Cities need to have a good plan to remove its citizens' solid waste; it's one of those necessary, often money-draining evils that we all have to pay for. Because of additional costs to haul away all the yard debris it collects, the city of Covington will raise rates $3 a month for most residential customers and a $1.50 raise for seniors. Even with the increase, the service will continue to be a money loser for the city.