Gulfport Utility Services Update: New Contracts and Rate Adjustments
As a community-focused city, we are committed to informing our residents about important utility service changes. This page provides detailed information about the recent transition to new utility contracts and the corresponding adjustments in our rates following the expiration of our previous contracts in September 2023.
Context: End of Previous Contracts and Transition
In September 2023, our existing contract for garbage and recycling services concluded. This marked the end of a service period under specific rates and conditions that had been in place for years. With the contract expiring, it became crucial for the City of Gulfport to seek new agreements to continue providing these essential services to our residents and light commercial properties.
Transition to New Contracts
This fall, following the expiration of these contracts, the City Council undertook the necessary steps to secure new service agreements. A comprehensive process was initiated to find suitable service providers that could meet our community’s growing and evolving needs in waste management.
Throughout this process, the City of Gulfport has maintained a commitment to transparency. We conducted a rigorous, competitive RFP process to select the most advantageous providers for our community. Waste Pro and H2O Innovation were chosen as the lowest bids, and also for reliable, efficient service. We also held an open forum public input meeting in February 2023.
Reasons Behind Rate Adjustments
As a result of this transition, an adjustment in utility rates became essential. This change addresses a significant increase in contractual services and operating costs. These costs are attributed to factors such as inflation, the rising costs of labor and services, and the need to invest in modern machinery to enhance the efficiency of our solid waste and recycling services.
New Rate Structure
- Monthly Rate: Starting January 2024 (billed in December 2023), the new monthly rate for residential and light commercial customers is $36.00 per customer.
- Annual Increase: Additionally, a 2.5% annual rate increase is set each year, effective Oct. 1, for the next nine years through Sept. 30, 2033.
Enhanced Services Under New Contracts
The new utility contracts with Waste Pro and H2O Innovation are not just about adjusting rates; they are also about enhancing the services you receive.
These include:
- Twice-a-week garbage collection
- Once-a-week recycling pickup
- Weekly debris pickup
These services aim to make waste management more convenient and environmentally friendly.
FAQ
A: The utility rate adjustments are being implemented due to the expiration (9/30/2023) of our previous contracts for waste management service. The adjustment is a necessary response to the increased costs for these services, which have risen similarly to those seen by the Harrison County Utility Authority.
A: Enhanced services include twice-a-week garbage collection, weekly recycling, and weekly debris pickup.
Both companies were selected through a competitive RFP process that evaluated cost, efficiency, and reliability. The process involved detailed proposals and a selection committee’s recommendation.
These services are part of the city’s essential utilities, and all residential and light commercial units are automatically included to ensure a clean and healthy environment for everyone.
If you’re facing difficulties, please contact our 311 Customer Service team immediately to discuss possible payment arrangements. Nonpayment may result in discontinuation of services, but we are here to help find solutions.
The city will closely monitor the performance of Waste Pro and H2O Innovation to ensure they meet the terms of their contracts. Regular reviews and community feedback will be integral to this process.
Community Involvement
Your understanding and cooperation are integral to the success of these new initiatives. We are committed to working together towards a cleaner, more sustainable Gulfport.
Thank you for being an active part of our community’s growth and development.
Resources
Click to view PDF versions of documents: