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Council orders study of solid‑waste enterprise fund to close multi‑million operating gap
Summary
The council asked the finance committee and controller to work with the mayor's office on a plan to establish a solid‑waste enterprise fund by FY2027 and to analyze options for financial self‑sustainability by FY2032, citing a projected annual shortfall in solid‑waste operations.
The Malden City Council directed the Finance Committee and the city controller to work with the mayor's office on a proposal to establish a solid‑waste enterprise fund at the start of fiscal year 2027 and to analyze pathways to financial self‑sustainability by fiscal year 2032.
Councilor Winslow, sponsor of the order, told the council revenues from the city's bag and tag program have not kept pace with trash disposal costs. Councilor McDonald said the city currently spends an estimated $3.6–3.7 million on trash removal and takes in about $1.2 million from bag and tag revenues, leaving a structural deficit on the order of roughly $2.4 million annually.
Councilors said the contract with the current operator (identified in discussion as Republic) and inflationary disposal costs increase pressure on the city's budget and that planning now could avoid sudden, large increases in resident fees when the current contract expires. The order instructs staff to look at fund setup, revenue options, and policy choices so the council can consider measures before the contract expires.
The council adopted the order on a roll call; the motion was sponsored by Councilors Winslow and McDonald. The directive is for analysis and planning; it does not by itself change resident fees or adopt a fund.
