Manager Boyer described the Hancock Wastewater Treatment Plant’s process: treatment produces biosolids that must be removed and land applied. Staff solicited bids from four regional companies and received one responsive bid from Synagro; the contract amendment updates the unit price to $48.21 per cubic yard for an estimated 3,300 cubic yards. Director Richter reported Synagro invoices totaled roughly $123,000 in 2024.

Several councilors, including Alderman Sanders and Alderman Stacy, questioned procurement, the prevalence of a single bidder, and the broader cost picture (prevailing wage rules, hauling and lab testing costs, and chemical/treatment costs used by the plant). Staff and Darren explained that prevailing-wage requirements have narrowed the vendor pool and that biosolids hauling is difficult to source; they confirmed the city purchases treatment chemicals as part of normal wastewater operations and Synagro provides hauling, field rental and spreading services. Council discussed frequency and levels of sampling, unit-price structure, and historical relationship with Synagro.

Council approved Resolution 2025-150 by an 8–0 vote. Staff said specific chemical and operational costs remain part of wastewater operations and are not included in the hauling contract, and that staff will continue to monitor costs and procurement options.