Gallatin City Council approves solid waste fee increase ahead of July tipping fees hike

The Gallatin City Council convened on April 9, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including adjustments to solid waste fees, a resolution for a public parks garbage truck loan, and a grant application by the fire department.

The meeting began with a discussion led by Richard DuPreece, the Public Works Superintendent, regarding an impending increase in tipping fees for solid waste disposal. DuPreece reported that the Resource Authority of Sumner County notified the city that tipping fees would rise from $52 to $70 per ton starting July 1, 2025. This increase would necessitate a rise in the monthly solid waste collection fee from $16 to $21 per can to maintain funding for environmental services, which operates without tax support. The council was urged to consider this adjustment promptly to ensure proper billing arrangements could be made in time for the fee change.

Following this, the council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the loan of a garbage truck to the City of Portland for their upcoming Strawberry Festival. This resolution included provisions for liability and coverage of tipping fees incurred during the loan period.

The fire department also received the council's support to apply for a grant from the Auto Club Group Foundation. This grant, which requires no matching funds from the city, aims to fund safety and rescue equipment for vehicle crash incidents.

Lastly, the council discussed Project Phoenix, focusing on extending the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Boyle Group. This project aims to enhance economic development in the area, and representatives from the Boyle Group were present to provide additional insights.

The meeting concluded with a clear direction for the council to address the solid waste fee increase and support for community initiatives through the truck loan and grant application. Further discussions on Project Phoenix are anticipated as the council continues to explore economic opportunities for Gallatin.