Salinas approves Republic Services rate increases for 2025–26; council cites improved service compliance

The Salinas City Council approved on Tuesday adjustments to Republic Services’ rates for residential and commercial garbage, recycling and organics collection for fiscal year 2025–26.

Jeff Condit, sustainability analyst in Public Works, presented the proposed changes, which would raise the standard residential 32‑gallon weekly service from $34.87 to $36.46 per month — a 4.56% increase about $1.59 monthly — and a standard commercial 3‑cubic‑yard weekly service from $544.20 to $569.16 per month — a 4.59% increase or $24.96 per month.

Condit attributed the increase to multiple components required under the collection services franchise: 2.33 percentage points for Republic Services’ operations tied to the consumer price index; pass‑through increases to regional entities for processing and disposal (including AB 939/organics fees and recyclable-processing fees); and a city franchise fee adjustment. He said the 4.56% residential increase breaks down into those pieces in the presentation to council.

The city and consultant R3 reviewed Republic Services' recent performance after earlier concerns. Condit said a two‑phase performance review found improvements: overweight collection vehicles were reduced from roughly 15% to below 4%, staffing shortfalls had been addressed, missed-collection rates improved after new drivers and route analysis, and complaint response reached about 99%.

Councilmembers pressed for transparency: Councilmember Sandoval asked that bill breakdowns explain which portions reflect state mandates so residents can see what part of their bill is driven by state requirements. Councilmember VandeVall asked whether the full audit materials would be publicly available; staff said they could provide the performance review documents on request. Councilmember Dirigo noted the previous year’s settlement discussions with Republic and asked for a summation of administrative penalties and resolution; staff said the materials could be provided to the council.

After discussion and public comment, the council approved the rate adjustment. The final roll call recorded six votes in favor and one against: Councilmembers Barajas, Barrera, Dirigo, Dela Rosa and Salazar and Mayor Donahue voted yes; Councilmember Sandoval voted no.

The council’s city attorney and staff advised that under the city’s collection services agreement, the city is contractually obligated to authorize annual adjustments that conform to the maximum-service-rate methodology in the contract, provided the company is in compliance. Staff said Republic Services had largely brought operations back into compliance during the performance review, which supported approving the adjustment.

Consolidated next steps include posting the rate schedule online and making the performance review available to the public on request. The change will appear on bills issued after the franchise adjustments are processed for fiscal 2025–26.