The City of Denton Public Utilities Board on Feb. 10 recommended ordinances authorizing the city manager to execute interlocal agreements with Wise County and with the town of Little Elm for delivery of specified tonnage to the city landfill at negotiated discount rates.

Brian Burner, identified as the city’s southwest director in the meeting, explained the items were posted in the work session but staff sought board approval to forward the agreements to council. City staff described the contracts as put‑or‑pay or guaranteed‑volume arrangements intended to stabilize landfill revenues and to help manage operating costs. "For the last 5 years we have had contracts with Wise County and Little Elm to contribute a part of that tonnage," staff said, and noted the agreements help level revenue for landfill fixed costs.

Staff provided operational context: the landfill accepts about 1,200 tons per day overall; contracted volumes such as the put‑or‑pay agreements represent a portion of annual tonnage (staff referenced roughly 125,000 tons per year in existing arrangements). City staff said the particular interlocal agreements under consideration do not change the permitted life expectancy of the landfill and that the contracts can include incentives to encourage recycling by larger haulers.

Board members asked whether the tonnage agreements affect landfill life and whether discounted rates are negotiated individually. Staff replied the contracts are negotiated case‑by‑case and the arrangements are calculated into long‑term planning. Staff said current planning estimates roughly 50–55 years of remaining landfill life under existing assumptions; staff emphasized diversion and commercial recycling programs can extend operational life.

Motions to recommend ordinances for each interlocal agreement passed unanimously. City council action is required to finalize and execute the ordinances and contracts.