Johnson City Commission approves front‑loaded solid waste rate increase to replace aging fleet

The Johnson City Commission on Dec. 4 approved a multi‑year solid waste rate increase designed to replenish reserves and pay for an accelerated truck‑replacement program.

Public works director Jason Miles and consultant Mead Olsen of Raftelus told commissioners the solid waste enterprise fund must be self‑supporting. Miles said the fleet’s average truck age is about nine years, with some units nearly 20 years old, and that the capital plan is “front‑loaded” to replace the oldest vehicles. He said the city projects roughly $6.4 million in truck replacements for fiscal year 2026 and a total capital plan covering FY2026–29 to address fleet and reserve needs.

Why it matters: Solid waste operates as an enterprise fund that cannot draw on property tax revenue; aging trucks have driven maintenance costs and service disruptions. Miles said the city has used short‑term leases to bridge delivery delays and has cultivated new vendor relationships to shorten lead times for replacement trucks.

The change: Under the approved schedule, the municipal monthly residential rate will rise from $13.00 to $16.25 on Feb. 1, 2026; the regional (outside‑city) rate will increase by $4.75 the same date. A subsequent scheduled adjustment is set for July 1, 2027. Miles said no new debt is proposed and the plan uses a pay‑as‑you‑go approach.

Discussion: Commissioners questioned recycling market trends, truck counts and staffing for curbside recycling. Miles said recycling margins fluctuate and that curbside recycling requires different trucks and extra crew members; he estimated the department has approximately five recycling trucks (not all always operational) and said he would confirm the exact number.

Outcome and next steps: A motion to adopt the rate schedule passed by roll call (unanimous). Miles said the rate increase will take effect Feb. 1, 2026, and that staff will continue to return to the commission with implementation details and any clarifications about fleet procurement.

Quotes: “This is a long‑term plan for our operational, capital and reserve reinvestment,” Jason Miles said while outlining the study. Mead Olsen, the consultant, described the rate study as critical for accurate enterprise budgeting.

The commission recorded the approved motion and took a unanimous roll call. No amendments to the adopted schedule were recorded that evening.