City Accepts County Deal on Landfill Fees

Despite expressing doubts about future costs, the City Council has approved a 10-year contract with the county calling for bargain landfill fees.

The agreement states that the county will charge the city $22 a ton for use of the county landfills.

“This is an attractive rate, since one year ago the rate was $35 a ton and is currently $27 a ton,” City Manager Fred Maley said in a report to the council.

But some council members were skeptical that the low rate would last.

“This is not a 10-year guarantee on [the county’s] part,” Councilwoman Patricia L. Bortle said. “The county can raise rates.”

City Atty. Leonard Hampel agreed that the contract allows the county, under certain provisions, to raise fees. “If I had to bet, I’d say there are likely to be increases.”

However, Mayor Barry L. Denes pointed out that there is an immediate benefit for Villa Park. “It was $35 a ton, and now it’s going down to $22,” he said. “I think we need to go for it.”

--BY BILL BILLITER, MIMI KO CRUZ AND HOPE HAMASHIGE