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Garbage contract rising; staff proposes $265 single-family user rate for 2026
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Summary
Grand Island staff reported the town's garbage contract costs rose and proposed a 2026 single-family user rate of $265 (a ~5.2% increase). Trustees were warned that contract negotiations next year could yield significantly higher increases.
Town finance staff presented the Solid Waste (garbage) fund as part of the 2026 draft budget and recommended a user rate of $265 per single-family dwelling, which staff said represents about a 5.2% increase from 2025.
Staff reported the contractor's CPI-based contract adjustment and said the contract total rose to approximately $2,265.01 (staff described that as the contract cost figure used in the draft). The 2026 draft appropriates a small draw on the garbage fund balance so the estimated year-end fund balance would be about $255,000.
Trustees noted the industry trend: other municipalities reported contract increases (some in the 20% range) in recent negotiations. Staff reminded trustees that the current contract expires at the end of next year, and that the upcoming negotiation could produce larger increases; trustees asked staff to analyze options for service-level changes if needed.
Ending: Trustees directed staff to include the $265 user-rate proposal in detailed budget scenarios and to return with comparative contract bids and an analysis of possible service adjustments (for example, limiting large-item pickup) ahead of negotiations next year.
