Call Kurtis: Garbage Company Charges for Fuel Even With Low Gas Prices
MODESTO (CBS13) — Gas prices are the lowest in years. Ann Edwards called the city of Modesto wanting to know why she's still being billed $1.26 as a fuel component on her garbage bill. She and her husband have been paying these fees for years.
"It definitely adds up," she said.
She says the city of Modesto pointed the finger at its contractor Galton Solid Waste. She says Galton pointed her back to the city for billing issues. So why is this fuel charge still on the bill?
"It's always been there. We are just calling it out separately," said Jocelyn Reed who manages solid waste for Modesto.
She says they've always charged for fuel. They do it on behalf of contractor Galton Solid Waste. She says the amount is based on diesel prices each quarter. While they've always charged for fuel, they just started breaking it out on people's bills in 2006.
"We are just trying to make it clear," Reed said.
In 2006, she says the charge was 85 cents. It peaked in 2009 at $1.47. Now it's $1.26 and she says it will plunge even more next quarter.
Edwards has answers, but wishes they eliminated the charge altogether.
Diesel prices have not fallen as quickly as the fuel most of us put in our cars.
Have you noticed any bizarre fuel surcharges on bills with these low gas prices? Please let us know by filling out our consumer complaint form .