Sanitation Fee To Appear On Water Bill For Dandridge Residents

Residents in the Town of Dandridge received notice last week of a Sanitation Fee that will soon be a part of their water bill. The eight dollar increase will be on the August water bill and will be for July’s service. Recently, the Dandridge Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to instigate the fee to assist in offsetting the costs of the Town’s Sanitation Department and help in balancing a difficult budget year. Residents that receive Sanitation services but get their water from other sources will be billed separately for the eight dollar monthly fee.

Dandridge Town Administrator Bryan McCarter gave the following statement on Friday

“Dandridge residents will see an $8.00 per month Sanitation Fee added to their water bills beginning in August.  This fee help to offset the increasing costs of our sanitation service.  This offset in funds will be used to establish a capital improvement fund where funds will go toward future capital improvements such as a new garbage truck, paving of Town streets, and other deferred purchases.  Also, the Town is expanding our recycling service to allow residents to use their own bins.  And finally, we are publicizing a door-side service for residents with disabilities who are unable to take their bins to the curb.  We hope these changes will ensure a quality service that our residents have come to expect from the Town.”

The decision to instigate the Sanitation Fee came after much debate among the Town’s officials. By expanding the services provided by the Sanitation Department, the Town of Dandridge is working under the assumption that the majority of their residents will be comfortable will the addition of the relatively small monthly fee.