WFCN –
In a measure approved by the county commissioners last week, the cost of twice-weekly trash pickup for over 350,000 households would rise by 27%.
All residences within and outside of the nine municipalities that have trash service contracts with Miami-Dade would be subject to the $150 increase to the existing $547 annual county waste cost. Also included in the charge is recycling, which is picked up twice a month.
It is still possible that the fees will remain unchanged, even though the legislation to increase them was approved by the county commissioners by a vote of 8 to 4. It is up to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to decide whether or not to veto the bill by Friday.
Continuing a trend of deficit spending at the underfunded agency, the Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management projected that, in 2025, without the higher cost, collection services would require a borrowing of almost $39 million. The commission decided to raise prices in order to cover the costs of the county’s garbage vehicles, even though Levine Cava had suggested a flat rate in her budget for 2025.
“Let’s just pay for what we’re doing right now,” remarked Oliver Gilbert, the chair of the commission and the supporter of the fee legislation, during the meeting on July 16.
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Roberto Gonzalez, Keon Hardemon, Raquel Regalado, and Levine Cava are all up for reelection on August 20th, and the decision to increase fees was made just weeks before their respective elections. Raising garbage fees is being compared to a tax increase by Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid, who is running against Levine Cava.
The 2025 budget plan by Levine Cava maintains the status quo regarding Miami-Dade’s waste fees and tax rates.
Gonzalez, Regalado, René Garcia, and Anthony Rodriguez were the commissioners who voted against the increased fees. Kevin Cabrera, the commissioner, was absent from the meeting.
Levine Cava’s spokeswoman last week would to confirm or deny rumors that the mayor was contemplating vetoing the garbage charge ordinance.
“The Mayor is excited about the opportunity to meet with her leadership team… as we strive to ensure fiscal accountability and future-ready service for Miami-Dade residents,” stated Natalia Jaramillo, communications director for Levine Cava.
If all thirteen commissioners show up for the next meeting, nine of them might still override the mayor’s veto of the fee increase. Even though the next regularly planned commission meeting isn’t until September 4, there is a meeting on August 1st that can be called in case of an unforeseen matter or veto override vote.