The Garland City Council held a budget workshop on August 16, 2025, focusing on various financial matters, including waste management fees and commercial service rates.

The meeting began with Councilmember Dutton raising concerns about the cost of replacing Poly Carts, which is currently set at $57. Dutton expressed a desire to increase the rate for a second cart significantly beyond the proposed $12.10, arguing that it should be closer to the primary cart fee of $24.25. He emphasized the need to cover replacement costs and suggested that the current pricing does not adequately reflect the city's expenses. Dutton also acknowledged the hard work of the city crews, noting their efficiency and the absence of catastrophic events that would require overtime.

Following Dutton, Councilmember Bass commended the improvements made in the commercial division over the past six years. He highlighted the disparity in commercial trash rates, sharing his personal experience of paying significantly less in Garland compared to other cities, such as Fort Worth. Bass advocated for a thorough review of the city's commercial rates, suggesting that they are considerably lower than competitors like Waste Management and Republic Services. He pointed out that businesses choosing Garland's services are contributing to the local economy, as their payments benefit the city directly rather than a for-profit company.

The discussions underscored the council's commitment to evaluating and potentially adjusting waste management fees to ensure they align with operational costs while also considering the competitive landscape of commercial services. The meeting concluded with a recognition of the city's efforts in maintaining efficient waste management and the importance of supporting local businesses through fair pricing strategies.