Scottdale residents won't see an increase in their garbage bill -- for now.
Council on Monday denied a request by its refuse collector, Waste Management, to add a 32 cents fuel charge per month.
The company said it requested the increase because of the rising cost of fuel.
"In researching it and reviewing the contract we have with them, there's nothing I can find that says we're authorized to award this request," said Randy Klimchock, borough solicitor. "It's solely within council's discretion. They can't raise the surcharge any more than the 32 cents without once again coming to council for their authorization."
Councilman Bryce King asked if the surcharge would remain active forever or if it were temporary.
Klimchock said the letter from Waste Management stated that it would be a month-to-month surcharge that would be eliminated if "prices return to historic levels."
Councilman Andy Pinsky said his first reaction was to deny the request. But he questioned if granting the company the request for a small increase might give the borough some pull when it was time for a new contract to be negotiated.
Council President Tom Ermine said that the last time the borough's garbage contract was up, three different companies presented bids.
"There's still competition out there," he said.
In other business, council accepted the bid of $29,120 from Graft Chrysler, of Scottdale, for a Dodge Charger police car. The bid does not include an extended warranty.
Bids submitted for a new street department truck also were opened, with Davies Ford submitting the low bids of $52,132 for a Ford 450 series and $53,542 for a Ford 550 series.
