Residential garbage fees will climb in 2014.
Yorkton Council made it official at their regular meeting Monday unanimously supporting an 18 per cent increase which was originally outlined in budget discussions earlier this year.
The increase will mean $1.70 per month increase to $10.65 in 2014 for residential consumers.
The "levy is charged on the utility bill and covers the collection and disposal costs of garbage to residents and multi-unit dwellers. It is a user pay system where the City calculates the amount of material collected and charges the current landfill rate plus the collection rate," detailed a report circulated to Council.
"The cost is then passed on to the resident," added Michael Buchholzer, Director of Environmental Services with the City.
The landfill is a self sufficient utility, said Buchholzer.
"With new provincial regulations which include engineered pits, leachate collection system, leachate pond, liners, and a lift station, costs of handling solid waste is increasing," he added.
"By the end of 2013, the landfill reserve account will have an estimated 2.25 million dollars for expansion and post closure fund.
"The estimated cost of Phase I of the expansion is estimated at 4.5 to 5 million dollars, with a life expectancy of five to seven years."
The Environmental Committee reviewed and recommended the rate increase, said Buchholzer.
