Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council OKs new Republic Services contract; staff says resident rates will rise modestly
Summary
Holland City Council approved a five‑year residential solid‑waste contract with Republic Services covering 2027–2031; staff said unit prices rose 17–25% from bidders but the BPW‑managed resident rate will increase about 4–5% year over year, with a $14.54 annual increase cited for households using 96‑gallon carts.
HOLLAND, Mich. — City Council on April 15 approved a five‑year residential solid‑waste collection services agreement with Republic Services to begin July 1, 2026. Staff and Holland Board of Public Works (BPW) representatives told council the city ran a competitive RFP process; Republic Services was the lowest responsive bidder.
Dan Borsma and city sustainability staff reviewed services covered by the contract: weekly refuse pickup, every‑other‑week recycling, an opt‑in yard‑waste collection, cart repair/replacement, and Project Pride bulk‑waste coupons. Staff said the bid showed unit‑price increases in the 17–25% range for specific service categories, but the BPW rate charged to residents will increase by about 4–5% year over year because the BPW absorbs some cost and spreads overhead across services.
Staff gave an example: residents with 96‑gallon carts (3,806 customers) would see an annual increase of $14.54 next year. Council asked how Holland’s rates compare to neighboring municipalities; staff said Holland’s rates remain on the lower end of those surveyed. Councilmembers also asked for clarity about Project Pride, a benefit that provides two disposal coupons per year (historically a $1,000 allowance, updated under the new contract to 2,000 pounds or roughly one ton). Staff said a new recycling center coming online will complement the contract.
Councilmember Schulteis moved to approve the contract; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote.
What happens next: The new contract begins July 1, 2026. Staff will publish details about subscription tiers and Project Pride usage and continue work on the recycling center that officials said will answer historical programming questions.
