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Pulaski opens bids for two garbage trucks, board approves 15% solid-waste rate increase to cover debt
Summary
The Pulaski Board of Mayor and Aldermen opened bids for two new garbage trucks and referred award authority to city staff; the board also approved a 15% across-the-board increase in residential garbage fees on first reading to fund the purchase.
The Pulaski Board of Mayor and Aldermen opened bids for two new garbage trucks and voted on a linked solid-waste rate increase during its April 8, 2025, meeting.
At the meeting, Mr. Harrison said the city expects to purchase two trucks — one rear loader and one side‑load (single‑arm) truck — and to borrow for the purchases over a five‑year term. He said only one bidder submitted for each truck: a rear‑loading 2026 Freightliner with an Easy Pack 20‑yard Apollo packer for $247,732 and a 2026 Freightliner with a Bridgeport 23‑yard Ranger compactor for $331,926. "What we'd like to do is buy 2 new garbage trucks," Harrison said, and he asked that the bids be referred to the city administrator and department head to verify specifications and, if appropriate, award the contract.
The board voted to refer the bids for further review and award authority to city staff. The motion to refer was made by Mr. Keith and seconded by Mr. Massey; the roll call vote recorded ayes from Massey, Miles, Worsham, Keith, Gentry and Brindley.
The board also considered a proposed 15% across‑the‑board increase in garbage collection fees to cover principal and interest on the truck financing. Mr. Harrison said the 15% increase is intended to fund the amortization schedule for the debt and "hopefully... last us for a few years." During the discussion, a board member asked how that change would affect a typical bill; Harrison said a current $13 per month residential charge would rise to $14.95 for customers with one polycart, a $1.95 monthly increase.
The board adopted the solid‑waste rate increase on first reading. A motion to adopt the ordinance on first reading was made by Mr. Keith and seconded by Mr. Massey; the roll call vote recorded ayes from Massey, Miles, Worsham, Keith, Gentry and Bradley. The board scheduled a public hearing on the solid‑waste rate ordinance for April 20 (12:10 p.m.).
Separately under new business, the board authorized the sale of an older dump truck via GovDeals after members said the vehicle has mechanical problems, including a failed transmission. That motion (to authorize sale) was moved by Mr. Keith, seconded (name not specified on the record), and approved by roll call.
The actions link the equipment purchases, anticipated borrowing, and the solid‑waste rate increase as interdependent steps the city is taking to renew aging collection equipment and pay associated debt.
