Higher Trash, Sewer Fees Are Approved by Council

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday gave final approval to increases in the fees residents pay for trash and sewer services.

The ordinances must now be signed by Mayor James K. Hahn, who originally proposed the increases in his budget for the fiscal year that began July 1. The increases will likely become effective in mid- to late October, officials said.

“No one likes to increase any fee, but given the needs to provide public safety and environmental protection in the city, and given the budget chaos in Sacramento, it was appropriate,” Councilman Jack Weiss said.

Other council members warned that state budget problems and other factors may require additional fee increases or service cuts this year.

“We are going to have to also raise revenues in some other areas,” predicted Councilman Bernard C. Parks.

One ordinance given unanimous council approval Tuesday would increase the sanitation equipment fee from $6 to $10 per month for single-family homes, and from $4 to $6.60 for apartments and condominiums. The hike will generate an additional $30 million annually. Council members noted that the fee had not been increased since 1996.

The other ordinance, also passed unanimously, would increase sewer service charges from $2.26 per 100 cubic feet of water used to $2.33 to help pay for overhauling the city sewer system.