Council voted 4-3 to add curbside recycling to the 2009 budget starting in June. The service would cost an extra $4.60 monthly charge per household.
The move would see the average monthly utility bill rise to $86, up from the $81 originally proposed for 2009. Last year, utilities were $74 per household.
Not a done deal
Council is not expected to make a final call on curbside recycling until the new year. That's when they'll receive a list of recommendations for solid waste services. The $4.60 monthly charge is an estimate from a consultant's preliminary findings.
In theory, council could turn down curbside recycling if members found something unfavourable in the final report. If that happens the $81 per month rate would remain.
If council gives the report the thumbs up, administration would begin a public search for a third-party contractor. Service would start June 1.
Recognizing decisions still need to be made, Mayor Nolan Crouse said council should make room in the budget now. Curbside recycling, he reminded, was a hot-button issue during last year's civic election.
"If we do this, we will be addressing one of the biggest concerns our residents have, and one of the biggest opportunities that's ahead of us with the environment."
The vote was close, with Coun. James Burrows leading the charge in favour of the status quo. St. Albert's existing recycling depot, he said, is well-used by citizens. He also disagreed about the public demand for curbside recycling, claiming it's not coming up in conversations at local coffee shops or banks.
"This is not warranted," he said.
How they voted
In favour: Nolan Crouse, Len Bracko, Roger Lemieux, Lorie Garritty
Against: James Burrows, Carol Watamaniuk, Gareth Jones
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