Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
As part of last week’s meeting, the Merrill Board of Public Works unanimously approved rate increases for city snow removal and lawn/weed mowing, in the event property owners fail to do so.
The approval calls for an increase from $100 for the first hour to $300, or part thereof with an additional increase from $20 to $50 for every 15 minutes after the first hour, or portion thereof.
“We want this to be a deterrent for us being a lawn care and snow removal service,” added Public Works Director/City Engineer Rod Akey.
“We definitely have to make contact,” said 2nd District alderman Pete Lokemoen during discussion. “This is getting to be a big number and we will have all sorts of problems if people aren’t contacted.”
Following further discussion, Akey, Street Superintendent Dustin Bonack and committee members agreed every effort would be made to give notice of the increase to city residents including local media, on the city website as well as notice being included with water and tax bills. The recommendation will now proceed for common council approval at the Sept. 13 meeting.