The Moab City Council this week approved a 6.25 percent increase in fees charged for solid waste collection by Bob’s Sanitation. The new rates will go into effect Oct. 1.

During a recent public hearing, Robert Hawks, president of Bob’s Sanitation, told the council that his costs have increased significantly over the last few years.

“Inflation has hit pretty hard,” Hawks said. He said the prices of fuel and tires have gone up, and while the landfill fees haven’t gone up, the amount that he’s taking to the landfill has increased.

“It’s just almost impossible to make a living,” he said.

To receive the rate adjustment, Hawks was required to submit financial information to the council proving the necessity for the increase. “This financial information indicates the contractor’s costs have increased by at least six percent since the last rate increase,” a memo prepared by Moab city staff said.

In a letter to the council, Hawks said this increase was the first one his company has requested in seven years. It amounts to an extra $12 per year on residential services. Rates will increase by the same percentage on commercial services as well, Hawks said.

“It’s a small increase,” city council member Gregg Stucki said during the Tuesday, Sept. 10 meeting. “We’re always concerned when things are increasing, but having seen some of the costs that Bob’s Sanitation is dealing with – healthcare, tires, other things have increased very dramatically. I think this is very reasonable.”

Hawks said he is grateful to the council, as well as all the people who have supported Bob’s Sanitation throughout the years.

“It’s going to hurt some people, but hopefully everything will work out,” he said.

Hawks said customers in the county will see a similar increase.

“[The rates will change] everywhere I serve,” he said. “I treat the county the same as I treat the city.”