SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The Lee County Environmental Services Department has come up with a clarification on the recent $55 trash bill, which was sent to residents just ahead of Christmas.

It must be noted that the County had put an end to dumpster sites, by switching over to the new system of curbside cart for residents. Also, Arrow Disposal Services was awarded the contract for curbside recycling pickup. At that time, the County authorities had stated that the fee for trash collection will be included along with property tax bill. But instead of that, the residents were mailed a trash bill of $55, which had raised protests among residents.

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The annual fee for garbage service is $222, which will be split into four bills of $55.50 each, one bill in each quarter.

The official statement by the County noted that the residents who bill for higher amount assumed that it was due to inclusion of garbage fee. However, the property tax bill sent out by the revenue commissioner had not included garbage fee, as the commissioner pointed out that third party garbage collection fee could be considered as a tax and hence cannot be added to tax bill.

The residents called for improved communication with them by the County, so that changes are clearly communicated to them well in advance.