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SMITHVILLE — Smithville officials are reviewing multiple key contracts and initiatives as the city addresses immediate services and future growth, according to City Manager Robert Tamble’s March report.
Waste management
Tamble reported that Waste Management Inc. is requesting a 1.44% bump in its current residential and commercial garbage rates.
The figure is derived from the Consumer Price Index and diesel fuel adjustments, Tamble said.
The city’s fiscal year 202425 budget factored in a possible 5% increase, allowing officials the option to accept the lower rate request without passing costs on to residents or businesses.
Currently, Smithville charges customers $48.50 per month for residential garbage service and pays WMI $31.99 of that amount.
Under the proposed increase, the city would pay WMI $32.45, with the difference allocated for services such as leaf and limb collection and operation of the brush dump, according to Tamble.
Smithville stands as one of the few municipalities in Central Texas that offers twice-weekly garbage services.
Air medical renewal
Council members are also set to consider a contract renewal with PHI Air Medical, which provides no-cost emergency air transport for life-threatening injuries or illnesses to residents within Smithville city limits.
The cost to the city is estimated at $13,022 annually to cover about 1,532 households, according to Tamble.
Insurance holders would not pay deductibles or copays for f lights within Bastrop County, and those without insurance would see their transport charges fully covered.
Citizens who receive Medicaid would have costs billed to the state, Tamble added.
State of the city
A State of the City address was delivered during the Smithville Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly luncheon late last month, updating attendees on the municipality’s financial performance, ongoing projects and upcoming challenges.
Speakers emphasized infrastructure improvements, economic development and fiscal responsibility as top priorities for 2025.
With 17 infrastructure projects and 22 development projects already in progress, Tamble encouraged citizens to stay engaged by attending future meetings, workshops and stakeholder sessions.
