Bandera council approves 5% utility-rate increase, members seek review of trash contract

The Bandera City Council approved a 5% across-the-board increase in utility rates for the 2025–26 fiscal year by a 4–0 vote on Aug. 26, while council members and residents pressed staff for more detail about the city’s new trash contract and pricing.

Why it matters: The change affects monthly utility bills for households and businesses and came with questions about a recent Republic Services contract and how the city and vendor calculate customer rates.

Key points and action: Councilmember Jeff moved to adopt the utility rate increases and Brett seconded; the motion passed 4–0. Councilmembers recorded an intention to review specific trash contract numbers at the next meeting and to bring back details if adjustments or an amendment to the adopted budget are needed.

Discussion details: During public discussion, a resident asked whether smaller trash totes were available and whether those would carry lower costs. Staff answered that Republic’s representative, Terry Golick, told them a smaller tote would not reduce the cost because the truck, route and driver remain the same; the only difference is tote size. Council members also noted that the city’s current residential charge was already higher than an earlier contract figure, and that the new contract implemented in March had raised rates prior to this 5% increase. Staff (Jill and others) said they did not have the full contract pricing at the meeting and could not verify a breakdown or any markup in city charges instantly. One councilmember asked to table the utility rates until staff could show the contract; the mover pulled the request and instead the council approved the 5% increase with the plan to review the trash contract at the next meeting.

What council asked staff to do: Staff was directed to bring contract pricing and the Republic Services rate sheet to the next meeting so the council can verify what Republic charges the city and whether the city adds any administrative markup. Staff also noted that options such as bimonthly pickup are not part of the current contract but could be negotiated in future contract renewals.

Ending: The 5% increase was adopted at the Aug. 26 meeting; the council expects staff to return with contract documents and a more detailed cost breakdown for resident review at the next meeting.