Talking trash in Batavia tonight

BATAVIA, NY (WIVB) - The Batavia City Council is expecting a big turnout for Monday night’s public hearing on trash disposal.

The public is being asked to comment on a budget proposal which includes a 16-percent reduction of property taxes by making garbage collection a user-based fee.

The council is also seeking public input on a proposed increase in the water rate, meter fees and capital improvement fee.

Batavia is seriously considering a move to a residential tote system for garbage collection and recycling.

Supporters of Genesee ARC are expected to hold a rally prior to the meeting, at  6:15 p.m., in front of City Hall. 

Genesee ARC is a nonprofit agency that has collected garbage in the city for nearly 30 years.  The group reportedly submitted the highest bid for the new trash collection contract. They may have to lay off up to 10 people if they agency loses the contract.