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Atoka approves ordinance extending trash contract, delaying rate rise until 2028
Summary
The Atoka Board adopted a final ordinance extending the town's trash contract with Republic and set no increase for fiscal 2027 and a $1-per-month increase in fiscal 2028; the measure passed on a 4–1 roll-call vote after aldermanic debate about revenue alternatives.
The Town of Atoka on March 10 approved an ordinance extending its contract with Republic and postponing a household trash-rate increase until fiscal year 2028, when customers would pay $1 more per month.
Mayor Barry Aken, who led the discussion, told residents the board had negotiated two one-year extension options and proposed no fee increase for fiscal 2027 and a $1-per-month increase in fiscal 2028 (about $0.25 per week). "We are keeping the cost to you the same," Aken said, adding that the town would absorb an increase on its side and that Atoka's service rates remain lower than neighboring jurisdictions.
During debate, Alderman Schaefer said he opposed any increase and cast the lone 'no' vote in the roll call. Other aldermen argued the town needs to find revenue to cover rising costs without raising property taxes; one member urged making Atoka more attractive to businesses as a long-term revenue strategy. The ordinance was read by title and carried on a roll call: Alderman Dichi, Alderman Harour, Alderman Gianini and Alderman Pool voted yes; Alderman Schaefer voted no.
The ordinance amends Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 17-108 of the Atoka Municipal Code and implements the two one-year extension options referenced in the contract with Republic. The board took no additional action beyond final passage.
The board scheduled no further votes on this item; implementation and billing adjustments will be handled by town staff in coordination with the contract schedule.
