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Occoquan staff report 38–43% trash contract rate spike; council directs Events Fund policy
Summary
Town Manager Adam Linn told the council that the current trash contractor notified staff of about a 38% rate increase and the first invoice, including a fuel surcharge, reflected roughly a 43% increase; staff has not yet received a contractor response. The council directed staff to draft a policy describing Events Fund transfers to the CIP.
Town Manager and Chief of Police Adam Linn told the Occoquan Town Council on Aug. 6 that the town’s trash contractor had notified staff of a roughly 38% rate increase over last year and that the first invoice — including a fuel surcharge — reflected an approximately 43% increase. Linn said staff had reached out to the contractor but had not received a response as of the meeting.
“Staff is currently dealing with the current trash contractor after receiving notification that the rates will increase about thirty‑eight percent (38%) over last year. After receiving the first invoice the increase is actually forty‑three percent (43%) higher since it includes an added fuel surcharge,” Linn said.
Town Treasurer Asma Rupani provided the Treasurer’s portion of the report and said town revenue is meeting projections. Rupani noted the court date for the business Bann Thai has been extended until September and explained that $76,000 shown as unearned Events Fund revenue represents prepaid vendor fees for the Fall Arts and Crafts Show; those funds will be moved beginning July 1 in the next reporting period. Council discussed whether the Events Fund balance should be reassigned to CIP and Mayor Porta directed staff to prepare a written policy or administrative practice describing how Events Fund balances would be transferred to CIP accounts after year‑end close and audit.
Linn also reported operational improvements: the gas‑light conversion to a single flame will reduce utility spending by an estimated 30% and lower maintenance costs, and new QR signage at the town dock has replaced an on‑dock cash box to accept docking fees.
Council did not take immediate action on the trash contract at the meeting; staff is expected to follow up with the contractor and report back. Mayor Porta directed staff to draft the Events Fund policy and return with recommended language.
Next steps: staff to report back on the contractor’s response and present a proposed Events Fund policy for Council consideration.
