Since the 1990's the City has provided recycling services to collect and transport residential recyclables to the landfill, collect yard waste, and maintain the collection center at the Tullar Road Garage.  For 2013, that cost is estimated to be $576,580.  In previous years, the State of Wisconsin returned well over half of the cost of recycling to the City in recycling grants.  The property tax levy would typically fund the remaining costs.

Since 2012, the amount of recycling grants provided by the State has been significantly reduced.  The State also passed very strict levy limits for municipalities, limiting the increase in the tax levy for City operations to less that 1%.

For 2013, the City estimates it's recycling grants at $203,000.  The same as 2012.  The difference between the 2013 cost of recycling ($576,580) and the estimated recycling grants ($203,000) is $373,580.  The amount needs to be funded by City residents to maintain recycling services.

After much deliberation, the City Council approved the use of the Recycling Surplus Commodity Revenue from the Winnebago County Solid Waste Board received in July 2012 ($138,404), to offset part of the remaining cost and a new residential recycling fee to fund the remainder.  Once distributed to all residential properties, the recycling fee was calculated at $30 for one and two family homeowners.  That amount is listed on your tax bill as a special charge.