Pulaski approves new garbage-truck contracts, adopts 15% solid-waste rate increase

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen on May 20 voted to award bids for two new garbage trucks and adopted an ordinance raising solid-waste rates by 15% across the board.

City staff told the board the city solicited bids for two vehicles — a rear loader and a side loader — and recommended awarding the contracts to the successful bidder (identified in the meeting as CMI). A staff presenter said delivery timing and lifecycle costs were factors in the recommendation. "We needed 2 new garbage trucks," a staff speaker told the board, and staff proposed a five-year amortization to match the trucks’ expected service life.

The board discussed the financing plan and long-term maintenance needs before voting on the rate change. City staff recommended a 15% increase in solid-waste rates to service the financing and operating expenses tied to the trucks; the ordinance was described in the meeting as an across-the-board 15% increase. A motion to adopt the ordinance on second reading passed on roll call.

Board members also approved a separate resolution to award the truck bids; that resolution passed by voice vote after the contract recommendation was presented.

The board record did not specify the final contract price total in clear language during the public discussion; delivery times and some dollar figures were discussed but not presented as a single summed contract amount on the record.

Votes at the meeting were recorded in roll call and voice votes; the solid-waste rate ordinance passed on second reading and the truck award resolution was adopted.

Pulaski officials said the rate increase and vehicle purchases are intended to ensure regular collection service, provide backup coverage on holidays, and reduce reliance on older equipment.

The city scheduled no further public comment on the solid-waste matter at the meeting; staff indicated the trucks were already in the procurement pipeline.