By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE — Winona Lake residents will pay $2 more per month for trash pickup beginning next year.

Winona Lake Town Council approved an ordinance for the rate hike at a special meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 28. The vote was 3-0, with Rick Swaim, Denny Duncan and Jim Lancaster voting in favor. Austin Reynolds and Heather James were absent.

The ordinance raises fees from $6 to $8 per month. It’s effective Jan. 1.

As mentioned in the ordinance, which may be found by clicking here, the rate change is necessary to “provide sufficient revenues.”

The vote followed a public hearing. Jerry Nelson was the only person who spoke during the hearing.

He raised a number of questions. Among them – who writes the contract for trash pickup and will several companies get the opportunity to bid to provide the service.

Town Manager Craig Allebach replied that the town writes the contract and more than one company does get to bid on it.