HUNTINGTON, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - Huntington's mayor wants to help fix a big shortfall in the city's budget by hiking garbage collection fees, a proposal that is already sparking strong feelings among garbage ratepayers.

As we've reported, a property tax miscalculation left the city short of $1.7 million.

Huntington Mayor Steve Updike laid off six people Tuesday, but says a trash fee increase of ten dollars a month per household could save other job cuts.

Customer Jeff Adkins says, "It's not right, but the government has to keep going, the town, he has to look out for the town."

Customer Melissa Cocklin says, "I think it's wrong, I mean, we're in an economy now that's struggling and the extra, you know, expenses was a mistake of miscommunication, is unnecessary."

The proposed garbage fee increase is supposed to be presented to city council on Tuesday.

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