The Bullard City Council approved a rate increase and a change in the trash pick up day as requested by Gene Keenon of Allied Waste Services. (Banner Staff Photo by Don Treul) The Bullard City Council approved a rate hike for trash pick up during the regular city meeting Tuesday, March 16.

Gene Keenon of Allied Waste Services requested a rate increase, the first such hike in several years. According to Keenon, Bullard will continue to have one of the lowest rates for trash pickup in the area.

According to the contract with the city, Allied Waste services may request rate increases, for example, to cover increasing fuel costs, etc.

Keenon also said Allied Waste Services customers will be notified that the service day will change from Wednesdays to Fridays. Allied Waste Services will pass out leaflets to warn customers of the change during the week of April 5- 10.

City Manager Larry Morgan estimated that the rate increase is about $1.50 per month for residential customers, so a resident who now pays $11.22 per month will pay $12.72 per month when new rates become effective May 1, he said.

Additionally, commercial customers will be charged $22.86 per month per business.

According to the ordinance, trash pick up will be once weekly, and the limit will be 10 to 35 pound bags per pick up.

According to figures provided by Allied Waste Management, the average trash pick up rate in Texas is $15 for residential customers. In comparison, area rates include: Jacksonville, $14; Nacogdoches, $22.78; Tyler, $14.75; Longview, $14.95; Brownsboro, $13.50; Lindale, $12.90; Palestine, $12.98; and Troup, $13. The rates include a recycling program in Longview, Tyler and Nacogdoches.

In other business, Morgan said cameras have been installed to monitor the city park. Vandals recently targeted the park and council members approved the installation. Morgan also said the city is considering shading specific playground and picnic equipment, as well as replacing the material used around playground equipment.