Talk Trash To The City

   (July 9, 2012) -- If you are a Fresno resident, the City of Fresno wants to hear all about your garbage. The city is considering whether to contract out residential solid waste collection to private companies. There is a survey on the city website at  www.fresno.gov/solidwaste. The proposal is contained in Mayor Ashley Swearengin’s proposed budget revision because there is a shortfall  of $16 million and she's looking for opportunities to save.

On the city website, the mayor explains: “Given the ongoing economic challenges in Fresno and across the state and nation, it is important that we deliver services in the most effective manner possible, particularly when a service could be provided by the private sector.”

 “Revenue from a franchise agreement for the residential solid waste operations could provide critical funding for city services such as police officers, firefighters, parks maintenance and operation, and streetlight repairs while keeping the residential solid waste rates at or below the city’s current rates.” The city estimates a change to trash collection could exceed $2.5 million annually.

A question-and-answer document on the proposal also is available on the City’s website at www.fresno.gov/solidwaste.

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