City of Augustine issued the following announcement on September 29.
Enhanced services will increase monthly collection fee for short term rentals to $60.53
In the interest of public health, safety and customer service, the City of St. Augustine Solid Waste Division is offering short term rental properties in City limits a larger, 96-gallon trash bin, as well as an opportunity to call in for a second weekly pickup. These additional services will increase the solid waste collection fee for short term rentals to $60.53 per month.
City staff will be evaluating all short term rentals to determine if they are already paying a different rate based on the type of rental. For example, condominiums already pay for a commercial dumpster service, so this increased fee would not apply, nor would the extra pickup. Any owner of a short term rental who feels their property can comply with the existing collection service may contact Todd Grant Utilities Director, at 904.315.8499 or via email by November 15, 2021 to request an exception. Compliance would be monitored for that location prior to increasing the collection fee.
“Our research shows that many of the short term rentals create more trash than other residential customers,” said Todd Grant, P.G., Utilities Director. “Depending on the rental’s schedule, this trash can sit out for days in advance of their normally scheduled pickup day, which is a public sanitation issue. It’s also unsightly, which has led to the solid waste department receiving numerous complaints.”
There are approximately 411 vacation rentals in City limits, some rentals with multiple units and bins. This fee increase will potentially lead to an annual revenue increase of $212,000, which will pay for the purchase of larger bins, operation and disposal costs for the extra pickup.
“We want to provide the best service for all of our customers, and this is the way we will be able to do so,” said Todd Grant. “All while keeping the interest of public health and safety, customer service, as well as the beautification of our City, in mind.”
This was decided in a Special Solid Waste Commission Workshop meeting on September 27, 2021, where Todd Grant gave a special presentation. To view the presentation, visit HERECity of St. Augustine to offer short term rentals larger solid waste bins and additional weekly pick.
For more information, contact Todd Grant, P.G., Utilities Director, at 904.315.8499 or via email. Media inquiries may be directed to Melissa Wissel, Communications Director, at 904.293.3307 or via email.
Original source can be found here.
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