Council signals support to put solid-waste service options on 2026 ballot after years of public debate

Port St. Lucie's City Council reached a consensus to direct staff to prepare materials for a potential ballot referendum in 2026 that would present voters with options for solid-waste service levels, including the cost to restore twice-weekly pickup.

Council members and staff summarized prior outreach: a citizen survey showed 86 percent of respondents did not favor paying an additional $131 per year for twice-weekly pickup; however, residents who spoke at the Aug. 25 meeting reiterated that they prefer more frequent service and better responsiveness. Council members said putting the options on a regular-election ballot would settle the issue and provide clear voter direction.

Several council members encouraged staff to prepare multiple options for the ballot measure so voters could weigh service levels, estimated costs, and implementation timing. Vice Mayor Caraballo and other council members also asked for staff to provide the history of procurement, past performance issues during the contract transition in 2022, and clearer cost estimates so voters would have the necessary context. The motion directing staff was recorded as a consensus direction rather than a formal ordinance.

Staff told the council a citizen task force had recommended an automated once-weekly service under the emergency replacement contract in 2022 because it was the only reliable option at the time. Council members said they remain committed to exploring alternatives and to educating the public on trade-offs between service frequency and cost.