Gas prices may raise city garbage rates

Higher gasoline prices prompted Mason County Garbage to seek approval from the City of Shelton to raise monthly collection bills.

The Shelton City Council in a 6-1 vote gave preliminary approval to the increase at its Feb. 20 meeting. If given final approval Tuesday, residential customers will see a 20-cent increase on their monthly bills, and commercial customers an extra $1.63 through the end of the year.

Council member George Blush cast the dissenting vote. He pointed out that the proposed increase would be enacted at the same time customers will see increases due to the annual Consumer Price Index adjustment, part of Mason Garbage's contract with the city, and an increase in disposal tipping fees.

"I don't like the idea of raising prices, one after another after another on top of each other, it seems a lot taken at once," Blush said.

No one from the public spoke about the proposed increase.

The city operated its own collection system until 2017. That's when the city entered into a 20-year agreement with Mason County Garbage for collection and disposal of solid waste, recyclables and yard waste.

Chad White, site manager for Mason County Garbage, told the council the state enacting the Climate Change Commitment Act last year raised gasoline prices. His company was "notably effected by this development," he said

Last year, Mason Garbage "soaked it up" when it came to paying for the increased gasoline prices, White said. The proposed increase due to gasoline prices is "not anything looking to generate revenue for us," he said.