Proposed sanitation spikes on city agenda

Claremont residents may soon see a hike in sanitation fees. The Claremont City Council Tuesday night will discuss raising the fees because of a 2 percent spike in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

In October 2008, the council approved raising sanitation fees in accordance with CPI on July 1 every year, if approved by the community and human services commission as well as the council. This year is no exception. The commission found that “the revenue generated by the CPI is necessary to provide the cost for ongoing operation and maintenance, labor and insurance, equipment and capital, facilities and debt.” The public is invited to comment on the subject prior to a council vote at this Tuesday’s city council meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. at the City Council Chamber, 225 W. Second St.

Following the sanitation hearing, the council will also take a vote on adopting the city’s 2012-2014 city budget. The council and the public reviewed the proposed budget at the last city council meeting with little negative feedback.

Total expenditures assumed for 2012-2013 are estimated at about $40.3 million. A bulk of that amount, about 85 percent, makes up operating costs with a small portion allotted for debt service and capital improvement. 2013-2014 expenditure assumptions are about $39.5 million, with ratios remaining essentially the same as the previous year. Though the budget shows a 1.2 million deficit in 2012-2013, the city expects to end with a surplus of about 463,000 in fiscal year 2013-2014.

Discussing alternative pedestrian pathways to the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park and the city’s policy on co-sponsoring community events are also up for discussion.

Prior to its regular meeting, council members will meet in closed session Tuesday, June 26, at 4 p.m.  to discuss details of a potential water acquisition, according to City Manager Tony Ramos. A report will be brought back to the public at the regular city council meeting at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to comment on the agenda item at 4 p.m. sharp before the council recesses into closed session. View the full agenda for both the closed and regular sessions of the Claremont City Council at www.ci.claremont.ca.us.