Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Friday dispatched a group of aldermen to express support for a first-ever garbage hauling fee on single-family homes, duplexes and four-flats as he lays the groundwork for his 2016 budget address Tuesday.
Minutes after meeting with Emanuel aides, the aldermen held a City Hall news conference to say they back a monthly hauling fee, provided it did not top $11. The aldermen also said they were considering a lower trash fee for senior citizens.
“We are here today to propose a fee that none of us really like, but we think is necessary, and that is a garbage fee,” said Ald. Roderick Sawyer, 6th, chairman of the Black Caucus and a member of the Progressive Reform Caucus. “This idea has been going around for many, many years. It’s gained some traction because the city’s in a tremendous financial deficit and no one wants to come with serious solutions to try to plug this hole.” read more……