Council approves Waste Management rate increase, citing higher regional disposal costs

The Wood Village City Council voted to adopt Resolution 17-2026, setting new rates for solid waste and recycling services in the city effective Aug. 1, 2026. Staff said the request from Waste Management is driven largely by higher regional disposal (tipping) fees and other operating costs; Waste Management representatives answered council questions before the council approved the measure.

"We have services here in Wood Village for almost 800 residential customers, 97 commercial customers, and 17 industrial roll off customers," said Dave Huber, Waste Management's public sector manager. Huber noted improvements in customer-service metrics year-to-date and described a proposed expanded rate sheet that would allow curbside bulky-item pickups and other options for residents.

Councilors asked about assistance for low-income or fixed-income residents. Mike Jeffries, Waste Management's area pricing director, said some jurisdictions have recently implemented third-party-administered assistance programs and offered to work with the city to explore options. "We'd be more than happy to work with the city on that," Jeffries said.

The council opened a public hearing; no members of the public spoke. Councilor Minor moved to approve Resolution 17-2026; the motion passed and the mayor announced that the motion carries. The transcript does not record a named second in the motion. The resolution implements the new franchise-based rates as presented by staff and Waste Management.