In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the renewal of a solid waste contract with Express Disposal, which is set to increase by 3.2% in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This adjustment will eliminate a previously implemented fuel surcharge, a response to rising fuel costs that had been affecting service fees since 2022.

The contract, which is in its final year of a five-year term, has raised questions regarding the lack of a bidding process for its renewal. Some officials expressed concerns about the need for competitive bidding, citing a desire for due diligence and transparency in the procurement process. However, others defended the decision, highlighting the limited number of local vendors capable of fulfilling the contract's requirements.

During the discussions, it was noted that the proposed increase would raise the cost per household from $26.48 to $27.33. Officials emphasized that locking in this rate could prevent future increases that might exceed $30 per household, given anticipated CPI trends over the next few years.

Legal considerations regarding the contract's renewal were also a focal point. City attorney Miss Custer indicated that further investigation was needed to determine the legality of extending the contract without a bidding process, as the original agreement did not allow for automatic renewals beyond the initial term. A motion was made to table the decision for 30 days to allow for this legal review, which was met with some resistance from Express Disposal representatives who expressed frustration over the delay, citing their compliance with all regulations and the potential impact on local employment.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to postpone the vote, allowing time for legal clarification while acknowledging the importance of maintaining quality waste management services for the community.