Toledo City Council's arduous debate over the city's monthly refuse fee dragged on yesterday with no resolution in sight.
A somewhat hostile crowd of about 30 people - some of whom shouted
catcalls - attended council's committee-of-the-whole meeting and more
than a dozen people testified about their displeasure over the $5.50
monthly garbage fee and an alternative to charge even more.
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Bob Sturek, of Larchwood Lane in South Toledo, said the need for a
trash fee should be offset by last week's announcement that the city
would use more than $1.1 million from an "uncashed-check fund" and 50
percent of a $982,000 surplus from 2007 to help balance the 2008 budget.
"There is no transparency," Mr. Sturek charged. "We don't have confidence."
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Mayor Finkbeiner yesterday said the current fee is the best option.
"Until someone presents me with a better alternative, taking everything
into consideration, I remain of the opinion … that you are wise to stay
with that which is working," Mr. Finkbeiner said."
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