While aldermen ponder water and sewer rate increases, a proposed$4 a month hike in garbage fees has also been offered for theirconsideration.

A recommendation presented during a Thursday night work sessionwould see the fee go from $12 a month to $16 a month beginning inOctober. The increase would allow the city to maintain its currenttwice-weekly collections for another year plus pick up larger itemsthat have previously been handled on a fee basis.

“You can’t do it at the current price you’re doing it,”financial consultant Demery Grubbs told officials about pick up ofthe larger items.

Tires, building materials and trees greater than 10 inches indiameter would not be picked up under the new plan.

For large items, like sofas or mattresses, homeowners are askedto pay $5 per item before they are picked up. It was not knownThursday night how much money the city collects for that service,but officials indicated the program has been largelyunsuccessful.

“It’s not much because most folks leave it out front and don’tpay it,” said Steve Moreton, director of public works.

According to budget information, the city’s solid wasteoperation lost $19,067 last year. Mayor Bob Massengill estimatedthe operation would lose $75,000-$80,000 this year.

Mentioning McComb’s $14.50 and Oxford’s $16 a month fees, Grubbssaid the proposed increase would put Brookhaven in line with citiesof similar size. Like water and sewer rates, Grubbs said solidwaste is another area where customers don’t like increases.

“This is another area, typically, where people get spoiled interms of what we do and the services we provide,” Grubbs said.

Included in Grubbs’ recommendation last night was explorationand consultation with citizens about possibly going to once a weekgarbage pick up in 2006-07. He said the city’s waste disposalcontract expires next year, which would be a good time to revisitpick up needs.

Like the water and sewer department, the solid waste departmenthas aging equipment. Moreton mentioned a 14-year-old dozer at thelandfill.

“These things don’t get better with age,” Massengill added.

For years, Ward Two Alderman Terry Bates has been a proponent ofraising the solid waste fees and collecting most items put out forcollections. He embraced the proposal, saying the fees should beraised to keep the city from going in the financial hole.

“If we’re afraid to do it, we’re not going to be good leaders,”Bates said.

If the garbage fee is raised, Massengill said the city must makeevery effort to operate as efficiently as possible. He said no onewants to raise the fees, but the city has to cover its costs ofoperation.

“None of us it trying to make a profit off the citizens ofBrookhaven,” Massengill said.