The Atherton Town Council has a stinky issue before it at this Wednesday's meeting.

They owe the previous waste collection vendor approximately $337,000. That amount is the difference between what the residents paid to Allied Waste and the actual cost of the service. Where will the Town get the money?

Then there's the amount owed to the more expensive collection vendor, Recology. The current fees will create a deficit of $686,000 if they are not increased. Moreover, Recology's rates will increase next year adding another $190,000 to the amount owed.

Bottom line, Atherton residents are about to pay through the nose for trash collection.

From the presentation:

Recology and SBWMA forecast that our current rate card will result in a under run due, primarily to disposal cost increases and our late rate increase initiation

– At current rates, collection totals ~$2.44M

– Projected shortfall from 2011-$686K (incl Franchise fee)

– Forecast 2012 cost increases-$190

SBWMA and Board reviewed final bills (Allied Waste)

– Final assessment to Atherton $337K

Cart Size --> OLD RATE --> JUL 11 RATE --> PROPOSED RATE

20 Gal cart suite --> $17.32 --> $20 --> $30

32 Gal cart suite --> $27.69 --> $44 --> $65

64 Gal cart suite --> $55.38 --> $83 --> $125

96 Gal cart suite --> $82.18 -->$125 --> $185

Green Cart fee for carts 3+ --> $0 --> $6 --> $10

Green Cart fee for carts 5+ --> $0 --> $6 --> $15