Tampa garbage rates may rise in coming years

TAMPA -- Solid waste fees will need to increase by at least $3.50 a month over the next five years to cover the rising cost of garbage collection, Mayor Pam Iorio told City Council members today.

The higher rates would likely begin in 2010 to cover increased personnel, fuel and other operating expenses.

Iorio also wants to add $1.80 a month to solid waste fees this year to offset reductions in property tax revenues.

That increase would help fund the Clean City division, which is responsible for such activities as cleaning up medians and removing graffiti. The division, which employs about 70 people, is funded in part by property taxes.

"We're trying to save jobs," Iorio said. "We care about our employees."

The council agreed to discuss the idea in more detail at its regular meeting today, but several members told Iorio they liked the idea.

- Janet Zink, Times staff writer

Comments

[JOdy]

Pam Iorio doesn't get it......we get a small tax break and she eats it up by raising fees.....time for a Mayor that understand the community needs.

[Care about taxpayers, not workers]

This is MY mayor? "We're trying to save jobs"

How about the fact that my company has a city contract to provide water main inspection services, but after we worked hard to obtain the contract, the City decided to put unqualified people on the projects in our place. Now we are told that they will not use our services.

I know where my vote will go, Iorio, and its not to you.

Fire the city workers and reduce fees!

[Sam]

"We're trying to save jobs," Iorio said. "We care about our employees."

Well I care about my property taxes and monthly fees. How much more welfare will I have to pay for people to clean medians? Why can't Tampa live within it's means?

I am really disappointed in Pam. Next time you're out shopping in South Tampa ask them ask the store owner to raise their costs to save employee jobs. I'm sure they would be happy to charge $5 for a Big Mac just to save some jobs.

Have you ever owned a business? My guess is not!!

[Ryan]

This woman is a joke. The Clean City division is a waste of money. Ride around and look at intersections. Full of weeds, signs etc. Furthermore, lets save money by getting rid of code enforcement. I have a neighbor who has been reported time and time again for blatant violations. Guess what Iorio. Not one thing has been done in more than 2 years.. If only our politicians would use common sense. This woman is a joke!!

[Tommy]

VOTE IORIO OUT!!! SHE IS JUST HILARY WILL BE IF ELECTED. NO HILARY and NO PAM.. VOTE AGAINST THESE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE STEALING FROM US. IF SOMEONE COMES TO MY HOUSE AND STEALS I SHOOT THEM. THAT IS WHAT THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE DOING!!

[dave]

Oh get over it - you will pay more per month for cable, electric, phone, internet and starbucks. It is still one of the cheapest utilities available.

[Rodger]

hillsborough county need to have a huge yard sale with the evidnece rooms at the police departments. there is a mil and half just in weed from local grow house busts. how mauch can they get for the houses? 3 things 2 million what a deal for the city.