The Munster Town Council has picked up a fourth-year option on its current sanitation service contract that will require residents to pay a slightly higher rate.
Munster homeowners currently pay $14.39 a month for trash pickup provided by Waste Management. Beginning May 1, the rate will rise to $14.85 per household, an annual increase of $5.52.
Residents had been paying $13.50 in year one of the contract and $13.93 in the second. A fifth-year option is available to the town at a rate of $15.34 per month under the current contract. However, town officials indicated at the town council meeting March 7 that, as a matter of fiscal responsibility, it may be time to review the contract next year, and have directed staff to engage in the necessary research.
That’s not to say Waste Management hasn’t been doing a good job, officials said. On the contrary, Town Manager Dustin Anderson, said there has been very few complaints and are no customer service concerns.
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In other action, the council passed an updated flood plain ordinance filed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The affected boundaries have changed slightly but the total area Munster covers under the ordinance is essentially the same, according to engineering consultant Craig Hendrix.
Those residences identified as being in the flood plain are eligible to purchase flood insurance from the federal government. Residences in the flood plain have certain restrictions with respect to constructing, renovating or making substantial improvements to a structure on their property.
Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.