MOUNT VERNON — Rumpke representatives explained a recent billing error and clarified the company’s pricing structure during the Aug. 14 Mount Vernon City Council meeting.
Joe Schoffstall, municipal sales representative for Rumpke, said that during Rumpke’s price increase process, a data entry error caused a recycling charge and improper cart rental fee to be charged.
“Within five business days we were able to identify affected residents, issue credits to the misapplied charges, and if an invoice was already paid, we credited that amount back to the resident,” he said. “Because of this error, we modified how our price increase structure is looked at and reviewed and adjusted.”
Regarding raising prices, Schoffstall noted that increased prices have been felt across all industries due to labor, costs, and inflation.
However, he said Rumpke does not charge a recycling fee.
“Residents will find a fuel surcharge, which is standard. The fuel surcharge fluctuates each month,” he said. “Rumpke does not charge environmental fees or administrative fees, contamination fees, or any other miscellaneous fees.”
The fuel surcharge is based on the average price per gallon as provided by the Department of Energy, Midwest region.
There is a charge for cart rental.
“Residents pay for their trash service, and recycling is free,” he said. “Any additional costs that may be requested by the resident are added to the bill.”
Monthly price
Law Director Rob Broeren asked about Rumpke’s price per month. Schoffstall responded that it fluctuates based on whether a resident is a new or established customer.
Pointing out the city’s codified ordinances require Rumpke to report its standard monthly rate, Broeren said, “Your current rate [on file] is $21.72. If you raise that rate, you have seven days to inform the city of that.”
Rumpke Operations Manager Kevin Sabo said $21.72 is the lowest price charged to new customers.
Councilman Mel Severns noted his quarterly bill is $69. At the $21.72 monthly rate on file, it should be $65.16, a difference of $3.84.
“The point is, $3.84 times however many residents in Mount Vernon use Rumpke, it adds up to a lot of money,” Severns said. “I think what we’re trying to pinpoint here is is that the rate we should be paying because that’s what’s on file with the city, or am I paying the $23 per month?”
“It’s our understanding that we’re supposed to report the current starting rate. I might be misunderstanding that,” Sabo said.
Broeren said Rumpke can charge whatever it wants, but when the company makes a change, it has to report it to the city.
Early pickup
Switching gears, Council member Tammy Woods said the biggest comment she gets from constituents relates to the early-morning pickup times of 2 or 3 am, which is disruptive to the neighborhood.
“Is there any possible way to start at 6 am?” she asked.
Sabo said that if Rumpke starts at 6 am, the schools say it interferes with the school buses. He also said residents leaving for work at 7 or 8 am complain the trucks are blocking the road.
“We get it both ways,” he said. “We find if we get out there when there’s less people, it’s safer for everybody, and there are less complaints than in the wee hours of the morning.
“If you let us know where the complaints are coming from, we can limit the complaints coming to you.”
Responding to Councilman James Mahan, Sabo said Rumpke trucks run 10 hours a day. Sabo agreed if Rumpke had to work within a shorter time frame, the company would have to put more trucks in service, creating an economic issue.
Additionally, he noted that the dump closes at 4 pm.
