Bristol Virginia seeks to lower trash collection rates

The Bristol, Virginia City Council is considering raising the lodging and restaurant meal taxes and lowering trash collection fees. Last year, the council voted to raise trash fees from $33 to $60 to help offset expenses associated with the city’s now-closed landfill. It was then lowered to $48, but city leaders have heard from residents about how the trash rates are cutting into their budgets. The proposed new trash rate would be $38, down from $48. The lodging tax would increase from 13% to 15% and the meal tax would go from 10% to 11%. The council will still have to approve the proposed tax rates and trash collection fees.