LIVINGSTON -- During a special meeting this week, the Livingston City Council voted 4-1 to start the process to raise garbage rates.

The council approved the Proposition 218 process, which lays groundwork for rate increases.

Mayor Pro Tem Gurpal Samra voted against the item Tuesday because he thought the process should have been started at a regular meeting instead of a special meeting.

As part of the Proposition 218 process, notices will be sent to property owners and tenants, who have the option of protesting the increases. If more than 50 percent protest, any rate hike would be rejected.

The notices will go out Feb. 1 with regular utility bills, said City Manager Jose Antonio Ramirez.

Late last year, the council selected Gilton Solid Waste Management as the city's waste hauler.

Though exact rate increases aren't available, city officials expect them to total a few dollars per property, depending on the can setup current users have. The exact increases will be included in the notices.

Reporter Mike North can be reached at (209) 385-2453 or mnorth@mercedsunstar.com.