The Longwood City Commission on Sept. 4 moved two solid-waste matters forward.

The commission set a Sept. 15 public hearing for Ordinance No. 25-2273, which extends existing nonexclusive commercial franchise rights for multiple haulers for 12 months. The ordinance names several firms, including Container Rental Company Inc., JJ's Waste and Recycling LLC, Orlando Waste Paper Company Inc., Waste Collections of Florida Inc., Republic Services of Florida Limited Partnership, Waste Management Inc. of Florida and Waste Pro of Florida Inc.; staff described the item as a routine, annual extension of commercial franchise rights.

The commission also approved first reading of Ordinance No. 25-2274, granting an exclusive residential solid-waste and recycling collection franchise to Waste Pro of Florida Inc. The proposed contract would run seven years beginning Oct. 1, 2025, with a potential four-year renewal by mutual agreement. Staff outlined key changes: the resident rate for FY2025–26 would rise from $25.88 to $30.68 (that figure includes a new administrative fee increase from $1.25 to $2.50 per unit), unlimited residential yard-waste collection would be replaced with a 6-cubic-yard limit, and future rate adjustments for FY2026–27 and FY2027–28 would include an added $2 on top of CPI-based adjustments.

Commissioners sought clarity for residents on the 6-cubic-yard yard-waste cap (the mayor and commissioners noted that three full garbage cans is approximately three cubic yards per week and that Longwood's proposed cap compares favorably or is higher than competitor cities). Commissioners and staff also noted separate debris-collection arrangements for hurricane response that are not changed by this contract.

Commissioner Morgan moved to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 25-2274 and set the Sept. 15 public hearing date; Commissioner McMillan seconded. Roll-call votes for both items were unanimous. The first readings advance both ordinances to the Sept. 15 public hearings for final action.