Several fee increases approved by Buckley City Council

Fees charged for garbage collection, stormwater and sewer utilities were all increased in Buckley, following a Feb. 8 vote of the City Council.

Garbage rates went up by an average of 5.4 percent. The increase reflects changes to specific line items in the city's contract with D&M Disposal Company, specifically a 9.16 percent increase in tipping fees at the county landfill and a 0.34 percent increase tied to the Consumer Price Index.

Stormwater utility charges will increase 3 percent to continue implementation of the Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Stormwater Program.

Sewer rates will increase 10 percent to fund operations, make loan payments stemming from construction of the new wastewater treatment plant and to purchase Puget Sound Energy's White River property.

In addition, the fee for bricks at the Veteran's Monument also increased.

The price of individual bricks, which can be inscribed with a veteran's name, will be raised to $50.

Also covered in the amendment were the city's switch to the state master business licensing system, as opposed to the previous municipal-run business license. Licenses are now renewed in conjunction with the state business license, as opposed to Feb. 1 of each year.

The sole "nay" vote came from Doug Harple, who previously voted against the city budget based on the likelihood of rate increases.

"I think you know from the budget discussion last year that I'm opposed to increasing utilities expense on (Buckley citizens) when times are hard," he said.

The changes brought on by the amendment were effective immediately after the vote.

Contact Enumclaw Courier Herald Reporter Daniel Nash at dnash@courierherald.com or 360-802-8010.

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