With new Woodstock garbage contract, seniors will get discount, but others will pay more

Amid resistance to Woodstock’s shift away from bags and stickers to required garbage totes, the city has agreed to a deeper trash removal discount for seniors, but it means others will pay a bit more each month.

Seniors will pay $10.50 per month under the new 10-year garbage contract extension that the City Council approved Tuesday night with existing provider MDC Environmental Services. The vote was 6-1, with council member Melissa McMahon casting the sole “no” vote, City Manager Roscoe Stelford said Wednesday.

After a months-long rollout, the City Council had taken up the new contract last month but delayed the vote until Tuesday, which happened to be election night. In October, the council indicated interest in exploring decreases in the senior rate.

City officials gave the council two proposals to review. In the first proposal, which was on the table Oct. 15, the rate per month for non-seniors was $23.50 and seniors was $15.50.

In the alternative proposal officials presented to the council Tuesday, the senior rate is $10.50 and the non-senior rate is $25.17 per month. Senior households are defined as those with at least one member who is 65 or older.

Stelford said the council debated the garbage contract Tuesday but ultimately went with the alternative option. For those who already have switched to the totes, the rate actually will go down.

Woodstock residents will see an increase in sticker price in the new year, when it will go from the current $3.38 to $5. Starting July 1, tote service will be required for all residents. Residents have two tote sizes for garbage, 35 gallons and 95 gallons.

City officials also are working on a financial assistance program to help residents who can’t afford increased costs under the changes. While city staff plans to bring a proposal to the council in the spring for review, officials are considering using the same standards that determine eligibility for SNAP, the federal food assistance program.

The city also is considering using revenue from its 10-cent tax on single-use bags to fund the garbage subsidy, according to city documents.