DUANE SHERRILL Editor

The price of trash is going up as Tullahoma’s trash service has increased its rates, meaning the city will have to absorb the cost.

Public Works Director Eric Pierce revealed the city’s trash service provider, ISWA, had not increased their rate in 12 years, but it has now raised its fees by $3.48.

Pierce said there are benefits to being part of the ISWA, as Tullahoma produced 12,500 tons of trash last year. The ISWA is made up of eight cities and counties, which have over 100,000 tons of trash combined. The city has a 20-year contract with the service that hauls the trash to Alabama. The ISWA owns two transfer stations, located in Estill Spring and Fayetteville.

“This gives the city of Tullahoma a preferred rate,” Pierce told the board. “We will not get anyone else getting a better rate for our trash.”

Given the timing of the increase, which came after the city budget was set, Pierce said the city will not be able to recoup the increase from residential subscribers. City Administrator Jeff Damron said that figures out to a 14% increase that the city will have to absorb this year. Rates will go up from $5.89 to $6.83 per commercial yard. The city will use the general fund to make up the shortfall this year.

The city passed the item unanimously on the first of three readings.