Whitefish to take over garbage billing from contractor

The city of Whitefish is taking over responsibility for garbage billing from a private contractor, but residents aren't expected to see any change in rates, and some commercial customers may benefit from slight price reductions.

The City Council in early January approved a new five-year contract with Republic Services, the company that has collected and disposed of Whitefish's solid waste since 2004. Republic Services trucks will continue hauling the city's trash, but the city will assume responsibility for billing residents and businesses on March 16.

The council is expected to approve rates for trash pickup at tonight’s meeting. City Manager Dana Smith said they're unchanged from previous rates. Standard weekly pickup for a residential cart, for example, will remain at $10.78, a price that includes $9.50 for Republic Services and a $1.28 administration fee.

When the city takes over billing, trash pickup will be charged monthly, instead of quarterly, along with water and sewer fees, Smith said. Administration fees are expected to generate about $80,000 per year – about $30,000 less than the city needs to cover the cost of personnel, software, mailing and supplies. But the city has $47,000 in reserves in its solid waste fund, and staff anticipate they'll save money by using the same resources to bundle garbage, sewer and water bills.

The City Council meeting begins at 7:10 p.m. Monday. It will be held remotely via Webex video conferencing. Instructions for tuning in and participating can be found on the city's website.

ALSO MONDAY, the council is expected to hold public hearings on two requests for conditional-use permits. One permit would allow a couple to construct an accessory apartment above their garage in the 1600 block of West Lakeshore Drive. The other permit, requested by Liquid Library LLC, would allow for a new restaurant with a beer and wine license inside a new building at 206 Lupfer Ave.

Additionally, Public Works Director Craig Workman will present several requests from community members for changes to parking restrictions around the city. And Fire Chief Joe Page will ask the council to appoint members to a panel that will develop an emergency services master plan.

Reporter Chad Sokol can be reached at 758-4434 or csokol@dailyinterlake.com