During a recent government meeting, officials discussed upcoming rate increases for waste management services provided by Best Trash and GFL, which are set to take effect in early 2024 and 2025, respectively. Best Trash's curbside service rate will rise from $23.48 to $24.84, reflecting a 5.8% increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). GFL's rate will increase from $14.95 to $15.70, a 2.29% adjustment.

Both companies have contracts that include automatic yearly price adjustments tied to the CPI, a requirement established by the Department of Labor. The contracts for both services are set to expire in December 2025, prompting plans to consolidate the services into a single contract before the expiration date.

Council members raised concerns about the impact of these increases on residents, particularly those already facing financial challenges. The city plans to inform residents about the upcoming changes and is conducting a rate study that will incorporate these adjustments.

The discussions highlighted the necessity of adhering to contractual obligations while also considering the financial burden on residents. Council members expressed the importance of transparency in communicating these changes to the community, especially given the significant difference in the rate increases between the two waste management companies.