Temple Terrace Considers Trash-Hauling Fee Increase

By JOYCE MCKENZIE THE TAMPA TRIBUNE | Tbo.com
Published: October 08, 2007

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TEMPLE TERRACE - City officials are considering increases in garbage collection fees and utility charges.

Among the proposed changes is the residential sanitation fee, which would increase from $18.85 per month to $20.64.

If approved by the city council, it would be the first sanitation rate increase since June 3, 2003.

"If there is no rate adjustment ... expenses will continue to outpace revenues and the [public works budget] will be depleted by Sept. 30, 2009," Temple Terrace finance director Diane Reichard said.

Proposed changes in utility charges include doubling the deposit for owner-occupied residences for water and sewer service from $50 to $100 and the tenant-occupied deposit from $100 to $200. Late payment fees would increase from $5 to $10, and service call charges would be $25 during regular business hours and $40 for after-hour service requests.

The public may weigh in on the proposed increases at the Oct. 16 city council meeting.