Pasadena City Council to Tackle Refuse Rate Hike, Issuing $125 Million in

The Pasadena City Council has a full agenda for its upcoming meeting on Monday, May 13, including voting on increases to refuse rates.

The Council will pick up where it left off on refuse rate hikes after continuing the public hearing from the previous week’s meeting on May 6. Residents and businesses have expressed concerns over the potential financial impacts of higher rates for trash and recycling services.

Monday’s regular meeting will also include reports and potential actions on a number of significant items, including the issuance of electric revenue bonds, awarding of police towing franchises, and proposed refuse collection rate adjustments.

One key item on the agenda is the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of up to $125 million in electric revenue and refunding bonds. If approved, the bonds would be payable out of the City’s Light and Power Fund.

The Council will also conduct a public hearing and consider awarding non-exclusive police towing franchises to four companies: A-Car Auto Repair Services, Henry’s Towing and Recovery, M&M Action Towing, and Dickson Motor Services. The City Manager would be authorized to execute one-year franchise agreements with these entities, with options for up to four additional one-year renewals.

Another public hearing will focus on proposed refuse collection rate adjustments for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. The Council will consider approving the recommended rate adjustments or providing alternate direction, and adopting a resolution amending the General Fee Schedule accordingly.

Additionally, the Council will receive an information item regarding a proposal from the Community Police Oversight Commission and Independent Police Auditor to amend the City Charter. The proposed amendment would allow the Independent Police Auditor to have input in sworn police officer personnel matters.

Other items on the agenda include authorizing a contract for electric cost-of-service analysis and rate design services, approving legislative platforms for 2024, and amending Recreation and Parks Commission rules to allow the chair and vice chair to serve three consecutive terms.

The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Pasadena City Hall. Public comment will be available on consent items, public hearing items, and other agenda items.

The full agenda may be seen by clicking here.