After hearing from many residents opposed to mandatory citywide recycling, Warrenton aldermen decided against implementing a program that would have charged everyone for the service. Instead, city officials plan to educate residents more in the future on the benefits of recycling in hopes of getting more participation with the continued optional service. Aldermen, at their last meeting on Dec. 6, voted 5-1 not to implement a citywide recycling program and to award a three-year trash hauling contract with Wilson Waste Systems, the city's current trash handler. The three-year average monthly trash rate will be $9.50 for single-family and duplexes and $7.60 for multifamily residential units. For seniors receiving a discount, the average monthly rate will be $8.35 for those residing in single family or duplexes and $6.55 for multifamily units. The city's current monthly trash collection rates are: single-family or duplex residence, $9.30; single-family, or duplex residence - senior citizen, $8; multifamily residential unit, $7.55; multifamily residential unit - senior citizen, $7. The monthly rates include a 55-cent administrative fee assessed by the city, with the exception of seniors 62 and older who qualify for the discount. Over the next three years, residents who elect to recycle will pay an additional $1.25 monthly fee. Currently, residents are paying an additional $2.25 monthly. The new rates go into effect in January. The idea of citywide recycling was first discussed by aldermen when they reviewed trash hauling bids at their previous meeting on Nov. 15. They decided to not take any action since two board members - Phil Tallo and Beth Kendall - were absent. Prior to a work session held before last Tuesday's board meeting, aldermen said they had heard mostly negative feedback about a citywide recycling program. "Although it's very important - I personally have been and all of the aldermen have been recycling at this time, we feel we need to educate (residents) prior to making it mandatory that they have to do it." Ward 1 Alderman Phil Tallo said he wanted to see the city distance itself from a decision made a year ago to begin charging residential properties for trash. He said it was too soon to add another fee to residents. Currently, 566 residents recycle and pay the extra monthly fee. Prior to the city charging residents for trash collection services, more than 1,200 recycled. "I thought turning around and charging for recycling and making it mandatory was not the right thing to do at this time," Tallo stated. "If the numbers go up, then we can look at it again down the road. Ward 1 Alderman Dan Dieckmann, a strong proponent of recycling, emphasized his vote had nothing to do with the services provided by Wilson Waste or the other bidders. Rather, he said, he wanted to see the city proceed with citywide mandatory recycling. "I feel it is important for us to remain a progressive city," Dieckmann remarked. "To say it will hopefully get better, I hope it does and I hope the more we educate folks more will get onboard, but I don't see that happening. If we don't take the steps to move forward, I don't think it will move forward." While the three lowest trash hauling bids were competitive and lower than Wilson Waste's bid in some areas, Ward 3 Alderman John Clark said he preferred staying with Wilson Waste rather than changing hauling companies. He also noted that the Truesdale-based company also spends a great deal of money in the city for a variety of services. "We are always trying to contribute to the local company," Clark said. "It's the most convenient for residents. There will be no hassles with new containers." Bids were also received from Christian Environmental, Daynes Waste Disposal and Waste Management. With citywide recycling, Christian Environmental had the lowest three-year average monthly rate of $11.67 for single family and duplexes and $10.55 for senior citizens. The average monthly rates over the next three years from Wilson Waste were $12.25 for single family and duplexes and $11.12 for seniors. Daynes Waste Disposal had the third-lowest rate at $12.90 for single families and duplexes and $11.85 for seniors. With optional recycling, the average monthly rates over the next three years from Daynes Waste Disposal were $8.96 and $9.28 from Christian Environmental for single family and duplexes. The monthly cost for seniors would have been $8 from Daynes and $8.25 from Christian Environmental.