A Hartselle woman is asking the city to refund her $1,800 for garbage fees she paid in error for six and one-half years.

Gail Brown made the request at a city council work session on July 23. She said garbage, recycling and yard waste carts located at houses she owns at 735 and 737 Pickens St. have not been used since the city implemented its own automated garbage pickup service.

“Both houses have been unoccupied since that time,” she said. “However, we’ve maintained electric and water hookups and pay a minimum monthly service charge. She added that payments are made by bank draft and she didn’t realize that she was paying garbage fees until recently.

When asked by Council President Kenny Thompson if the carts have ever been used, she replied that they only time she is aware of was when neighbors placed leaves in one of them.

Public Works Superintendent Byron Turney reported that the carts have been picked up, with one of them having cardboard inside.

Thompson informed Brown that her request would be considered after City Attorney Larry Madison has been consulted for an opinion.