Cibolo council approves 10‑year solid‑waste franchise with Waste Connections, new services start July 28

The Cibolo City Council on May 13 approved an ordinance granting Waste Connections of Texas, LLC an exclusive franchise to collect municipal solid waste and recyclables in the city, voting 7–0 to move forward with a five‑year term and a single five‑year extension option.

Council members and staff framed the vote around replacing an aging 2005 agreement and adding services the city does not currently provide. City Manager Brian Reid told the council the new contract “provides an enhanced level of service” and modernizes rate adjustments and reporting. Reid said new service will begin July 28 and that the city will deliver new, chipped carts to every household the week of July 15.

Council members focused on service details. Under the approved franchise, residential solid waste and recycling will be collected once a week; the city will receive brush and bulk pickup once every two weeks with a 3‑cubic‑yard limit per pickup; household hazardous waste (HHW) will be collected curbside on request; and the city will stop seasonal spring/fall drop‑off chipping and twice‑annual HHW events because those services become regular curbside options. Reid said the twice‑weekly trash pickup the city received through the incumbent would be available only through July 25; after July 28 residents who need more frequent service can request a second cart for a fee. The adopted rate was presented in the packet as $21.89 per month for typical residential service, about $4.94 above current rates explained in staff materials.

Waste Connections representatives told council the company will provide customer care, a mobile app for pickup reminders, GPS tracking of collection vehicles and daily reporting to the city. Zachary Ryan, district manager, said, “Anytime there is an issue, I can assure you we will address it immediately and try to make sure that it doesn't happen again.” Jason Roe, municipal account representative, said the firm will replace commercial containers before starting service and will do targeted outreach to Old Town businesses.

Staff also noted operational and financial protections in the agreement: a 10% franchise fee (reduced from the city’s prior 15%), annual CPI‑based rate adjustments with notice requirements, reporting and audit rights, equipment age limits, and liquidated damages for missed routes or service failures. Disposal fee pass‑throughs for state TCEQ fees are covered in the contract and will be disclosed to customers as required.

Mayor Mark Allen and council members praised the outreach and vendor interviews used in selecting the contractor. Reid said five proposals were received and Waste Connections ranked highest on best‑value criteria including cost. The ordinance authorizes the city manager to execute the franchise agreement and sets the start of new services for July 28.

Councilman Hicks moved approval; Councilwoman Donnetta Roberts seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The council directed staff to produce customer communications, tailored notices for commercial customers and an Old Town outreach plan before the July start date. Staff will monitor contractor performance through the required daily and monthly reports and maintain authority to enforce liquidated damages specified in the franchise agreement.