Solid-waste assessment held steady as city builds reserve for contract changes

Staff told the council the city is keeping the residential solid-waste assessment unchanged for FY2027 while accounting for known contractual increases and anticipated disposal costs. Finance staff said Waste Pro’s contract includes a CPI increase and Lee County is proposing higher disposal fees, but those increases are offset by a reduction in operating and personnel lines and use of an existing reserve built over prior years.

Crystal Feas said the estimated year‑end fund balance for the solid-waste fund would be approximately $35.3 million as of Sept. 30, 2027, after a projected $8.4 million surplus. The staff presentation said the city created the reserve in anticipation of contractual increases and to preserve capacity for residential debris cleanup or a new transfer station. Public commenters questioned why the reserve had grown so large and whether some funds should be applied to reduce next year’s assessment.

Tom Shadrach urged council to consider using reserve funds to reduce the assessment, calling for more clarity on contract proposals now under evaluation. Staff said proposals for the next garbage hauler were received after the proposal deadline and the city will present contract details during the procurement process; council voted to set the not-to-exceed rate and proceed to the final hearing.

What’s next: Staff will continue procurement and report back with contract cost estimates; the council will consider final adoption at the Aug. 26 meeting.