Dear Homeowner:

The Brevard Board of County Commissioners has tentatively agreed to a new five (5) year contract with Waste Management to provide for automated collection of residential solid waste and recycling.   As we understand it, they will provide new containers, all waste must be in the container provided and positioned correctly at the street.   Anything else outside the container will not be picked up.  

There are a number of issues associated with this change:

1)   The current system works very well. Why pay more for the sake of change?

2)   Many people do not have the room for these large containers.

3)   What do we do with the items that don’t fit in the container?

4)   Many people with limited financial resources cannot afford another increase.

5)   There will be a 37.3% increase in costs associated with this new automated process. This amounts to over $18,000,000.00 in ADDITIONAL costs

6)   The service would increase annual assessments 48% over the life of a five-year contract starting next October, instead of 14% for continuing to use standard trashcans and "six-sort" recycling.

7)  Why is Waste Management charging more if it is reducing the number of workers on each truck?

In today’s Florida Today, Commissioner Jackie Colon has rethought her vote to approve the change and is now no longer in support of the more expensive system. Whether you are in favor or not, the deadline for voicing your opinion in writing is 20 days from the receipt of the county notification letter.   That letter is dated January 4, 2008.   I urge you to contact our commissioner who voted FOR the change. Send them a short email or letter requesting they vote NO on the proposal.

District 3: Commissioner Helen Voltz, R.N., B.S., M.B.A.

1331 E. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, Fl 32901

Phone: (321) 942-6300        Fax: (321)962-6340

Email:   [email protected]