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UrbanVerve_IHB

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There are still some things I'm figuring out as a relative newcomer to California. Here's something I didn't expect - having to pay separately for garbage and recycling pickup. We're renting in a development with high HOA fees, so I'm surprised that neither property taxes, mello-roos, nor the owner's HOA fees seem to cover water, sewer or garbage pick-up. Is this typical for Irvine? I've encountered in other cities where some developments do not receive city garbage pickup and have to contract privately -- but then it was always arranged by and included in fees for the HOA. What does Waste Management charge for garbage pickup?





Equally surprising is the fleecing on the water bill. One month's usage was about $2.50; but the "service charges" were over $20.00.





My understanding was the reason taxes are so high is to pay for all these high quality city services -- am I in for any other surprises?
 
Welcome to Irvine, the city of nickeling and diming. The Mello Roos taxes go for specific items (lighting and landscaping, a school, etc.). A large chunk of Irvine's budget goes to Parks and Rec - the optional programs that make the city family friendly. The city's budget can be found on their website. If you're not happy about it, feel free to drop a line to the city council.
 
I think we pay about $30 a quarter or $10 a month for WM. I think we have standard size waste, recycling, and green waste bins. they charge a bit more for the larger sized trash cans. However they also do 2 yearly large-item pickups.
 
<p>I should also clarify: WM only charges for garbage pick-up. Recycling pick up is subsidized by the garbage fee, er, I mean, free. For example, I pay what BG pays for trash (a small bin), but for no extra charge upgraded my recycling bin to a large.</p>

<p>Also, for the water bill, are the service charges over-use fees? We only pay $15 a month <em>total.</em> I would call IRWD and figure out what the deal is, and then start inspecting your water usage and any possible leaks.</p>
 
<p>Just leave your garbage on the street and let the city deal with it. They already have your tax money.</p>
 
Thanks for the info.





WIth the water - we're low usage - $2.46. Then there's the $7.50 water service charge and the $13.65 sewer service charge for a total bill of $23.61. So you pay for the water itself, then pay 3x your usage for the service and 6x your usage for taking it away from your house once they've brought it there (I guess that's the less pleasant part of the process....)





What surprises me is that at least the garbage fees are not included with HOA fees. Is this sort of hit or miss based on the development you live in? I went back and looked at old listings we considered and they were half&half whether garbage service was included. On our lease it says HOA fees are included in our rent, but doesn't say what those fees cover -- I never would have thought garbage service wasn't included.
 
See momopi's post here: <a href="http://forums.irvinehousingblog.com/discussion/156/" target="_blank">http://forums.irvinehousingblog.com/discussion/156/</a>





The 'service charges' have increased significantly over the last 6 years or so.
 
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