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Council approves small amendment to waste-hauler contract after staff finds tax-calculation error
Summary
Staff reported a billing overcharge of about $0.73 per account over two years in the city's waste contract; council approved a brief contract amendment to correct the calculation and accepted Waste Management's offer to support community events instead of issuing small refunds.
Duvall — Public Works Director Steve Lanzzewski told the council that the city and its contracted solid-waste provider discovered a formula error in the contract’s tax calculation that resulted in about $0.73 overcharge per account spanning two years.
Lanzzewski said the company had overcollected a small amount and had already paid the state tax; given the administrative burden of issuing tiny refunds, Waste Management proposed to instead provide modest community support (additional collection at events, extra public trash cans, or similar) valued at roughly $2,200. Staff proposed a targeted contract amendment to correct the tax calculation going forward; the council approved the amendment.
Council member Schaefer asked whether private hauler competition might reduce rates; staff said the city previously conducted an open procurement, and small cities typically have fewer alternatives and varying contract terms, and any new procurement would be a more significant process closer to contract expiration.
Ending — The council approved the contract amendment to correct the tax calculation; staff will work with the hauler on a community-support package in lieu of issuing de minimis refunds.
