The Board of Public Works and Safety on Dec. 1 approved a $637,001.36 appropriation to the waste‑management budget to cover increased charges stemming from a contract renewal with Best Way.

Staff explained the 2025 contract renewal adjusted rates and that the current fiscal year did not include the new rates, creating a shortfall for November and December 2025. "That's where we're getting that number of $637,001.36," a staff presenter said, asking the board to appropriate funds so the city can cover the two months affected by the contract renewal.

Members asked about contract length and timing; staff confirmed the city uses five‑year contract cycles and that the renewed contract started in November 2025. The board approved the appropriation by voice vote and asked staff to carry the funding into the accounting system and to reconcile billed amounts as invoices arrive.

The board did not prescribe further action beyond appropriating the budget increase; staff indicated there is a cash rebate to offset some costs but that the budget line needs to be increased to make payments through the end of the year.