Elkhart residents will get a chance to voice their thoughts Saturday about a controversial proposal that would require them to pay the city to take out their trash.

An ordinance was introduced to the City Council Monday night that would require residents to pay a monthly fee of $11.35 to have trash removed.

A similar proposal was voted down in 2008.

Mayor Dick Moore said the ordinance would help the city make up some of the $10.5 million dollars it's lost in property tax revenue since then.

If passed, the fee would show up on your monthly utility bill.

Apartments and mobile homes with more than four units would be excluded.

The mayor will meet with the public Saturday morning at 9:00 during a "Congress of the Neighborhoods" meeting in the council chambers of the municipal building.

Another opportunity for public input will be at 5:30 Monday evening when the council's finance committee will meet to review the proposed ordinance.

The council could vote on the measure as early as their next regular meeting.