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BET flags solid‑waste contract, salt‑shed and parks center staffing in Operations budget review
Summary
During the March 6 Board of Estimate and Tax meeting the operations and public works budget drew attention to new solid‑waste contract costs, recycling market changes, a structurally compromised salt shed that limits stockpiling, building maintenance reallocations, and plans for a new recreation center manager and arborist funding.
The Board of Estimate and Tax reviewed the Operations and Public Works portion of the fiscal 2026 proposed budget March 6, touching on solid‑waste contracts, storm operations, facilities utilities and Recreation & Parks staffing tied to the coming 98 South Main recreation center.
Vanessa Valadares, chief of operations and public works, said the division kept most requests flat to follow BET guidance but the department could not avoid increases tied to contractual obligations — most notably a new solid‑waste contract effective July 1. Valadares said the city rebid solid waste, added services for residents and expects some operational savings from automated collection in parts of the Fourth Taxing District, but noted recycling costs have become an expense: “We do not make any more money on the recycle. We are paying to get rid of…
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