Although estimated prices for new service have not been figured, collection fees for new areas could be higher than what existing customers pay.

"It could be more; it could be less," City Administrator George Kolb said. "I don't think it's going to be that drastic a difference."

Public hearings on government-managed trash collection are set to begin next month - mainly for residents of south Augusta neighborhoods left out of last year's service expansion. About 23,000 homeowners were added to city garbage service in August at a charge of $195 per year, or $16.25 a month, which was added to property tax bills.

An estimated cost of service for new customers will be presented at the public hearings.

The public hearings will provide an opportunity for homeowners to ask questions about the service while commissioners try to gauge constituent support for the expanded service before it is formally approved.

"We're asking the commissioners to champion service in their district," Public Works Director Teresa Smith said.

Although there will always be those opposed, Commissioner Andy Cheek said, city-run trash service has cleaned up the city for the first time in decades.

"It's been a tremendous success," Mr. Cheek said. "There are neighborhoods in this city that have not been clean for 30 years, and now they are."

The three low-bidding contractors identified last week were BFI, Augusta Disposal and Inland Services. If approved by the commission - likely sometime this spring - south Augusta neighborhoods left off city garbage routes last summer would start receiving the service as early as June.

Among those areas proposed for expanded service are the Barton Chapel neighborhood, subdivisions south of Lumpkin Road and on both sides of Bobby Jones Expressway, and neighborhoods in the Tobacco Road area, including Meadowbrook, Woodlake, Pepperidge and Faircrest.

Unlike last year, when the city allowed for only a 30-day period of implementation - during which customers had to cancel their old service and new haulers had to replace trash cans - this time Public Works has built in several months to prepare for expanded service. At least 90 days will be set aside to make customers and haulers aware of the changes in billing and service.

"We're not going to be under the gun this time," Mr. Kolb said.

Reach Heidi Coryell Williams at (706) 823-3215.