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The Atmore City Council approved a 50 percent increase in garbage fees during its meeting on Monday night.

The current fee of $20 will increase to $30 beginning in July because of the rise in diesel fuel prices, the cost of fixing a bulldozer at the landfill and the increase of tipping fees, Mayor Jim Staff said. Staff added that the increase will be reflected beginning on residents’ July bill.

Staff said he was advised that repairs on the bulldozer need to be made, and the cost will be between $20,000-$30,000.

Staff said this is the first increase the city has applied on garbage fees since 2008, and the city won’t have to do an increase for another 10-15 years.

In other business, the city:

• approved an ABC License transfer from Ike and Mike to the Quick Stop Food Mart;
• approved a 2021 Grass and Weed Abatement cost report for 15 parcels. Each parcel has a grass and weed abatement cost between $400-$450; and,
• approved the appointment of Kevin Classen to the Historical Preservation Commission.

Additionally, a blood drive will be held on June 10, beginning at 10 a.m. at the city hall auditorium.