Montebello : 7.1% Trash Rate Hike OKd

The Montebello City Council has approved a 7.1% increase in garbage collection rates for single-family homes to take effect July 1.

The increase, which will raise residential bills from $6.94 to $7.43 per month, will pay for an annual rate increase guaranteed Athens Disposal Co. under its contract with the city, finance director Ted Nix said. The increase also will pay for Montebello’s costs to oversee the service. More than 11,300 residences will be affected by the increase.

Athens’ contract with the city guarantees annual rate adjustments based upon the change in the consumer price index not to exceed 5%. The council authorized Athens to raise its rates by 4.4% beginning July 1.