Gallatin city staff informed the committee April 8 that regional disposal costs are rising and that the city will likely need to increase its residential solid‑waste service fee to remain financially sustainable.

Public Works Superintendent Richard DuPreece told the committee Sumner County’s Resource Authority has indicated the city’s tipping fee could increase from about $52 per ton to roughly $70 per ton effective July 1. DuPreece said the city’s monthly per‑can fee is currently $16 and staff proposes raising it to $21 per month per can; that stepped increase would cover disposal costs at a $70/ton assumption for approximately three years, he said. DuPreece said the city currently handles about 1,300–1,700 tons per month and that environmental services are funded by the service fee, not property tax revenue.

DuPreece and councilors discussed whether the resource authority had applied a uniform increase countywide and whether landfill capacity limits and TDEC regulation changes (Smith County limiting daily inbound tons) are driving the fee increases. DuPreece said the countywide fee situation and the potential need to shift tonnage to alternate disposal locations would increase transit and disposal costs further.

Vice Mayor Hayes and other councilors indicated staff should move forward so the billing agencies have time to implement the change by July 1. DuPreece said the city would coordinate with Gallatin Public Utilities and White House Utility District (which handles billing) to implement any new rate. He also noted Hendersonville’s residential trash fee is higher, and even with the proposed increase Gallatin’s rate would remain competitive regionally.

Committee members agreed to advance the item for formal council consideration so the city can finalize billing changes and any ordinance readings needed before July 1.