By JESSICA DAIGLE

Staff Reporter

CONVENT-A proposed ordinance may have St. James Parish citizens paying a little bit more to get their garbage picked up.

Parish President Dale Hymel, Jr. introduced the ordinance, which would increase utility billings by $1.50 per household on the current price of $4, at the parish council meeting on Wednesday.

According to the Parish Council’s office, the council signed with Waste Management of Louisiana in 2002 to provide the disposal of residential waste and recyclables.

Under the terms of the contract between the company and the parish, fees or compensation will increase or decrease annually based on changes in the consumer price index.

Waste Management of South Louisiana requested an increase in fees to reflect the cost in waste collection and disposal.

The fees would increase the contract amount by $43,276 per year.

The public will have an opportunity to comment on the matter at a public hearing in Convent on May 4, and again on May 18 in Vacherie.