Sacramento City Council Approves Public Restroom Pilot Program

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – The Sacramento City Council approved a public restroom program to counteract reports of human waste left outside businesses.

The plan was approved Tuesday night with a vote of 8-0.

In it, a paid attendant would be responsible for cleaning up and stocking supplies to a portable toilet for up to 10 hours a day.

Councilman Jeff Harris says the city is studying a model used in San Francisco called the Pit Stop that uses actual flushing facilities.

The toilets would also provide a way to discard hypodermic needles and pet waste.

The cost would be about $16,000 a unit – not including paying the attendant.

Despite the cost, most of the people we spoke to were supportive.

"I'm assuming they've done their research and the cost is applicable to the program. If it works and it takes care of the need, then it's OK," said supporter Steve Winter.

At last check, the program is set to launch in the River District with just one facility.

"We need to help our homeless people. Not push them further out and kick them out of city. That's great," Christina Pineda said.

If the six-month program proves successful, the city could continue and possibly expand the service.

The city expects the six-month program to cost about $100,000.