MONMOUTH — The solid waste task force for Monmouth and Independence will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Senior Center, 180 S. Warren St., to fine tune the next service contract with Brandt's Sanitary Service.

At its previous meeting, the task force tentatively surmised that subscription services including roll carts for garbage and recyclables would be the likely path of preference for area residents. An option of a wheeled yard-debris cart, they figured, would be less likely. A subsequent survey indicated a stronger than expected interest in the yard debris option.

The task force now will dissect the survey findings and seek the most mutually agreeable option.

The 10-member task force consists of city council and staff from both cities along with at-large citizens.

Monmouth City Manager Scott McClure noted that the committee immersed itself with the issue for months and hopes that with the added information from the surveys, conducted through utility bills and online last summer, a mutually agreeable decision will unfold.

The city had been operating without a contract for several years, though Brandt's has served the area for decades. The service agreement also will necessitate an capital investment for Brandt's especially with retooling or purchasing trucks equipped to handle the wheeled waste containers.

In other Monmouth news:

-The city is seeking information from residents regarding increased deposits on utility bills. Current deposits for water, sewer and electric combined amount to $155. The city is considering a rough increase to around $200.

The impetus for an increase is a short-term attempt to offset losses incurred by landlords or rental property owners whose tenants move without paying their final bill. The city bills landlords.

If the city absorbed the cost, it would ultimately be passed onto all Monmouth Power and Light customers.

McClure said the city currently is querying residents about increased deposits and other alternatives, and will accept input on the issue through Nov. 15.

The issue arose last summer when a group of rental property owners approached the city council to complain about the policy and seek an avenue to decrease their liability. The city is legally entitled to seek a lien on properties with excessively outstanding unpaid bills.

-The city is temporarily foregoing earlier ideas of increasing building permit fees given current economic conditions. Initial proposed increases were considered as possible methods to offset slumping Building Department operational revenues. Members of the building community approached Monmouth City Council with concerns, and the council subsequently directed city staff to consider a revised fee increase package.

-City Hall recently received a new paint job and stucco work, assuming a taupe color with dark-green and cream trim.

McClure said the recent fair fall weather helped to facilitate the project, especially the stucco repair work in the rear. Coming winter rains will reveal the ultimate success of the work, which in addition to cosmetics is aimed at stopping leaks.

jmuch@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6736

Learn more

Contact the city of Monmouth at (503) 838-0722 or go to www.ci.monmouth.or.us.