Burton City Council Votes to Extend Waste Management Contract with Texas Commercial Waste Services for Two More Years

Burton Residents to Continue with Texas Commercial Waste Services

In a recent city council meeting, Burton has decided to stick with Texas Commercial Waste (TCW) for at least another two years, following a unanimous vote that has shed some much-needed clarity on local waste management services. This change comes after residents expressed a mix of satisfaction and concern regarding the company’s services. The council’s decision was influenced by results from a recent survey that showed most residents are happy with how things are being handled.

A Little Change Goes a Long Way

Though there have been some ongoing problems with TCW, including complaints about missed pickups and other issues especially affecting commercial clients, the city council felt it was better to make adjustments rather than change companies entirely. One significant tweak was the removal of the controversial “evergreen clause” which allowed the contract to renew automatically every three years without city council approval. This clause caused concerns about transparency and oversight, but with this removal, the city will have more control over the contract in the future, which is a win for the local government.

What’s New in the Contract?

Mayor Karen Buck shared some details about the adjustments made to the existing contract that dates back to 1998. Key among them is the fact that starting in March 2025, the city’s commercial customers can seek out their own waste management vendors if they wish. “We’ll be sending a letter to them letting them know when they can start with a new vendor or stick with TCW. It’s really their choice,” she explained.

The city began its partnership with TCW back in the late 1980s, so it’s understandable why some residents might be a bit attached to the service. However, as times change, so too do needs. The adjustments made will help focus on better service for everyone involved—residential and commercial alike. The city is also going to tackle some issues that have been plaguing TCW’s service, including the need for better waste disposal practices and equipment upkeep to avoid pesky leaks and odors.

Cost Adjustments – What You Need to Know

Another important note is that while the costs have been updated, the city reassured residents that there are no immediate plans to increase the rates charged to customers. Previously, TCW charged the city $10.35 per residential customer and $17.25 for commercial clients for hand-picked service. The new rates will rise to $13 for residential and $19 for commercial clients, although local prices remain steady at $14 and $23 respectively.

An Eye on Improvement

As soon as the new contract is effective next spring, the city hopes to have smoother operations and better satisfaction from their residents and businesses. Mayor Buck mentioned that complaints have surfaced even recently, including inconsistent pickup schedules and issues with damaged trash bins. “We are actively looking into these problems and working with TCW to find solutions,” she said.

To keep the comfort of residents it was confirmed that the traditional service of providing a roll-off dumpster for large item disposal once a year would continue, bringing a sigh of relief for many in the community.

Staying Up-to-Date

Moving forward, the city of Burton seems to be heading in a positive direction with its waste management service. With an open line of communication, feedback from residents, and a revised contract in place, the hope is that future services will be both effective and satisfactory for all.

Burton’s residents can look forward to a collaborative relationship with Texas Commercial Waste, and everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences as this journey continues. It’s all about making sure everyone’s voice is heard and everyone’s trash gets picked up!