On Tuesday evening, the Harriman City Council passed a resolution increasing the monthly garbage collection fee for residents to $18. The decision followed extensive discussion and dissatisfaction with Waste Connections, the city’s garbage collection contractor.

The city has been losing approximately $1 per resident annually under the current contract, necessitating the fee hike to cover costs. The council explored alternative contractors but found no other company with the necessary equipment and manpower for large-scale municipal pickups.

The new fee will take effect with August billing.

Additionally, the council approved the purchase of a new street sweeper, previously reviewed two weeks ago, and a John Deere tractor with a bush hog, with a combined cost of just under $390,000, as allocated in this year’s budget. They also authorized the purchase of two new tall lights for the splash pad area at a cost of just under $13,000 and appointed Mayor Wayne Best to the 911 board.