Pekin seniors aged 65 and older who own their homes are now eligible for a $1.50 reduction on their monthly solid waste collection bills. The Pekin City Council recently approved this discount, though it faced some opposition from council members who argued that age shouldn’t be the sole criterion for financial relief.
Key Takeaways
- Seniors 65+ living in owner-occupied homes in Pekin can apply for a $1.50 monthly discount on their garbage bill.
- The discount was approved by the Pekin City Council but received dissenting votes.
- The estimated annual cost to the city ranges from $49,000 to $81,000, depending on the number of households that apply.
- Seniors must apply in person at City Hall with a photo ID to verify age and eligibility.
Discount Details and Council Debate
The decision to offer the discount was met with reservations from council members Rick Hilst and Jake Fletcher. Hilst expressed concern that while the gesture is appreciated, focusing solely on age might overlook lower-income residents under 65 who could also benefit from financial assistance. Fletcher suggested that any surplus in the solid waste fund should be distributed more broadly among all account holders.
City Manager John Dossey estimates that between 2,700 and 3,700 households are eligible for the discount, based on U.S. Census data. If 2,700 households take advantage of the offer, the city could see a reduction in revenue of approximately $49,000 annually. This figure could rise to $81,000 if 4,500 households apply.
Application Process
To receive the discount, eligible seniors must visit Pekin City Hall to complete the necessary application forms. They will also need to present a government-issued photo identification to confirm their age and residency. The reduction will be applied to their bill starting with the next billing cycle after the paperwork is processed.
Related City Council Decisions
The senior discount initiative emerged following recent operational adjustments to the city’s solid waste and recycling program. This includes the introduction of 96-gallon totes for recycling collection, available as an alternative or addition to the existing 64-gallon totes. Residents can obtain a free 96-gallon tote by calling City Hall through the end of May.
In other business, the council unanimously approved appointments to 11 city boards, commissions, and committees, despite some concerns raised by Hilst and Fletcher regarding the transparency of the appointment process. Mayor Mary Burress and Dossey have agreed to review these concerns. Additionally, the council appointed Peg Phillips as mayor pro-tem and John Abel as first alternate mayor pro-tem. A contract renewal with McDaniels Marketing for city event promotion and website maintenance was approved, as was an increase in the number of members for the Economic Development Advisory Committee and a standardization of term lengths for members of city boards and committees.
