Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dale Steenbergen says bad management and poor planning by city officials has created the need for increases in sanitation fees.

The city council on Monday approved an eight percent increase in trash fees to take effect on July 1. So far that's the only increase to be implemented, but a consultant hired by the city recommended an eight percent increase over each of the next five years.

Unlike some critics of the fee increase, Steenbergen says the extra money really is needed. But he says poor management and planning by city officials has created that situation.

Steenbergen says he isn't blaming any one person or group for the alleged mismanagement, adding "everybody's had their hand in it that's been elected to office. But he does note the proposed city budget is prepared by the mayor's office before being approved or not approved by the city council.

He also is reminding people about an  unsuccessful effort by some city council members to be more involved in developing a city budget. Steenbergen, who has gotten behind an effort to have an appointed city administrator--rather than an elected mayor--make most day to day decisions, claims a city administrator would be more successful at cutting costs.

But Steenbergen also admits having a responsive, intelligent city council will still be critical to the city regardless of whether the form of city government is changed.

A proposal to change the city government to one headed by an appointed administrator is expected to be proposed to the city council sometime this summer.

Supporters say they will ask for the proposal to go before voters in a special election before the end of this year.

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