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After receiving a request from Bud’s Sanitary Service to increase trash pickup rates, due to an increase in costs, Ewing and Clearwater village trustees took different routes on the requested $1.25 per customer hike.

Daryl Guthard, owner of the Newman Grove-based business, met Monday evening with each board during its respective monthly meeting.

Guthard told trustees in both villages, “Fuel is up. Tires are up 30%. I know we just signed this contract. I’ve been trying to hold it (costs) for as long as I could.”

According to the business owner, fuel was $3.47 per gallon when Ewing’s contract was signed, a price that was sustainable.

Now, fuel prices have soared above $4.45 per gallon.

“We could absorb it, but everything we’re buying is going up. We haven’t increased our rate since 2011,” Guthard said. “I’ve never asked for a raise before, it puts a guy in an uncomfortable spot.”

Guthard cited an 23% increase for parts and soaring labor rates as additional reasons for the requested increase.

Ewing renewed its contract in November 2021, effective for five years, according to village clerk, Sharon Swails.

With the $1.25 increase, customers will pay $14.50 per month.

A motion by Dustin Wright,to approve the rate increase, seconded by Dustin Jorgensen, passed 4-0. Trustee Bill Graber was absent.

Clearwater trustees tabled the proposed rate hike until its April meeting.

The village renewed its contract with the sanitation company in October 2021, effective January 2022 through the end of 2024.

Fees paid monthly currently total $17 for residential pickup and $21 for businesses. The increase would bump prices to $18.25 and $22.25, respectively.

Per Clearwater’s contract, residents may have up to three 45-gallon recepticles, and three separate bags, per pickup.

Discussion regarding if the $1.25 increase was sufficient ensued.

Trustee Steve Stearns said, “I don’t think we should go more than he suggested.”

Trustee Kelly Kerkman asked if a $2 increase might cover future requestss, if the sanitation company encurs more expenses.

From the audience, Bill Thiele questioned raising the price.

“If Bud’s costs go down, will he lower the price? It seems odd we have a contract and then we raise the limit,” he said.

The board went into executive session with village attorney Kyle Petersen to discuss a rate change for trash service, as well as nuisance violations.

No action was taken after exiting executive session.

On Tuesday, chairman Steve Hankla said Petersen will present a new contract for trash collection at the April meeting.