Taylor council approves 10-year extension with Priority Waste, keeps six-month out clause

The Taylor City Council on March 18 approved a motion to extend the city’s waste, recycling and compost collection contract with Priority Waste LLC from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2035, funded through Act 179. Motion by Councilwoman Brandana, supported by Councilman Johnson, carried after discussion and public comment.

The extension aims to lock in annual price increases at lower rates and enable Priority Waste to invest in equipment dedicated to Taylor, city officials said. City speakers said longer contracts with haulers reduce yearly price volatility; administrators told the council the move would keep first-year household costs at $13.50 per month and estimated the tenth-year monthly rate would be about $17.62.

Council members and administration described the arrangement as a trade-off: a long-term commitment from the city in exchange for lower year-over-year increases and Priority’s investment in newer trucks and equipment. A city official said the initial equipment investment by Priority would be in the millions—roughly $5 million up front—with ongoing purchases over the contract term because heavy equipment has a limited service life.

Residents at the meeting voiced concern about the contract’s 10-year length. Caroline Pat, a resident, said, “I don't like the idea of the 10 years,” and asked how the city would respond if service fell short later in the term. City staff and council members pointed to a six-month termination clause in the contract and said there is no penalty to the city if it elects to end the agreement, although the contractor would be required to provide service during that six-month period to allow time to reprocure services.

City officials also noted prior operational problems earlier in the company’s public history but said Priority maintained service in Taylor during that period and had workers and equipment based locally, which council members said influenced their confidence. A Priority representative and two other company speakers described equipment cost trends and the need for long-term commitments to justify large capital purchases.

The council voted without a roll-call tally recorded in the meeting transcript; the mayor called for voice votes and declared the motion carried.

The council approved the motion during the regular agenda and moved on to other business. There was no related amendment to the contract terms recorded in the meeting minutes beyond the six-month out clause.