Local News
Town of Onalaska still buying bags for garbage
Referendum for automated system did not
pass, possibly because not enough voted
Maybe paying an extra $100 a year for garbage disposal was too much for Town of Onalaska voters to swallow.
By a 3-to-2 margin Tuesday, the town turned down a referendum which would have introduced an automated cart system for garbage, instead of the current system requiring special trash bags.
“We could leave the current system in place and everybody could come buy bags,” Onalaska town chair Rolly Bogert said. “By the time they get done buying bags, it would have covered the cost of what the increase would have been in their fee.”
A ‘yes’ vote on the referendum would have allowed the town to charge the extra garbage fee, without lowering the overall tax levy but, according to Bogert, too many people stayed home on primary day.
“It would be great if our residents would all get out and vote, instead of sitting at home and not voting,” Bogert said.
The town’s contract with Hilltopper Refuse runs out at the end of the year. A new garbage hauler has not been hired yet.
