The Salinas City Council approved adjustments to Republic Services’ collection rates for fiscal year 2025–26, increasing the standard 32‑gallon residential service from $34.87 to $36.46 a month (a 4.56% change).

Jeff Condit, the city’s sustainability analyst in Public Works, presented the contract formula driving the adjustment and the fee components passed through from regional waste agencies. He summarized the residential example and the breakdown of the $1.59 monthly increase: 2.33% tied to Republic Services operations (CPI adjustment), plus smaller pass‑through increases for disposal and organics processing, recyclable processing and the city franchise fee. Condit said the overall residential increase is $1.59 per month (from $34.87 to $36.46).

Condit also presented a commercial example: a standard commercial 3‑cubic‑yard weekly bin would increase 4.59%, from $544.20 to $569.16 per month.

Council members questioned vendor performance and the terms of a settlement the city reached previously with Republic Services over contract compliance. Public Works staff and Republic representatives described a two‑phase performance review that found improvements; staff reported Republic had reduced overweight collection vehicles and improved missed collection rates and was largely in compliance after corrective actions.

After public comment that included both residents who said higher fees are a hardship and business representatives who noted operational improvements, the council voted 6–1 to approve the schedule. Council member Sandoval cast the lone no vote. City staff noted that the collection services agreement sets maximum allowable rate adjustments and that, in their opinion, the proposed increase was within the contract terms.

The vote record: Council members Barajas, Barrera, Dirigo, De La Rosa, Salazar and Mayor Donahue voted yes; Council member Sandoval voted no. The staff report and rate schedules will be posted with the adopted resolution for fiscal year 2025–26.