The Hutchinson City Council gave approval Tuesday morning to a new ten year agreement with Stutzman’s Refuse to provide trash service for the city. The new contract will be different than the previous contract agreed upon in 2003 by eliminating the exclusive rights fees in exchange for more service free of charge.

Now, in addition to the basic service already provided, Stutzman’s will also take care of all city owned property and recreation facilities including ball parks and shelter houses. Until now, that work was part of the parks department and those positions will be eliminated by the city.

Stutzman’s will also provide service for special downtown events such as Cinco-de-Mayo and Hutch Fest. Stutzman’s will also offer a rewards program starting next year for those residents in the city recycling program.

The new contract, which begins in 2013, also calls for a $.30 per year rate increase for the first three years. That means trash service for residential customers will go up to $10.35 per month….to $10.65 in 2014 and $10.95 in 2015.  Charges for 2012 will go up by 2.1% from this year.