Leander to continue solid waste contract with Al Clawson Disposal Inc. despite rate increase

Leander will continue contracting its solid waste and disposal services with Al Clawson Disposal Inc., or ACDI, after consideringof opening the city's waste contract to bids.

Leander City Council was given options to either negotiate a new waste contract with ACDI or to request bids for residential services, nonresidential services or both.

On June 2, City Council unanimously chose to negotiate a contract with ACDI after several public comments voiced support of the company, its services and its community involvement. The current contract expires in February 2021.

The new contract between ACDI and the city of Leander would include a 24% service cost increase for nonresidential customers. The company has not increased Leander customers' rates in 12 years, though costs to the company have increased in that time, said Tanya Clawson of ACDI at the meeting.

Council Member Marci Cannon said 78% of Leander businesses wanted to continue service with ACDI despite the cost increase, according to a survey.

The negotiated contract will need a public hearing, first reading and second reading before the new contract is executed. According to the agenda, the public hearing and first reading would be held at the July 16 council meeting, and the second reading would be held Aug. 6.

Previous council meeting discussions included consideration of opening the contract up for bidding. Bids would find the lowest-cost provider. However, City Council also considered the relationship between the city and ACDI in its decision.