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Council discusses 10% fuel surcharge for solid-waste contract, asks for resolution next meeting
Summary
City Administrator Andrew Barden proposed a 10% fuel surcharge for six months to offset anticipated solid-waste contract increases; council asked staff to return with a formal resolution at the next meeting and discussed sidewalk repairs and a social-media speech-rights point raised by a council member.
City Administrator Andrew Barden reviewed the history of Winterset’s waste-management contract and recommended imposing a 10% fuel surcharge for six months beginning in August 2026 to help absorb anticipated contract increases. The council discussed alternatives and directed staff to prepare a resolution for consideration at the next meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Christopher Fairholm led a related discussion on sidewalk repairs, installation and funding; Administrator Barden will coordinate with the Street Department and present a plan at a future meeting. Council Member Mike Fletcher raised a separate point about social-media postings, emphasizing that citizens’ expression is protected by the First Amendment and cautioning against treating private speech as official council positions.
Attorney Rosien referenced a previously emailed memorandum about the pending ordinance amendment and encouraged council members to submit questions to her office ahead of the scheduled July 20 public hearing. No formal action was taken on the fuel-surcharge proposal at the July 6 meeting; the council requested a resolution be drafted for a future vote.
