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Mineral Wells council approves CPI increase in Frontier Waste contract; city rates updated
Summary
The City Council unanimously approved the fifth amendment to Frontier Waste Solutions’ collection contract, implementing a ~2.9% CPI adjustment that raised city master fee schedule rates (residential twice‑weekly from $22.40 to $23.25). Staff said the change reflects an established CPI clause and offsets a $25,000 franchise fee shortfall tied to fewer temporary roll‑offs.
The Mineral Wells City Council on Feb. 17 approved a fifth amendment to the city’s solid waste collection and disposal contract with Frontier Waste Solutions (Frontier Texas Ventures 1 LLC), adopting a cost adjustment tied to the consumer price index.
City staff said Frontier notified the city on Nov. 12, 2025, of a 2.89% CPI increase allowed under Section 5.2 of the contract. The city incorporated a 2.98% rate adjustment into its master fee schedule; one concrete effect is an increase in the residential twice‑weekly collection charge from $22.40 to $23.25.
In a preceding presentation, the contractor’s representative reviewed annual service metrics, saying the hauler performs roughly 43,573 stops annually and described year‑over‑year shifts: a roughly 16% drop in roll‑off hauls (about 7,067 tons) and lower recycling and convenience‑station usage. Staff and the presenter said the decline in third‑party temporary roll‑offs produced an estimated $25,000 shortfall in franchise fee revenue this fiscal year.
Council members questioned customer service and competition issues. One council member noted concerns that an exclusive franchise and unified roll‑off pricing can disadvantage smaller local competitors; the presenter said renewal options under discussion would include lower open‑market temporary roll‑off pricing and other concessions to address market competitiveness. The hauler also described operational practices for bulk pickup (separate rear‑loader runs vs. automated routes) and said repeated missed pickups reported by residents trigger supervisor follow‑up.
Staff recommended the amendment as consistent with the contract’s CPI clause, and Council approved the resolution by voice vote. The City will codify the new rates in its master fee schedule and continue work on contract renewal options that staff said could include rate adjustments for temporary roll‑offs.
