The fee, initially created by the Finance Control Board in 2007, was scheduled to expire June 30 unless extended by the council.
SPRINGFIELD – The City Council on Monday voted to extend the annual $75 trash fee beyond June 30, with supporters saying the fee is needed to prevent severe budget cuts and to partially cover the cost of trash collection and disposal.
The fee, initially established by the state-imposed Finance Control Board in 2007 at $90 per year, was scheduled to expire on June 30, unless extended by the council.
The vote was 8-5 in favor of the trash fee, the same vote taken April 25, when the fee extension received first-step approval.
Even with the fee, which generates $3.3 million annually, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno has presented a city budget for next fiscal year that calls for 33.5 city layoffs, the de-funding of 48.5 vacant employee positions, and a reduction in library hours.
In addition, non-bargaining employees will receive no pay raise and 12 unpaid furlough days, under the budget plan.
If the trash fee failed, additional cuts would have been needed to offset that loss of revenue, Sarno said.
Councilors voting in favor the trash fee were Melvin A. Edwards, Clodovaldo Concepcion, Timothy C. Allen, Thomas Ashe, Amaad I. Rivera, E. Henry Twiggs, Michael A. Fenton and Kateri B. Walsh.
Those voting against the fee were John A. Lysak, Timothy J. Rooke, Zaida Luna, James J. Ferrera and Council President Jose F. Tosado.
Opponents have argued that the trash fee is double taxation and a burden on homeowners.
With the trash fee finalized, the council can turn its attention to other pressing matters including hearings on the mayor’s budget, Tosado said.
The ordinance that was approved to extend the trash fee includes a $25 discount for qualifying senior citizens, veterans and blind and indigent homeowners. In addition, the city can attach liens on properties in cases of prolonged nonpayment.