NATCHEZ — Some 550 Natchez businesses will soon see changes to their water bills as Natchez Water Works stops billing commercial accounts for trash pickup.

Waste Pro USA has opted, as provided in its contract with the city, to begin billing commercial accounts instead of utilizing Water Works as the billing agent.

The change also means that as of Dec. 1, businesses previously billed approximately $13 for twice-weekly trash pickup service through Natchez Water Works would now pay $25 for once-a-week pickup, if the businesses decide to sign a contract.

Water Works, a city-owned entity, bills customers in the city for water, sewer and trash pickup.

Water Works Superintendent Tony Moon said Water Works has begun issuing final trash bills to business customers.

The end date listed on the bill for commercial accounts should be no later than Nov. 30. Any businesses that see an end date later than that should contact Water Works at 601-445-5521.

The Natchez Board of Aldermen voted last week to direct Moon to remove the trash fee from commercial accounts.

Moon had asked the board to give him direction on whether to phase out the billing or remove the trash fee from commercial accounts at once.

Ward 3 Alderwoman Sarah Smith said Waste Pro USA said the company could be creating “a dilemma for (itself).”

Mayor Darryl Grennell agreed, saying that he saw firsthand when he was a county supervisor how difficult collecting trash pickup bills can be when it is not tied to a utility such as it is in the city’s billing system.

Smith said she has heard reports of businesses being asked to sign lengthy contracts, and encouraged businesses to explore their options when choosing a waste disposal company.

Waste Pro Municipal Marketer Doug Atkins has said Waste Pro decided to raise the rates out of a need to generate more revenue because the company was losing money on some commercial accounts.Some businesses generate more trash than residences, and by only receiving the residential rate for the pickup, the company began losing money, Atkins has said. The city, which has to pay for the disposal of the trash, was likely losing money, too, Atkins has said.