Hermosa Beach

Trash bills for residents and businesses will go up 5.3% next month.

The City Council this week granted the new rate--which will increase residents’ monthly bills to $5.84 from $5.55--but denied a request by the disposal firm for an additional 2.7% increase to cover higher trucking and disposal costs.

The new rate is based on increases in the transportation portion of the consumer price index and was required in the contract between the city and Browning-Ferris Industries, the trash-collecting company.

Mayor George Barks and Councilman Jack Wood favored the higher increase. Barks argued that the additional 2.7% was necessary to cover higher costs and to ensure adequate service.

Five residents urged the council to deny any increase. They praised the rubbish service but complained that Browning-Ferris fails to collect pickup fees from many of the residents and businesses it serves.