Garbage fees could go up 20 percent in unincorporated Brevard

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Solid waste collection fees could soon go up for people in unincorporated Brevard County.

Leaders want a 20 percent hike in garbage and recycling fees, meaning people would pay roughly $25 more a year.

People Eyewitness News spoke with in Mims weren't mad at all.

Tom Jamison just got a letter in the mail that said he'll likely have to dish out more money to get rid of the trash.

"Other people might not agree, but I think it would be a good idea," Jamison said.

That would mean Jamison and other homeowners in unincorporated parts of Brevard County would have to pay $151 a year versus the now $125 a year.

"Well that's not really much for a service, I don't think," Jamison said.

Others are fearful the fee could rise in the future.

"It's kind of like taxes. You know, once they tax something they never take it back. And they start at one fee and it increases," Mims resident Karen Banichar said.

County officials stress even if the change goes into effect, Brevard residents will have some of the lowest fees in the state. Only the city of Melbourne is cheaper.

If approved, the county would hire Waste Management of Florida to use automated trucks to pick up garbage instead of the manual way it's done now.

There's a public hearing with commissioners on the proposed increase next month.

If it happens, it'd go into effect at the end of the year.

WFTV