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MURFREESBORO – There will be an increase in garbage pickup rates for residents and commercial businesses in Murfreesboro beginning on July 1. It will be the town’s first rate increase for this service since 2015.

Murfreesboro’s Town Council approved the new rates at their regular meeting here on May 11.

While presenting the proposal to the council, Town Administrator Carolyn Brown explained that the town’s garbage pickup contract is with Republic Services. The company has increased their rates every year, but the town has not.

“We’re barely paying for their services,” Brown said.

Public Works Director James Brown also reiterated that same point, adding that the proposed increase would help get the finances for that line item in better shape.

“The biggest increase is going to be for commercial pickups,” Carolyn Brown stated. “This would be effective July 1 if you [Town Council] agree to it.”

For residential customers with one trashcan, the rate will increase from $19 per month to $21.

The rest of the proposed new rates are as follows:

Residential two trashcans: $42 (an increase of $4)

Residential three trashcans: $63 (an increase of $6)

Residential four trashcans: $84 (an increase of $8)

Residential five trashcans: $105 (an increase of $10)

Commercial one trashcan: $40 (an increase of $4)

Commercial two trashcans: $76 (an increase of $8)

Commercial three trashcans: $120 (an increase of $12)

Additionally, rates will also increase for commercial dumpsters.

Council member David Brown motioned to approve the new rates, and council member Jay Revelle seconded. The vote was unanimously in favor.