BENTON — Benton residents who receive Republic Services trash pick-up through the Benton Water Department will see an increase in their trash rates starting with their October water bill.

The Benton City Council recently approved the increase, which will be $1.50 more a month.

Regular service will be $14.62 a month. Seniors will pay $14.14 a month.

According to a City of Benton press release, the council spoke with Republic representatives at length to ensure the rate increase was as minimal as possible. The council also cut free services to churches and other entities to reduce the overall expense to residents.

Officials say the increase was unfortunately necessary to offset the cost of trash service negotiated in the city’s extended contract with the provider.

Republic Services cited the Illinois fuel tax increase and increased disposal costs at the landfill as the primary cause for their service increase to the city.

The city council will not raise trash rates for the next four years following this increase.