WBRZ - Baton Rouge

NEW ROADS - The Pointe Coupee Parish Police Jury has voted to increase monthly garbage pickup rates in a move intended to help defray the costs of cleaning up after future storms.

Parish Administrator Jim Bello says the rate increase, from $14.50 to $18 per month, should also help the parish government avoid raising garbage fees in 2013.

Bello says the police jury's vote during its regular meeting Tuesday was aimed at offsetting a 4 percent annual increase in the parish's garbage collection contract with Houma-based IESI.