Republic Services will be announcing its first rate increase when it makes a presentation to the Town Council on Thursday.

Robert Bennett, Republic Services general manager, will be talking about the status of the single hauler trash and recycle program in Fountain Hills after three years.

He will be announcing a 1.2 percent increase in current rates. Those customers receiving the basic service of one trash and one recycle pick-up per week will be paying a monthly rate of $11.58 effective July 1.

Those who have chosen to receive two trash collections per week instead of recycling will increase from $16.44 to $16.64 per month.

This is the first rate increase since Republic became the single hauler for Fountain Hills in 2011.

Town Facilities and Environmental Planner Raymond Rees said the contract with Republic allows the company to increase by up to 5 percent beginning this year. Increases are based on inflation and fuel costs.

Republic has two more years on its initial agreement and may now increase rates each year up to 5 percent.

Rees said after 2016 the town has the option of continuing with Republic for three one-year extensions, or go back out to seek new bids for the service.

This week the council will also hear about the tourism promotion program from Community Services Director Mark Mayer and intern Grace Rodman-Guetter.

Economic Development Specialist Scott Cooper will update the council on the implementation of the Economic Development Plan.

The consent agenda includes a number of items needed for implementation of the budget for the new fiscal year.

The council will also consider direction to outside legal counsel regarding a lawsuit against the town by resident Dina Galassini.

The suit is related to the town requiring Galassini to get a permit before staging a protest against a bond election in 2011.

The council will discuss possible changes to the Avenue of the Fountains project to include tree selection, a public address system, a Wi-Fi connection and a roundabout at La Montana and Avenue of the Fountains.

The position of vice mayor will rotate to Councilman Cecil Yates at this meeting.

The council meets Thursday, June 19, at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at Town Hall. The council will go into closed executive session at 5:30 p.m., and the public will have the opportunity to see the Fire Department’s new engine pumper in the parking lot beginning at 6 p.m.

The regular session is open to the public.