One garbage pickup, with choice for two, in Arlington Hts.

Arlington Heights will switch to once-a-week garbage collection next year, but residents will still have the option to pay to continue to get their garbage picked up twice a week.

The decision during Monday's village board meeting was the result of debate that split both the community and trustees. The once-a-week, with the option for twice, compromise was approved by a 5-3 vote after two hours of discussion.

Trustees Mike Sidor, John Scaletta and Robin LaBedz voted against the in-between measure after all three spoke in favor of switching the entire village to once-a-week pick up when Groot Industries' new contract begins in March.

"By continuing to have the option for twice-a-week, we are still going to have the trucks on the streets," Scaletta said. "We just had to make a difficult decision to increase our property tax levy to fix the streets."

"All over the Northwest suburbs people are getting their garbage picked up once a week. It is a luxury to have garbage picked up twice a week," Scaletta said. Only Arlington Heights and Skokie have twice-a-week pickup.

But, other trustees said they didn't want to take away twice-a-week services from residents who have been used to it for decades without a transition period.

"It's important for us to give residents the option," said Village President Tom Hayes.

"I don't think it's my job to take away a service from anyone who has lived here and enjoys a certain level," agreed Trustee Jim Tinaglia. "Let's transition, baby steps."

An unscientific survey done by the village via emails, calls and social media received about 700 opinions, said Village Manager Randy Recklaus. The results showed that 50 percent wanted the village to switch to once-a-week pick up, 34 percent wanted twice-a-week pickup and 16 percent wanted the option to subscribe for a second collection.

Groot officials said they will keep in contact with the village and check in during the first year of the new contract. If very few people are taking advantage of the twice-a-week option, the village would be able to renegotiate and make a change at that point.

Both options will cost residents less money than they are currently paying due to the newly negotiated contract with Groot. The change only applies to single-family homes in the village.

Under the new contract, everyone will automatically be changed to once-a-week and will need to respond by mail, web or phone to opt in for additional service.