VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Major changes could be on the way to Virginia Beach after city council members met Tuesday afternoon to discuss recycling, collective bargaining and homeless shelters.
13News Now breaks down some of the biggest changes that could impact families in the Resort City.
Steep price increase is expected for recycling options
The price to recycle is expected to double before the year is out.
During the February meeting, the Virginia Beach City Council members were presented with the numbers. No matter which option they choose, all of the prices are expected to go up.
"Our current contract as you recall expires at the end of June this year," said LJ Hansen, the director of Public Works. "The vendor has notified us that the contract that would allow us to extend that it's not in their interest to do so."
The least expensive option city leaders are considering is a contract for $9 million, which is a $4 million increase compared to their current contract. The more expensive option is $10.3 million, and if accepted it would be a 221% increase in price for the city.
"Everything is getting more expensive, and recycling is no exception," said Councilman Michael Berlucchi, "We are dedicated to getting prices as low as possible, while also providing the same quality of services."
Hansen told city council members the proposed cost increase for Virginia Beach families should rise from $3.11 to $6.16 for waste management prices.
Virginia Beach city council members must select a new vendor by June 30, 2024.
Collective Bargaining is on the table for the city's firefighters, paramedics, and more
Virginia Beach's Professional Fire & Emergency Medical Services have formally submitted their request for collective bargaining to be adopted in Virginia Beach.
Collective bargaining is the process in which workers can join together to negotiate their working conditions such as higher wages, greater benefits and time off.
For years it was illegal for those in the public sector to request this, but this measure was overturned by the General Assembly in 2020. Now it is up to individual cities to determine whether or not to allow collective bargaining.
Portsmouth became the first city in Hampton Roads to allow collective bargaining in 2023. Norfolk leaders were also presented with the option but voted against it in 2023. Now, Virginia Beach will become the next city to weigh its options.
Virginia Beach City Council members must decide to allow it, decline it, or come up with a compromise by May 31, 2024.
Homelessness is on the rise, advocates push for more resources to deal with encampments
Nonprofit leaders told Virginia Beach City Council members there are simply not enough beds for all of the people seeking shelter options. They said the problem has steadily grown worse since 2020.
"It's not uncommon for about 80 people to show up, asking for a bed," said Dallas Stamper, the executive director of PIN Ministry Services. "I wish you could see what it looks like when we tell them we have nothing left."
Stamper told city leaders his organization is one of several who has noticed a sizeable increase within the last few years.
He estimated a 15% increase in people asking for a place to stay from 2022 to 2023. Many of the people who have asked are among the elderly population.
"The hard truth is that the majority of people cannot afford to live in this city anymore, as we have few affordable options," said Stamper. "If we had 400 affordable housing units I'd rip up this presentation and walk out."
Members acknowledged the increase in homelessness and specifically encampments that have sprung up across the city.
Councilman Michael Berlucchi said the city needs to strike a balance between compassion and lawfulness.
"We do not want to become like Los Angeles or San Francisco," said Berlucchi. "It's about doing what [is] right for those who are struggling and for the families of Virginia Beach who do not want to live next to these encampments."
However, Stamper told city council members they cannot ticket or arrest their way out of the growing issue of homelessness.
"Trust me, when you clear out those campsites you're just going to get more campsites, but in a different spot," said Stamper. "if you want to create a solution it's to help put people in a safe place."
Advocates are asking the city to create a shelter designated to help individuals who are looking to spend an overnight visit. For a more long-term plan, Stamper said more affordable housing needs to become necessary.
Virginia Beach city council members did not vote on any immediate action, but applauded Stamper's work and said they would consider it.