Council approves 10-year extension with Priority Waste after residents press for details; six-month out clause noted

The Taylor City Council approved a proposed extension of the city's waste, recycling, compost collection and disposal contract with Priority Waste LLC that would run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2035. City staff and a Priority representative explained the longer term was chosen to reduce yearly price increases and to allow the company to invest in costly equipment; staff said the contract contains a six-month out clause that permits the city to terminate for any reason with six months' notice.

Residents asked whether the extension had been opened to competitive bids; the mayor and staff said this action was an extension rather than a new bid opportunity. One resident asked, "So nobody was able to bid on it?" and the mayor answered, "No. This is an extension." Council members pressed for quantification: staff described prior negotiations that held an earlier increase to 3% while avoiding a proposed 20–22% jump. Councilman Johnson summarized household impact: "First year of the contract, the amount that is paid per household is $13.50 per month... In the 10th year, it'd be $17.62." Several residents voiced concern about a decade-long contract length, while staff and representatives said the long-term commitment helps secure equipment investment and lower annual increases. The council carried the motion by voice vote.