2 fee hikes in Farmington

FARMINGTON — Rising fuel prices are going to cause a slight increase in garbage pickups to Farmington residents starting in July.

The rate per can will increase by 50 cents a month to keep Robinson Waste's garbage trucks rolling in the city through 2009.

The garbage rate, combined with a $2.25 increase per month in sewer fees, will cost the average residence with one garbage can an extra $33 during fiscal 2009, according to Farmington's proposed budget.

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the budget Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Farmington City Hall, 130 N. Main.

The $7.1 million budget includes no property tax increases, said city finance director Keith Johnson.

The price of oil has driven up the cost of asphalt, and Johnson said the city will try to stretch the $330,000 set aside for road overlays.

The city plans to build one new park in Farmington Ranches, located on the city's west side, and make improvements to Woodland Park.

Two new full-time employees will be hired — one for the fire department, which currently has one full-time employee, and one for the the city's parks and recreation department.

A part-time employee will be hired by the city's garbage fund, Johnson said.

By December, the city is expecting to finish construction on a new police station, which voters approved during the November 2006 election. Once the police station is completed, the city can begin renovating the fire station, which currently has no living space for full-time firefighters.

---

E-mail: jdougherty@desnews.com

Comments