Garbage service and business licenses are now officially mandatory in River Falls.

Council members voted Tuesday before a crowd of nearly 30 residents to fall under the Covington County Commission’s Republic/Allied Waste contract.

Participation will be mandatory for all residents beginning April 1, 2013.

“This will give everyone time to save up,” said council member Mattie Freeney, speaking of the estimated $150 in account start-up costs.

Mayor Patricia Gunter said the decision makes the town in compliance with state law.

Only 28 residents signed the petition for a town employee to collect the garbage, Gunter said.

As for business licenses, the council voted to use an ordinance found on file at town hall, to contract with RDS for collections, to charge a $10 issuance fee.

No one will be charged for previous years’ licenses.

The licenses will be good for 2013, and notices will be mailed, Gunter said.