EAST LIVERPOOL — East Liverpool council members Monday approved a rate increase for refuse collection.

Council approved the increase 6-1, with John Mercer voting no. Council called the special meeting to vote on several pieces of legislation that could not be voted on at the Sept. 2 meeting due to a lack of quorum.

According to the ordinance, the city has not had a refuse rate increase since Sept. 19, 2016.

The approved ordinance states that “every tenant, lessee, owner or occupant of a dwelling unit, as head of household, shall pay an annual fee of $318 for refuse collection by the city, payable in monthly installments of $26.50.”

Prior to the passing of the ordinance, rates were $22.90 per month for an annual total of $274.80.

The new rate is an annual increase of $43.20.

Safety Service Director Bill Jones says the rate increase is likely to go into effect Nov. 1.

“We understand rate increases aren’t popular, it was definitely a last resort for us to look at this option. Our aim is to be good stewards of our citizens’ monies,” Jones said. “All of our costs have increased since the last rate increase in 2016.”

He noted that it is costing the city more money to keep repairing equipment and paying overtime to finish the routes due to equipment malfunctions. He also noted that the employees’ safety was at risk with the current unreliable vehicles.

“We are the only community to provide claw truck service,” Jones said. “This service is a wonderful addition to help provide a clean and better environment for our community.”

Council members also approved legislation authorizing the auditor to pay certain vendors and amending the budget ordinance by adjusting appropriations.

Both ordinances were approved with an all-in-favor vote.

All three approved ordinances were adopted on the second reading and passed by emergency measure.

The East Liverpool City Council meets the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in council chambers at East Liverpool City Hall. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 6.