Trash rates could soon be going up for people over 65 after the Bakersfield City Council approved the first reading to repeal a rebate program.

City Attorney Ginny Gennaro told the council Wednesday night that Proposition 218 passed 20 years ago prohibits programs that cut costs for one group while others must pay more to make up for it. But speakers asked the Council to come up with creative solutions to keep it.

Seniors have been getting the discount for 30 years. The rebate comes out to about $95 a year.

Sean Michael Lisle