Title
Hold a Public Hearing and consider an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 24, Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Services.
Body
DATE: September 1, 2026
TO: Kent Cagle, Interim City Manager
FROM: Joseph Dudley III, Director of Solid Waste
SUBJECT: Ordinance Amending Solid Waste Collection Services
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
In Fiscal Year 2026, the City Council, in connection with the annual fee schedule adoption, created a disposal fee for non-collectible items, and a fee associated with the collection of brush. The adopted fees are intended to help offset the increasing costs associated with the proper handling and disposal of solid waste and ensures cost recovery for the transportation, processing, and landfill expenses related to bulky materials.
The proposed amendments to Chapter 24 are to clarify and codify when and how those fees, adopted pursuant to the fee schedule, are implemented, and collected. The proposed amendments to Chapter 24 include the following:
Section 24-32, Non-collection material, is proposed to establish a cost-recovery process for the removal of non-collectible materials placed at the curb. Property owners will receive written notice and a 48-hour opportunity to voluntarily remove the material at no charge. If the material is not removed within the allotted time, the City may remove it and assess the applicable fee. This approach promotes compliance through education first, supports cleaner neighborhoods, and ensures the City recovers the cost of removing non-collectible materials from the responsible party.
Section 24-50, Brush collection, is proposed to establish a user-based fee structure that better aligns the cost of brush collection services with the customers utilizing the service. While the first six cubic yards of brush collection have historically been included in the residential rate structure, that rate has remained unchanged since 2015 despite significant increases in labor, fuel, equipment, maintenance, and operational costs. The proposed fee is intended to recover a portion of the actual cost of providing brush collection, improve the long-term sustainability of the service, promote a more equitable distribution of expenses among customers, and support continued delivery of a high level of service consistent with industry best practices.
Section 24-116, Commercial rates, is proposed to adjust the commercial roll-off pull fee to better align the rate with the actual cost of providing the service. A cost-of-service analysis determined that the current pull fee of $172.21 results in projected under-recovery. The proposed rate adjustment would increase the pull fee by 25% in Fiscal Year 2027, followed by annual increases of 15% through Fiscal Year 2031. These adjustments are intended to improve cost recovery, support the long-term sustainability of commercial roll-off services, and ensure rates reflect the city’s increasing operational costs.
Lastly, there are various grammatical edits throughout the ordinance to ensure clarity and provide a document to the citizens of Killeen that is thorough and concise.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This item conforms with all state and local policies.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
There is no anticipated financial impact in Fiscal Year 2026. The proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget includes an estimated $900,000 in additional Solid Waste Fund revenue: $500,000 from the commercial roll-off pull-fee adjustment and $400,000 from the brush-collection fee. Revenue from the removal of non-collectible materials cannot be reliably estimated because it will depend on the frequency and volume of materials removed by the City after property owners are provided an opportunity to comply.
Future revenue will vary based on service usage and the planned annual 15% increases to the commercial roll-off pull fee through Fiscal Year 2031.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
Recurring
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes. The estimated revenue from the commercial roll-off pull-fee adjustment and brush-collection fee is included in the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Solid Waste Fund budget.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Yes. The estimated revenue is included in the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Solid Waste Fund budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
After holding a public hearing, City Council approve the ordinance amending Chapter 24, Solid Waste, of the Code of Ordinances, to amend roll-off to provide a concise document overall for all residential and commercial customers.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
Lega
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Ordinance
Presentation