Lawndale council adopts 4.5% refuse collection rate increase after 171 protests fall short

The Lawndale City Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution CC‑2603‑004, approving a 4.5% increase to the city’s refuse collection rates for 2026 after the city clerk reported that 171 written protests had been received, short of the number required to constitute a majority protest.

Grace Weezar, senior management analyst in the public works department, told the council Republic Services submitted a 4.5% rate request on Oct. 21, 2025 and staff verified the CPI calculation under the city’s franchise agreement. Weezar said Prop 218 notice and protest procedures were followed and provided examples of effects on customers, including about a $1.23 monthly increase for a small (35‑gallon) residential cart and an example commercial 3‑yard service rising from $261.25 to $273.01 per month.

"Staff recommends that city council open the public hearing, receive testimony, and close the public hearing, and adopt resolution number CC‑2603‑004, establishing the 2026 refuse collection rates contingent upon there being no majority protest," Weezar said.

During the hearing a senior resident said higher trash charges would disproportionately affect low‑income and senior households and urged the council to consider affordability options. The deputy city clerk reported, "2 protests were received this evening for a total of 171 protests received," and confirmed that number was below the threshold needed for a majority protest.

Councilmember Pat Kearney moved to adopt the resolution; Frank Telavier seconded the motion. After brief comment, the council voted and the motion passed unanimously.

Council and staff exchanged questions with contractor representatives about vehicle procurement delays and the timeline for new trucks. A contractor representative said vehicles have been slow to be built since the COVID‑era supply disruptions and that some trucks were expected to arrive in the next six months, with additional units arriving later in the year; the exact schedule and counts were not specified on the record.

Councilmembers also discussed possible options to assist seniors. Staff said a 15% senior discount exists in the contract and that the city could consider a subsidy or other options during the upcoming budget season or as part of contract negotiations before the franchise expires on Dec. 31, 2028. Staff indicated the RFP process for the next contract would begin about 18 months before the expiration date.

The resolution adopted by the council will take effect consistent with the franchise agreement and Prop 218 procedures; staff said the city will implement the rates if the majority‑protest threshold remains unmet.