WM Garbage bill unconstitutional

[thekeithfan]

I think that a government requirement that you must buy a service (garbage pick up) from a particular provider (WM) is unconstitutional. Many residents of the Villages are here only 3 months yet they are required to pay for 12 months of garbage removal. Not surprised the MOB was able to pull this lucrative contract off but I'm shocked that it continues!

[pooh]

Not sure why this seems unusual to you....we had to pay for trash pickup whether we used it or not in southern CA. It might be the same for many municipalities.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

It's pretty much the same way our refuse pickup works here where we live in OH. Most all of the townships in the area have set up sole-source contracts for collection - residents are only allowed to use that single company. But once some people got over the initial "you're infringing on my right to choose" reaction, they quickly realized the contracted pricing was MUCH better than what they could get on their own.

I don't believe we've got the option to suspend pick up for any period of time, either.

"Unconstitutional"? :icon_wink:

Bill :)

[The Shadow]

Garbage removal good point, what about,

Amenity fees,

Property tax,

Water

Homeowners

What about the house that is occupied for 9 months are charges suspended for 3 months? It you want to dance you got to pay the band.

[JohnN]

I've paid trash bills for 12 months wherever I lived, if I was there or not.
Where do you think it's different?
I don't know of anywhere that charges you pro-rata.

So, I don't see your point except to vent about trash fees??
I'd suggest renting to those who don't want the obligation.

[hotrodgirl]

Same here in the Chicago area. I spent 3 months last year in Florida, and paid for garbage in both places for the entire year. The cost for Florida is included in our Homeowner's fees, but we are lieble for paying that all 12 months. Here in the Chicago area where I live in the burbs, it's the same. We pay for the entire year. I have not heard of any municipality where this might differ, but good if you could find one! Perhaps if you owned a time share?

[graciegirl]

Same in West Chester, Ohio. The garbage people have a great racket. Trouble is most of us need them, want them, use them, and we are willing to get married to them.

Why you startin' stuff, OP? ;) It's a beautiful day in The Villages. No trash anywhere to be seen.

[ajbrown]

Same here in the Chicago area. I spent 3 months last year in Florida, and paid for garbage in both places for the entire year. The cost for Florida is included in our Homeowner's fees, but we are lieble for paying that all 12 months. Here in the Chicago area where I live in the burbs, it's the same. We pay for the entire year. I have not heard of any municipality where this might differ, but good if you could find one! Perhaps if you owned a time share?

In MA we have WM. We suspend service for the 8-9 months we are in TV. Trash pickup is not covered by our taxes in the town I live, which is likely the reason that is possible.

[Augie]

I think that a government requirement that you must buy a service (garbage pick up) from a particular provider (WM) is unconstitutional. Many residents of the Villages are here only 3 months yet they are required to pay for 12 months of garbage removal. Not surprised the MOB was able to pull this lucrative contract off but I'm shocked that it continues!

Did you know that was the case before you bought in The Villages? What's your gripe? Refuse pickup three times a week (two times trash, recycle, organic) at $17.90 a month. What a deal! Everybody pays and the price stays low.

[asianthree]

In the burbs we can chose what company to use and when to use it. Price is about the same you just pick which company picks up on the day you want. Problem is our sub has trucks come four days a week because we all use a different company. So good and bad no matter where you are

[RichieB]

Did you know that was the case before you bought in The Villages? What's your gripe? Refuse pickup three times a week (two times trash, recycle, organic) at $17.90 a month. What a deal! Everybody pays and the price stays low.

That *IS* a good price. We're paying $32.50 a month plus tax and a fuel surcharge, which brings it to $71.57 every two months for twice a week pickup. That's including a 10% senior discount.

We are in a northern suburb of the NYC metro area.

[Penguin]

I think that a government requirement that you must buy a service (garbage pick up) from a particular provider (WM) is unconstitutional. Many residents of the Villages are here only 3 months yet they are required to pay for 12 months of garbage removal. Not surprised the MOB was able to pull this lucrative contract off but I'm shocked that it continues!

Seems these days that when someone does'nt like the way something is being done, it always is targeted unconstitutional. :icon_bored:

[Golfer in Sanibel]

Which article of the Constitution are you referring to?:confused:

[keithwand]

Garbage removal good point, what about,

Amenity fees,

Property tax,

Water

Homeowners

What about the house that is occupied for 9 months are charges suspended for 3 months? It you want to dance you got to pay the band.

:thumbup:

[blueash]

I suspect the OP is making a political point, not really objecting to the trash collection charges. Let's see, what recent government action is being attacked as unconstitutional as it forces citizens to buy a product from a private company whether they want it or not?? The g'ment says we are need this product and to spread out the cost we all must have it whether we are low cost producers or high. See??

[zcaveman]

I suspect the OP is making a political point, not really objecting to the trash collection charges. Let's see, what recent government action is being attacked as unconstitutional as it forces citizens to buy a product from a private company whether they want it or not?? The g'ment says we are need this product and to spread out the cost we all must have it whether we are low cost producers or high. See??

No political point. I think the OP is just POed that he has to pay for 12 months of garbage pickup when he only lives here for 3 months a year. Hey - it is part of the fees. When he signed the contract it was explained to him. These are the fees - garbage, amenities, etc. Apparently he was not listening or did not read before he signed. Or he did not ask the right questions.

As for your response, I think YOU are trying to make a political point. I cannot think of any municipality I ever live in where I had a choice of utility services. There are only certain suppliers in any area for utilities.

[handyman]

That *IS* a good price. We're paying $32.50 a month plus tax and a fuel surcharge, which brings it to $71.57 every two months for twice a week pickup. That's including a 10% senior discount.

We are in a northern suburb of the NYC metro area.

Ouch !!!!

[RichieB]

Ouch !!!!

Ouch is right !

[bimmertl]

Moved here from Pasco County. Had a choice of 9 disposal firms there. So there are places with choices.

As pointed on the Pasco county site, a CDD or HOA may contract with a specific trash hauler if they so desire.

Pasco County, FL - Official Website - Garbage Pick-Up (http://www.pascocountyfl.net/index.aspx?nid=180)

[Bogie Shooter]

Moved here from Pasco County. Had a choice of 9 disposal firms there. So there are places with choices.

As pointed on the Pasco county site, a CDD or HOA may contract with a specific trash hauler if they so desire.

Pasco County, FL - Official Website - Garbage Pick-Up (http://www.pascocountyfl.net/index.aspx?nid=180)

There must be garbage trucks running up and down the streets every day of the week.

[The Villager II]

Keep the way it is. It is cheap and incredibly reliable.

[Augie]

There must be garbage trucks running up and down the streets every day of the week.

I would guess that there could be as much as 9 times the garbage truck traffic and I would assume that many of them are noisy and leak hydraulic fluid, or oil, or garbage juice all over the streets, but you would have a choice!

[Number 6]

If you think this agreement is unfair, you should not have signed it. It is a little late to complain now. As Baretta said, "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."

[hockyb]

In Vestal, NY we only pay for garbage that is picked up. We have two companies WM and Taylor Garbage.

[army one]

If I'm not mistaken, the trash service is done on a bid basis. All the trash companies in the area have a chance to bid on the service. The successful bidder then has the job for the area that was bid on for the length of the contract. The bid is very competitive and there are many advantages to only having one trash company. We all benefit because of the size of the area being bid on instead of being at the mercy of a lot of contractors with a different prices for everyone. If the op doesn't like the way it is done they shouldn't have signed before they read and understood. You can't please all the people all the time, so there are choices they could have made if they weren't in agreement with the way things are done. IMHO, I am pleased that we have a service that is dependable and that we don't have trash cans at the end of the driveway for days on end like other communities.

[Bavarian]

Here we take our trash to a transfer station, recyclables also, no extra charge as we pay for it in our Real Estate Taxes. People who want, find their own trash hauler and pay them.


I can see where someone can miss something when signing papers as they usually are not given until settlement and signing is rushed. So, have some consideration for the people who missed the fine print at settlement. When it is sign or lose your money.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Moved here from Pasco County. Had a choice of 9 disposal firms there. So there are places with choices.

As pointed on the Pasco county site, a CDD or HOA may contract with a specific trash hauler if they so desire.

Pasco County, FL - Official Website - Garbage Pick-Up (http://www.pascocountyfl.net/index.aspx?nid=180)

There must be garbage trucks running up and down the streets every day of the week.

To Bogie's point: That's one of the reasons why the township we're in here in OH went to a sole source provider. Additionally, more wear and tear on the roads with multiple providers, more truck traffic, and so on.

Bill :)

[graciegirl]

Here we take our trash to a transfer station, recyclables also, no extra charge as we pay for it in our Real Estate Taxes. People who want, find their own trash hauler and pay them.


I can see where someone can miss something when signing papers as they usually are not given until settlement and signing is rushed. So, have some consideration for the people who missed the fine print at settlement. When it is sign or lose your money.

We have ample opportunity to research before that moment. This forum is a good place to find out almost everything a prospective buyer needs to know before a legal committment is made.

You can ask the closing office to fax or mail copies of the closing papers if you want to look at them now. There are deed restrictions.

[rp001]

While living in Pa I found it just as confusing regarding all the gas providers,and garbage companies...I've lived in different Fl municipalities most of my life and it has always been only one choice and that was made by the governing body..I worked for a public electrical utility for 38 yrs and they even passed the "franchise fee" on to the customer as part of the monthly bill..In south florida you don't have a choice of cable tv providers either,other than satellite of course..

[Augie]

In Vestal, NY we only pay for garbage that is picked up. We have two companies WM and Taylor Garbage.

Nothing against Vestal, I'd rather live here! Did they get the high water in September like Owego did?

[thekeithfan]

I've paid trash bills for 12 months wherever I lived, if I was there or not.
Where do you think it's different?
I don't know of anywhere that charges you pro-rata.

So, I don't see your point except to vent about trash fees??
I'd suggest renting to those who don't want the obligation.

No problem with the fee's ....I don't rent. did you miss read my post?

[thekeithfan]

Did you know that was the case before you bought in The Villages? What's your gripe? Refuse pickup three times a week (two times trash, recycle, organic) at $17.90 a month. What a deal! Everybody pays and the price stays low.

My gripe is: it is unconstitutional for the government to make you buy a private service or product. The $17.90 a month is reasonable but if you are only here only 3 months that's $71.90 you are paying.

[thekeithfan]

Which article of the Constitution are you referring to?:confused:

Article 1 Section 8

[thekeithfan]

I suspect the OP is making a political point, not really objecting to the trash collection charges. Let's see, what recent government action is being attacked as unconstitutional as it forces citizens to buy a product from a private company whether they want it or not?? The g'ment says we are need this product and to spread out the cost we all must have it whether we are low cost producers or high. See??

Exactly my point!

[thekeithfan]

If you think this agreement is unfair, you should not have signed it. It is a little late to complain now. As Baretta said, "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."

I didn't sign it!?

[thekeithfan]

While living in Pa I found it just as confusing regarding all the gas providers,and garbage companies...I've lived in different Fl municipalities most of my life and it has always been only one choice and that was made by the governing body..I worked for a public electrical utility for 38 yrs and they even passed the "franchise fee" on to the customer as part of the monthly bill..In south florida you don't have a choice of cable tv providers either,other than satellite of course..

Well this isn't about one choice it's about the government MAKING you buy a service! By the way you don't have to have electricity or cable if you don't pay it they shut you off and you are no longer billed for ongoing service.

[graciegirl]

Keith.

As far as I can see there is no issue with the trash collection; frenquency, price, quality etc.

So if you wish to make a political point, please post in political.

If you don't like how things happen here, you can either accept it, or put your home on the market. This is a CDD form of government. There isn't much you can do to change it. If it rankles you enormously, there are other places to live.

That sounded mean, and I guess it was. I really don't want you to move, I want you to be happy like most of us are. Sometimes you can't have everything you want.

In the scheme of things...is this terribly important?

I woke up today with my cancer in remission, my friends coming to lunch, my kids with jobs, and the love of my life and I celebrating fifty years tomorrow.

Certainly you have a list similar to mine.

Don't sweat the small stuff, and it is all small stuff.

[RichieB]

You have a way of putting things in perspective..........

[trichard]

Do you only want to pay property taxes for the months you are here?

[Penguin]

Keith.

As far as I can see there is no issue with the trash collection; frenquency, price, quality etc.

So if you wish to make a political point, please post in political.

If you don't like how things happen here, you can either accept it, or put your home on the market. This is a CDD form of government. There isn't much you can do to change it. If it rankles you enormously, there are other places to live.

That sounded mean, and I guess it was. I really don't want you to move, I want you to be happy like most of us are. Sometimes you can't have everything you want.

In the scheme of things...is this terribly important?

I woke up today with my cancer in remission, my friends coming to lunch, my kids with jobs, and the love of my life and I celebrating fifty years tomorrow.

Certainly you have a list similar to mine.

Don't sweat the small stuff, and it is all small stuff.

That a girl Gracie.!!!!!

[Taltarzac725]

Trash pick-up and recycling | City Manager | City of Port St. Lucie, Florida (http://www.cityofpsl.com/city-manager/trash-recycling-information.html)

"Residential properties cannot opt out of payment for the service, regardless of whether the home is occupied or not, or if trash is put out or not. Seasonal residents who stay in Port St. Lucie for temporary periods are held responsible for the full year of pick-up rates. One reason for this is that Waste Pro truck drivers do not keep track of which properties leave trash by the curb and which don’t. They simply pick up any trash left outside." From above linked article.

There do seem to be communities that allow pro-rate fees for garbage collection-- Welcome to the City of Elmira (http://www.cityofelmira.net/public-works/sanitation) (Elmira, NY)

You may have to do searches to see if any Central FL. communities allow this.

[jsw14]

This thread reminds me of my X wife. She bought alot of garbage, & it wasn't all food eather!!!!
Now thats what I call Unconstitutional!!!!:1rotfl:

[janmcn]

Most cities and towns across the country pay for trash collection out of property taxes, so if you object in these cases, you can just stop paying your property taxes or deduct the cost and your home could be auctioned off.
BTW, you pay property taxes whether you are in your home or not.