City staff proposes solid‑waste rate increases and TDS wholesale adjustment; council to consider ordinance readings in September

Eric (staff member) presented proposed changes to Georgetown’s solid waste rates and an amendment to the city’s contract with Texas Disposal Systems (TDS).

Eric described the contract formula used to compute the wholesale adjustment—the Refuse Rate Index (RRI)—and showed the RRI components (diesel, vehicle replacement, labor, repair and maintenance and CPI items) and their weights. Using those inputs, staff calculated a 1.47% allowable wholesale price increase under the contract, and Eric asked council for feedback on amending the TDS contract to allow that increase beginning Nov. 1, 2025. “That’s how we come up with the 1.47% on the TDS contract,” Eric said.

On retail rates, staff recommended a 4.5% increase for residential customers and a 9.5% increase for commercial customers based on a cost‑of‑service study. Eric showed comparative residential rates and noted the city would remain near the middle/upper range among peer cities after the increase. Example impacts presented included roughly $1–$1.50 monthly increases for typical residential carts and larger increases for commercial carts and dumpster service tiers.

Eric summarized the TDS contract history, noting multiple amendments since the 2021 contract (including adjustments tied to the transfer station completion) and that the contract allows up to 4% annual adjustments under the RRI calculation. He told council that while the study projects assumed 4% in later years (the contract maximum), next year’s cost of service study will calculate the precise allowable change for that year.

Staff requested council feedback and outlined the next steps: staff will return with a first reading of rate and ordinance changes on Sept. 9 and a second reading on Sept. 23. Eric closed by inviting questions and feedback from council.