Washington approves new solid‑waste rates, phases out senior subsidy over five years

WASHINGTON, Mo. — The Washington City Council on Feb. 3 adopted ordinances that set new solid‑waste rates based on bids the city received and approved a gradual phase‑out of a senior subsidy that the city carried in its general fund.

City administration told the council the rates mirror the bid amounts received from Waste Connections. Staff said the city subsidized senior collection by $100,000 in the first year of the plan and that the subsidy will be incrementally reduced so that by year five the subsidy is eliminated.

“I think with what you passed tonight, I think you did. Like I said, we still have the cheapest rates in Franklin County,” the city administrator said during the city administrators report, summarizing the finance and committee work that led to council’s vote. The administrator also thanked the solid‑waste committee and named Councilmembers Mark Wessels and Mike Colter for their committee service.

City staff said they began rate discussions in May 2024 and met with multiple haulers to secure the best deal possible for residents. The record shows Waste Connections’ bid formed the baseline for the adopted rates and that council approved senior discounts that will be subsidized by the city in decreasing amounts through the five‑year phase‑in of full rates.

Council approved the ordinance on second reading by roll call. City staff said the adopted structure was intended to keep Washington’s rates among the lowest in Franklin County while moving toward full cost recovery over the five‑year schedule.

The ordinance also delegates implementation steps to city staff; council did not discuss contract operational details at length during the meeting. Administration said it will return with contract paperwork or an ordinance if further board action is required.