Commission hears early briefing on Waste Pro renewal; company seeks phased rate increases

Sanford public works staff and Waste Pro representatives briefed the City Commission on June 23 about the upcoming contract renewal for residential waste collection now scheduled for renewal in June 2026.

Brent Johnson, Public Works and Utilities Director, said the existing agreement with Waste Pro began in June 2007 and includes renewal options; the next renewal window opens June 2026. Johnson said staff brought the item early because switching haulers would require 10 to 12 months to plan and implement if the commission chose to go to market.

Tim Dolan, Waste Pro representative, said Waste Pro operates a 20-acre facility in Sanford and employs roughly 260 people at that location, 63 of whom have Sanford addresses. He told the commission Rate pressures across the region have driven contractor price increases and that Waste Pro would like to negotiate a renewal that phases in some price increases rather than facing a single large adjustment.

Dolan estimated a ballpark market adjustment of roughly 20–25% to bring the contract to current market levels but said final figures would require negotiations and review of contract terms.

Commissioners discussed options. Several commissioners said Waste Pro had performed satisfactorily in Sanford and expressed willingness to allow staff to negotiate with the company rather than immediately pursue a new procurement. Commissioners asked staff to compare rates with neighboring municipalities and asked the city attorney to review contract language governing allowed extensions and rate adjustments.

City staff said they would return to the commission with a comparative analysis and clarified legal constraints around how much the contract can be extended under current terms. Commissioner comments emphasized the need to show residents that the city had sought a fair deal and asked staff to prepare documentation comparing alternatives.

No final decision was made at the meeting. Commissioners asked for follow-up: legal review of the contract language, a market-comparison of hauling rates from other Central Florida jurisdictions, and a staff recommendation on whether to pursue renewal with negotiated phased increases or to go to bid.