EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — For the first time in more than 13 years, the City of East Ridge is increasing its sanitation fees to help cover rising service costs.
The updated rates will go into effect on July 1, 2025.
City leaders approved the change after a detailed review of the Solid Waste Management Fund, which faces a projected $250,000 shortfall in the upcoming fiscal year.
The fund is supported almost entirely by sanitation assessment fees.
Starting in July, both residential and commercial customers will see a $2 monthly increase in their sanitation fees.
The new annual rates are:
- Residential: $204 per year (up from $180)
- Commercial: $264 per year (up from $240)
According to the city of East Ridge, the fee for additional carts will stay the same.
Officials say rising expenses across several categories have made the increase necessary, these include:
- A rise in landfill tipping fees from $33 to $43.75 per ton, equating to an additional $103,200 annually based on current disposal volumes.
- Increased costs for salaries and fringe benefits (+$43,155)
- Additional appropriations for vehicle maintenance and repairs (+$37,500)
- Acquisition of a replacement refuse collection truck, with a first-year payment of $57,204 on a fiveyear capital note
The City Council approved the first reading of the ordinance on June 12 and finalized it after a public hearing on June 26.
For more information, residents can contact East Ridge City Hall at 423-867-7711 or visit www.eastridgetn.gov.
