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Boston.com A City Council committee has voted to put a controversial trash tax on the ballot for repeal in November. The full Council votes on the measure next week. A citizens group had petitioned the Council to either rescind the tax, known as pay-as-you-throw, or let the voters decide. "Whether you agree with the proposal or not, this is an example of good government and community activism in action," said Councilor James Nestor in an e-mail. He sits on the Rules and Ordinance Committee, which voted unanimously to put the tax on the ballot. If the tax goes to the voters, Councilor Paul Condon hopes they'll remember the city's fiscal crisis. "If they vote the bags out, we're going to have to cut $2 million," he said, adding that citizens deserve a chance to weigh in. The pay-as-you-throw program started in October. The goal was to raise $2.5 million and save $600,000 in solid waste disposal costs, officials said. In order to have their trash picked up, residents are required to purchase City of Malden trash bags, at a cost of $20 or $10 per box. Weekly recycling is also mandated, according a city ordinance. Bob Miller, head of Malden Taxpayers for Accountability, which led the petition drive, said he doubted Condon's claim, adding that he wanted to see an audit of the city budget. 'We believe the city has money in their account,' Miller said.
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