The Wayland City Council Monday night tabled a proposal to renew its annual agreement with the Allegan County Recycling program.

The city has contracted with Republic Services for curbside recycling every other week at a cost of $25 per household. However, in the last couple of years, costs have exceeded revenue.

The city picks up the difference between revenues from residential fees and costs of operating the program, but City Manager Mike Selden said the city’s bill is expected to grow to $8,500 this year.

Allegan County Recycling Coordinator Ben Williams told the council a county-wide fee increase probably will be on the 2016 election ballot, bumping the fee to $36 per household and eliminating the opt-out clause.

Williams said the fee increase of $11 annually could not be applied before 2017, so the current proposal that was tabled only covers the agreement for next year.

“We have had this program for 25 years and believe it works well,” Williams said. “If you don’t collect that $25 per household (in 2016), I’d have to pull the (curbside recycling) carts.”

Councilwoman Jennifer Antel said she is very supportive of the program and would hate to lose it for economic reasons.

Council tabled the question until the next meeting because John Sloan and Rick Mathis were absent.

PHOTO: Ben Williams