Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Ald. Erin Conley says Republic Services is overcharging Springfield citizens. The city has negotiated a $15 monthly fee with Republic and with Lake Area Disposal, but constituents are telling aldermen Republic is charging $50 per month.

What’s more, says Conley, Republic’s web site is no help.

“It’s absolutely astonishing to me that they cannot modify their web site,” said Conley. “You have to know that you get the City of Springfield rate, you have to call, and I had to argue with someone for twenty minutes to get our set rate for garbage collection.”

“When Ald. (Lakeisha) Purchase and I had a meeting with the Republic representatives, probably a little over a year ago, they were talking about rate increases,” said Ald. Jim Donelan. “And at that time I was very adamant that I didn’t want to talk about rate increases in this room until they have public meetings and explain to the public – directly – why they need it. And to this date I have heard, seen absolutely nothing. I’m not going to talk about it anymore.”