AUBURN, Ala.- The Auburn City Council will consider an ordinance adjusting the rate for solid waste services — which includes garbage, trash and recycling collection — at its meeting on Tuesday, June 3, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 141 N. Ross St.

This will be the second reading of the ordinance, which the council first considered on May 6. If approved, the new rate of $32 per month would take effect Oct. 1, 2025, marking the first rate adjustment for solid waste services since 2014.

The proposed increase addresses the growing demand for solid waste services in Auburn. Since 2014, the number of households served has risen by 55%, from 12,563 to 19,504. These services are funded through an enterprise fund designed to be self-sustaining by covering all operational and capital costs. However, over the past 13 years the City’s general fund has provided $3.1 million to bridge the gap between service costs and user fees.

Periodic rate studies, conducted approximately every four years, assess and forecast the financial needs of solid waste services. Rate studies in 2017 and 2023 recommended rate increases since the 2014 rate no longer met the operational demands of this essential service. Since the 2023 rate study, the City Council has held three public work sessions to discuss the issue.

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed changes, which are outlined in the May 6 agenda item. More information is also available in the rate study presentation. A public hearing will be held during the June 3 meeting.