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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final December 9, 2025 <br />Vice Chairman Moss asked about the potential for rate decreases. County <br />Administrator Titkanich responded and clarified that, while the rates remained set, <br />supplemental fees had varied. He emphasized that the commercial rates remained <br />competitive relative to neighboring counties and noted that the increase was a <br />necessary adjustment following a decade of low rates. <br />Administrator Titkanich inquired whether WM would waive the $100 fee for <br />distributing approximately 5,000 carts. Mr. Mehta clarified that, while 5,000 yard <br />waste carts had been reserved, they remained undelivered due to specific <br />communities had received an exemption. The collection of this fee was still <br />necessary as part of the non -ad valorem assessment program, which involved <br />collecting the assessment through residents' tax bills. Under the Franchise <br />Agreement, WM was obligated to be prepared to provide service to the <br />community each day, even though the community had opted out of yard waste <br />service. This scenario mirrored previous franchise agreements in which <br />communities had used their own yard waste companies and paid service charges <br />directly to WM. Those communities had opted not to allow WM to collect yard <br />waste, preferring to hire their own landscapers. Additionally, WM agreed that <br />during the one-year period, if another 5,000 residents outside the exempt <br />communities required a second yard waste cart, the current $100 delivery fee <br />would be waived. However, residents would need to agree to an extra $10 <br />monthly fee for the second cart, as specified in the amendment regarding benefits <br />for exempt communities. Mr. Mehta further clarified that there was no mechanism <br />to credit the $100 to exempt communities. <br />Chairman Loar stated that, in his understanding, the 5,001st customer would be <br />required to pay the $100 fee for a new yard waste cart. To the Administrator's <br />point, those 5,000 carts had already been effectively paid for. The key takeaway <br />was that WM was already being compensated by those 5,000 customers who <br />were not receiving the services. <br />Luigi Pace of Waste Management addressed the Board, stating that he did not <br />have the authority to agree to any changes from those initially discussed and <br />negotiated with Mr. Mehta. If the Board desired to make any changes, Mr. Pace <br />would need to seek permission and approval to proceed. <br />Chairman Loar requested a motion to bring this Item back in January 2026. <br />Commissioner Flescher believed it would be appropriate and in the public's best <br />interest. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Vice Chairman <br />Moss, to postpone the discussion until the January 13, 2026, BCC Meeting. <br />The motion carried by the following vote: <br />Indian River County, Florida Page 23 <br />