or Reduce Pickup?

DECATUR – The DeKalb County Department of Sanitation continues to hold public meetings to discuss the future of garbage pickup in the county. Residents are invited to share their concerns about potential changes to garbage collection at the upcoming meetings listed below:

Saturday, Feb. 2 at 9 a.m.
DeKalb Legislative Community Cabinet Meeting
Chapel Hill Middle School
3535 Dogwood Farm Road
Decatur, GA 30034

The issues before the public are whether DeKalb County should reduce the current garbage collection schedule to one day per week or maintain the current collection schedule of twice per week.  If DeKalb County maintains its current schedule of twice per week, the sanitation fee would increase from $265.00 to $305.00 per year. The fee is included on property owners’ annual property tax bill; however, it is not a part of the tax funds budget.

DeKalb County has not increased the sanitation fees since 2006. The fee adjustment would cover the increase in fuel costs and operating expenses for sanitation trucks. Expenses are expected to outpace revenues in 2013, thus necessitating a decision on whether to pick up fewer times or charge more for the service.

The CEO and the Board of Commissioners will receive the results of public input in February.  For more information, visit http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/publicwrks/sanitationGarbage/index.html or call 404-371-3689.