Germantown BMA Meeting: Solid Waste Contract & FY2027 Budget – May 11, 2026
Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen Meeting – May 11, 2026
The meeting convened at 6:00 PM on Monday, May 11, 2026, in the Council Chambers. Mayor Palazzolo and Alderman Sanders were absent; Vice Mayor Gibson presided. Key actions included approval of a new solid waste collection contract with Waste Pro (effective July 1, 2026), first readings of the FY2027 budget and related ordinances, and two beer permits. Public comments focused on the solid waste RFP process and cost increases.
Special Recognition
- National Safe Boating Week (May 16–22, 2026): Proclamation read by Alderman Ulike, urging safe boating practices. Statistics: 75% of boating fatalities could be prevented by life jackets; average 650 boating deaths annually in the U.S.
- Public Works Week (May 17–23, 2026): Proclamation read by Alderman Hicks, honoring public works professionals for infrastructure, safety, and quality of life.
Beer Board (Convened and Adjourned Separately)
- Bain Barbecue Germantown LLC (2016 S. Germantown Rd): Public hearing held; no speakers for or against. Applicant Ryan Glauson (owner) described ID policies (card anyone under 40, ABC card training). Approved unanimously (4–0) for on-premise beer sales.
- Germantown Charity Horse Show (June 2–6, 2026, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.): Temporary beer permit for the event at 7745 Poplar Pike. Applicant Walker Taylor (Germantown Commissary) described trained servers with ABC cards, draft beer stored in locked refrigerated truck overnight. Approved unanimously (4–0).
Consent Calendar
All items were approved unanimously without discussion:
- Shelby County Community Enhancement Grant Contract
- TDOT Wolf River Blvd Resurfacing Agreement (PIN 137410.00)
- Change Order No. 2 – Asphalt Milling and Paving Program
- Contract Extension – Solid Waste Disposal
- Grant – Germantown Charity Horse Show
- PSA Amendment No. 1 – Stormwater On-Call Services
- PSA – Water System Modeling
- Purchase – Public Administration Software Annual Access
- Purchase – Speed and Traffic Calming Solution Software
- Resolution 26R08 – USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Application (up to $8.5 million)
- Sport Provider Agreement – Germantown Football League
Public Comments & Testimony
Five residents spoke against the solid waste contract/RFP process:
- Ms. Latham: Questioned new bins and truck requirements; noted 60% cost increase; called for an outside investigation and new RFP; requested RFPs be posted on the website.
- Patrick Green (2900 Oakley Lane): Argued the RFP was written to favor one vendor; only one proposal received; requested new RFP using the 90-day cancellation clause.
- Nancy Ann Adams (2568 Cedarwood Dr): Said bins are adequate; asked who wrote the RFP and who benefits; requested new RFP.
- Edgar Babian (president, Winchester Forest Hill Estate HOA): Described yard debris pickup inconsistencies; proposed separate RFPs for yard waste and trash; suggested studying Collierville’s in-house service to cut costs.
- Dare Estock (1632 Holly Hill Dr): Called the RFP “ludicrous” and “insane”; noted only one respondent; opposed 60% increase after a 30% property tax increase.
Discussion Items
Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Contract (Item 10)
Deputy City Administrator Lisa Piefer, Director Catherine Purdue, and ACA Andy Sanders presented:
- History: Shift to privatization in 1970s; RFP process since 2011; current contract with Waste Pro expiring June 30, 2026.
- RFP Process: Issued March 4, 2025; 12 attendees at pre-proposal meeting; 119 questions from Waste Pro; only one complete proposal received (Waste Pro). Vendors submitting “no proposal” letters: Waste Connections, Michael’s Tree & Loader, Republic Services.
- Contract Terms: Five-year contract (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2031) with five-year city option to extend. Includes all residential trash, recycling, yard waste (10 cubic yards/week), bulk items (5 cubic yards/week). Disposal costs included. Annual CPI-U solid waste adjustment. Rates: curbside $32.45/month; backdoor $43.70/month; high-density (no yard waste) $20.90/month. Extra cart $7.75/month. No construction debris in standard rate.
- Cost Drivers: Legacy contract had capped increases (1.5%–3% annually) during high inflation; industry trends show 20%–70% increases on renewal. Regional comparisons: South Haven, MS – 50% increase; Arlington, TN – 80% increase.
- Board Discussion: Alderman Salvaggio questioned why the RFP was not rejected or re-bid under TCA 12-3-1207; staff stated process was fair and single proposal was legal. Alderman Ulike stressed that in-house service was analyzed and found uneconomically viable due to capital costs. Alderman Hicks clarified that new trucks and carts were not mandatory; vendors could propose alternatives. Alderman Ulike defended staff integrity against social media insinuations. Motion to approve by Alderman Salvaggio, second by Alderman Ulike. Approved unanimously (4–0).
Ordinance 2026-1 – Year-End Budget Adjustments (First Reading)
Presented by Senior Budget Analyst Dakisha Fonden. Includes budget adjustment 26-131 for three snow plows ($XX amount not specified). Approved unanimously. Second reading and public hearing set for June 8, 2026.
Ordinance 2026-2 – GMSD Year-End Budget Adjustments (First Reading)
Presented by Clayton Carter. Approved by GMSD board. Approved unanimously. Second reading and public hearing set for June 8, 2026.
Ordinance 2026-3 – FY2027 Budget Adoption (First Reading)
Presented by City Administrator Heisman. Total budget: $233.4 million; General Fund appropriations: $82.5 million. No property tax increase (rate remains $1.79 per $100 assessed value). Key highlights:
- 57% of General Fund revenue from property taxes.
- Conservative 1.5% sales tax growth projection due to state population estimate changes.
- $7 million contribution to legacy pension fund (80% funding target).
- 3% merit pool for employees (recommended by Personnel Advisory Commission).
- Capital projects: $28.6 million in FY27 CIP, including $10 million bond for Houston High fine arts wing and cafeteria; $3.5 million for Athletic Club Natatorium; $3 million LED street light replacement; $833,000 fourth installment for Germantown Elementary/Middle School properties; $400,000 for ambulance.
- $3.5 million transfer to State Street Aid Fund for road resurfacing (up from $2.95 million).
- No tax increase; five-year plan continues. Board members commended staff and FAC. Approved unanimously. Second reading and public hearing set for June 8, 2026.
Ordinance 2026-4 – Real and Personal Property Taxes (First Reading)
Presented by Director Royals. Sets tax rate at $1.79 per $100 assessed value (same as prior year, no increase). Appeals allowance pending final Shelby County Board of Equalization numbers. Approved unanimously. Second reading and public hearing set for June 8, 2026.
Key Outcomes
- Solid Waste Contract approved (4–0) with Waste Pro of Tennessee, Inc.: 5-year contract + 5-year option, starting July 1, 2026. Monthly rates: $32.45 (curbside), $43.70 (backdoor), $20.90 (high-density). Residents will see changes on August 2026 utility bill.
- Consent Calendar approved unanimously (4–0).
- Beer Permits: Bain Barbecue (on-premise) and Germantown Charity Horse Show (temporary) both approved unanimously (4–0).
- First Readings of Four Ordinances approved unanimously (4–0). Second readings and public hearing scheduled for June 8, 2026.
- Proclamations declared for National Safe Boating Week (May 16–22) and Public Works Week (May 17–23).
- Reminder: Applications for Education Commission and Library Board due May 31, 2026 online.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting for Monday, May 11th, 2026. We welcome all of those in the chamber as well as those watching from home. Mayor Palazzolo and Alderman Sanders are away this evening. However, we do have a quorum. Just a few highlights for the evening. We'll convene our beer board to hear from two applicants, and we do have two special proclamations that will be read into the record. I'd like to also bring your attention to item number six. Citizens to be heard. If you would like to speak to your neighbors and to the board, you'll need to complete the sheet right outside of these doors on People Street and give it to one of our officers. We will recognize you during that portion of tonight's agenda. So there's still plenty of time. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Alderman Brian Ulikey. Please rise. Holy Father, gracious God, we thank you for the opportunity to gather here tonight and serve this community. As we conduct this meeting, we humbly ask for clear direction on the important matters before this board tonight. As our leaders discuss the stewardship of public resources, help them balance fiscal responsibility with the everyday needs of our citizens. Approaching these choices with understanding and grace. God, we also pray for everyone attending tonight. Help us all engage with one another respectfully, remembering that strong communities are built on cooperation, compassion, and kindness. In your name we pray. Amen. Thank you, ACA Sanders, for your thoughtful invocation and Alderman Ulike for leading us in the pledge this evening. That brings us to agenda item number four, setting and adopting the agenda. The agenda is sent to the board and to the community generally around noon each Wednesday prior to the regularly scheduled board meeting to ensure that the public is informed of the people's business. Are there any modifications or changes that any board member would like to bring forward at this time? Seeing no modifications, is there a motion to approve the May 11th, 2026 agenda? Motion to approve. Motion by Alderman Hicks. Second. Second by Alderman Ulicky. Please call the roll. Vice Mayor Gibson. Yes. Alderman Hicks. Yes. Alderman Ulicky? Yes. Alderman Salvaggio? Yes. Thank you for moving that forward. Next on the agenda is the approval of the minutes. We will be looking at the thear with me just one moment. Thank you. The move the meeting for April 27th, 2026 may have a motion to approve the minutes of the Board of Mayor and Alderman regular meeting held April 27th, 2026. Move to approve. Alderman Salvaggio with the motion. Second. Second by Alderman Hicks. Please call the roll. Alderman Hicks.
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