" A lot of people will not like having to tote their trash to the facility, but they will definitely not be pleased with having to pay trash pickup fees either. - Mayor David Hogue Services once enjoyed by Blacksburg taxpayers for free may soon come with a price tag following Blacksburg Town Council's first view of the budget for the 2009 fiscal year on Tuesday.

Blacksburg is slated to spend $4.1 million this year, which is significantly down from last year's total of nearly $5.5 million.

But losses in revenue, particularly after Hanson Brick Company shut down last year have left a major void in the town's economy.

"(Hanson) was one of if not our top buyer of (natural) gas," Blacksburg Town Administrator Trudy Martin said. "The company would purchase close to 50 percent of what was there. When you lose a company like that, you lose a lot."

The town potentially could see a tax hike of 11 mills, the maximum allowed by the state under its current tax structure. Closer to the heart of town taxpayers are proposed new fees for trash and higher charges for water and sewer.

In the past, Blacksburg residents have not had to pay for trash pickup. However, with the town's finances becoming tight Martin believes there is no other choice.

"We had to do this...things were becoming way too tight," Martin said.

Trash pickup will likely cost taxpayers approximately $7.40 per month.

A $2.10 rise per month in water charges and a $2.75 per month jump in sewer rates are expected to take hold as part of the budget. Charges were based on a flat rate of 3,000 gallons. Upstate towns such as Chesnee, Clover and Chesterfield have similar rates.

"Honestly, we are behind the curve when it comes to this," Martin said. "It is something we forever have tried to avoid, but now we can no longer do so."

Certain tap and initiation fees could also be in store for Blacksburg residents.

While much of the blame for the town's financial woes is placed on Hanson leaving the community, the need for new service vehicles also put a dent in the budget.

Blacksburg is currently paying off a truck used to pick up roadside debris, but now finds itself needing to replace its trash truck. The vehicle, which is 12 years old, has cost the town more than $14,000 in repairs.

"The need of the truck virtually makes us have to add a trash fee," Blacksburg Mayor David Hogue said.

However, council members also discussed the possibility of not having trash pickup services at all - instead requiring residents to take trash and other debris to a waste station.

"I don't see us being able to finish this before this budget is completed, but I think it is a good idea," Hogue said. "A lot of people will not like having to tote their trash to the facility, but they will definitely not be pleased with having to pay trash pickup fees either.

"We don't like prices at the pump, at the grocery store or anywhere...but we just have to deal with it like it is."

A second reading of the budget is expected to take place at a meeting later this month.