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Task Force Recommends Higher Taxes, Trash Pick-Up Fees For Denver

DENVER (CBS4) - Higher taxes and paying for trash pick-up are two recommendations to balance the city of Denver's budget.

After months of discussion, a group called the Structural Financial Task Force on Monday afternoon turned over its final report to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and city council on how to get the city's budget back in the black.

To make up for a $30 million shortfall the panel has recommended a long list of ideas. One of the recommendations is that residents should pay for trash collection. Another is that there should be sales taxes on services, and Internet purchases. The task force also recommends that the city should raise the tax on medical marijuana.

Hancock says he wants to take a good, long look at the report and then wants to hear from the public. He says there will be some tough decisions to be made.

"I think it's going to be about how well we educate the public on really the case, and really how we frame whatever direction we decide to go," Hancock said. "I think that's something that we'll work collaboratively with city council on as well as the public."

The Structural Financial Task Force was made up of 15 business and community representatives.

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