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Lewiston council removes proposed 18.5% one-time increase from Sunshine Disposal franchise amendment after debate
Summary
After extended debate and requests for supporting invoices, the City Council approved the second reading of an amended franchise agreement with Sunshine Disposal & Recycling but deleted the proposed one-time 18.5% adjustment the company sought to address pandemic-era operating cost increases.
The Lewiston City Council approved the second reading of an amended franchise agreement with Sunshine Disposal & Recycling on March 9, 2026, but only after removing provisions that would have granted a one-time 18.5% increase the company had requested to cover pandemic-related operating-cost impacts.
Sunshine representatives said their operational costs had risen sharply in recent years — citing vehicle, tire and labor increases — and asked the city to adopt a contractual adjustment. John Lloyd of Sunshine Disposal told council the company’s analysis showed some categories of replacement and operating costs had increased “upwards of 40%,” and company representative Brian Coddington said the price of a new rear-loader truck had risen from about $362,000 in FY2015 to about $622,000 in FY2025 in the company’s figures.
Councilors pressed Sunshine for invoices and underlying documentation to justify a permanent or one-time increase. Several council members said the company had not yet provided the detailed, auditable cost records they needed to approve the specific 18.5% adjustment. Councilor Speckelmire moved to remove sections 9 and 10 and proposed Exhibits A and B from the amendment — effectively eliminating the one-time 18.5% payment — and the motion carried. The ordinance was approved as amended by voice vote.
City Attorney Jennifer Tengonciang reminded the council that the public hearing had occurred and urged members to decide based on the materials on the record; staff also confirmed previously exchanged materials (including a Sunshine memo) were included in council packets.
Sunshine said it remains open to meeting with city staff to present invoices or provide more detailed cost support outside open session. Councilors who sought further documentation said they would weigh that information in future rate discussions or during contract renewals.
Next steps: the franchise amendment (as amended) is effective per the ordinance language; Sunshine and city staff may follow up privately about cost documentation and rate implementation steps for future years.
