The council approved a new five-year residential solid-waste, recycling and disposal contract with Waste Management following an eight-month negotiation. Town Manager Joseph Aflobello reported the residential-equivalent rate will move to $21.32 per household (the town pays residential service through the millage), roll-off rates increased only slightly, and the contract includes a 5% cost-of-living adjustment in interim years.

Aflobello said the town and vendor made concessions on both sides and highlighted a cart-provision change negotiated that allows up to 400 unit exchanges under the contract. Representatives from Waste Management (Jeff Sabin and Hassel) were present in the audience. Council moved, seconded and approved the agreement by voice vote.

Council members stressed the town’s effort to limit cost increases and noted the town’s unique arrangement of covering residential service in the millage. The motion to approve was recorded and carried by unanimous affirmative response.