TO: The Solid Waste Disposal District Board of Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Sean C. Lieske, Director of Utility Services
FROM: Himanshu H. Mehta, PE, Managing Director, Solid Waste Disposal District
DATE: September 10, 2025
SUBJECT: Approval of FY 2026 Annual Adjustment Requests by Atlas Organics, Indian River Sustainability Center, and Bulk Express
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BACKGROUND
The Indian River County (IRC) Solid Waste Disposal District (SWDD) Board has the following agreements with contractual partners that include an annual adjustment clause:
Atlas Organics Indian River, LLC (Atlas) - On November 19, 2019, the SWDD Board authorized the Yard Waste Processing and Disposal Services Agreement with Atlas for a period of 10 years. This agreement commenced on January 1, 2020, and approved the rates for processing of yard waste and the recycling of the yard waste. Article 4 of this agreement provides a CPI rate adjustment process specified in the referenced Exhibit A of said agreement with the maximum rate adjustment limited to 3%.
Indian River Sustainability Center, LLC (IRSC) - On July 13, 2021, the SWDD Board approved the Wastewater Treatment Agreement between SWDD and the IRSC. This agreement is for the design, construction, and operation of a 30,000 gallon per day (GPD) Wastewater Treatment Plant (i.e., Evaporator). Section 4.4 of this agreement provides a CPI rate adjustment process specified in the referenced Exhibit F of said agreement with the maximum rate adjustment limited to 3%.
Bulk Express Transport, Inc. (Bulk Express) - On September 13, 2022, the SWDD Board approved the agreement for the Transportation of Recyclables to St. Lucie County to Bulk Express Transport, Inc. (Bulk Express). The term of the agreement was for 3 years with five additional one year terms. Article 4 of this agreement provides a CPI rate adjustment only after the initial 3 year term with a process specified in Exhibit 1 of said agreement with a maximum rate adjustment limited to 3%.
The purpose of this agenda is to obtain SWDD Board input and approval on the Annual adjustments and costs requested by these vendors.
ANALYSIS
In accordance with the respective agreements, Atlas has requested a 1.402% increase; IRSC has requested a 2.12% increase. Bulk Express originally requested a 3% increase per year or a total of 9%; however, after further discussion they have agreed to our offer of a 3% increase for FY2026. Staff is also requesting approval of the one-year extension to the Bulk Express agreement.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Funding for these agreements are budgeted and available for FY2025/2026 and are funded from SWDD assessments and user fees in the amount and accounts shown below:
Atlas - SWDD/CC & Recycling/Other Professional Services 41125534-033190 ($2,900,000)
IRSC - SWDD/Landfill/Leachate Evaporator Expenses 41121734-033490 ($1,700,000)
Bulk Express - SWDD/CC & Recycling/Other Contractual Services 41125534-033490 ($275,000)
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Infrastructure
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Solid Waste Disposal District staff recommends that the Board approve the calculated Consumer Price Index of 1.402% CPI allowance for Atlas Organics Indian River, LLC, a 2.12% CPI allowance for Indian River Sustainability Center, LLC, and approve staff recommendation to provide a one-year extension and a 3% CPI allowance to Bulk Express Transport, Inc, and authorize the County Administrator or his designee to send a letter of approval to these companies.