A request by a Bowmanstown model railroad group to not be billed for garbage has been rebuffed.

Garry Mack, president of the Carbon Model Railroad Society, 529 Ore St., asked borough council on Tuesday if the group would have to continue to pay garbage fees.

Council President Pam Leiby said everyone in the borough has to pay regardless if they utilize the service or not.

“Unfortunately, everybody is charged,” Leiby said.

Last month, Mack told council the organization doesn’t use the services.

The organization has occupied space in a former Catholic Chapel for 18 years.

Borough council voted 4-1 recently to increase the borough’s monthly garbage rate to $33.

The new rate went into effect Oct. 1, with an $18 a month increase.