Council hears Republic Services' 3.5% rate request; staff recommends 3% and council asks for resolution

Representatives from Republic Services of Central Oregon presented a franchise-rate adjustment request and reviewed 2025 results and 2026 projections. "For the record, my name is Erica Heitzma. I'm the general manager for Republic Services of Central Oregon," Erica Heitzma said, and she reviewed the company’s $3.1 million 2025 revenue, operating-cost breakdowns and a projected 2026 ask tied to inflation and disposal fees.

City Finance Director Laurie Hooper Antrim told council that staff reviewed the materials and recommended limiting an adjustment to 3%: "Staff is recommending council approve a 3% rate increase for Republic Service effective 07/01/2026," she said. Council members questioned fuel assumptions and the Crook County Landfill disposal increase; Dan Strandy, Republic’s finance manager, and a Republic municipal manager explained that fuel was not driving the current request and that the Crook County Landfill disposal fee increase (from $69 to $73) factors into the run rate.

After public comment and member discussion — including concerns about cumulative utility costs and company margins — the council asked staff to prepare a resolution for formal adoption of a 3% increase for consideration at the next meeting (April 28). No formal council vote on the rate was taken tonight; the mayor and city attorney explained that the franchise agreement allows the company to seek up to the CPI cap (4.22% in the cited example) but that staff’s recommendation and council direction will determine the resolution brought forward.