Highfill Highlights
The Highfill City Council met Tuesday evening to discuss water and sewer infrastructure, residential zoning, trash and recycling services, and other city business. Council members also appointed a new representative to Ward 3, Position 1.
Here are the key decisions and discussions from the meeting.
Council Appoints New Ward 3 Representative
The Council appointed Paige Edmond to Ward 3, Position 1, filling the vacant City Council seat. Edmond and another applicant, Jessica Thibodeaux, introduced themselves and shared their interest in serving the community.
Following a brief executive session, the Council voted unanimously to appoint Edmond. She then took the oath of office.
The City thanks both applicants for their willingness to serve Highfill.
Council Approves $12.33 Million in Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds
The Council approved Ordinance 2026-17, authorizing the issuance and sale of $12.33 million in water and sewer revenue bonds to help fund the City’s water extension and booster pump station projects.
During the meeting, the City’s bond representative reviewed the bond terms, including interest rates ranging from 5.50% to 5.75% and a final maturity date of June 1, 2058. The City expects to close on the bond issue November 19, 2026.
The bonds will be secured by revenues from the City’s water and sewer system. The ordinance also allows the City to use excess bond proceeds to pay down the bonds early if project costs come in below estimates. Beginning June 1, 2033, the City may prepay the bonds without penalty.
The Council also approved the ordinance’s emergency clause, allowing the Mayor to proceed with the bond purchase agreement.
These projects are intended to strengthen Highfill’s water infrastructure and support long-term system needs.
Council Reviews Proposed Residential Rezoning
The Council heard public comments and discussed Ordinance 2026-20, a proposal to rezone property owned by Sach and Codi Oliver for residential use.
Residents shared concerns about the proposed development’s potential density, road conditions, drainage and flooding, sewer infrastructure, and consistency with the City’s future growth plans. The property owners explained their proposal and discussed why they believe residential zoning would be an appropriate use of the property.
The Council voted to advance the ordinance on first reading only. This was not final approval of the rezoning. The proposal will return for further consideration at a future Council meeting.
The City recognizes the importance of public participation in land-use decisions and encourages residents to follow the proposal as the review continues.
Council Approves Recycling Partnership Grant
The Council approved Resolution 2026-31, authorizing the Mayor to execute a recycling partnership grant agreement with The Recycling Partnership.
The grant will support the initial rollout of approximately 1,700 recycling carts for eligible residential customers. The carts are expected to feature the City of Highfill logo.
During discussion, Council members asked how the City would provide carts as new neighborhoods develop. Representatives explained that the initial grant covers current service areas and that the procurement process includes provisions for the waste provider to supply additional carts as the City grows. Future needs may require further discussion.
The recycling service is planned as part of the City’s trash service, with recycling carts provided to eligible customers. Customers will not be required to place recyclables in the carts, but the service cost will be included in the applicable trash bill.
Council Selects Eco-Waste for Future Trash Service
After reviewing four proposals submitted through the City’s competitive selection process, the Council selected Eco-Waste as its recommended trash service provider.
The City began reviewing its solid waste contract earlier this year with assistance from consultants. The current contract was scheduled to renew automatically for another five years unless the City provided notice of termination. The City issued that notice in September and invited Republic Services and other providers to submit proposals.
Eco-Waste and GFL ranked highest in the City’s evaluation, which considered price, experience, service history, and other factors. The Council voted to select Eco-Waste, and the City Attorney will work with the provider to finalize a contract for Council consideration at a future meeting.
The proposed service includes recycling and bulky-item pickup. The figures discussed at the meeting indicate an estimated monthly cost of $15.57 for the applicable residential service, compared with approximately $15.16 for the current trash service. This represents an estimated increase of about 41 cents per month while adding recycling.
The proposed contract also includes limits on annual rate increases tied to a published inflation measure. City officials discussed plans to share educational information with residents before the new service begins. The final contract and implementation details will be brought back to the Council for consideration.
Other Actions and Updates
The Council also took the following actions:
- Approved the 2026 electrical code update through Ordinance 2026-18, aligning the City’s code with the updated state-adopted electrical code.
- Approved the ambulance service agreement through Ordinance 2026-19, authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement with the designated provider as part of the countywide service renewal.
- Approved Resolution 2026-29, addressing the City’s annual property tax millage.
- Approved Resolution 2026-30, declaring certain Public Works equipment and property surplus and authorizing its sale or other disposition in accordance with state law. The City plans to use GovDeals to help sell surplus items.
- Authorized Sarah Summit as an additional check signer on the City’s Citibank account.
- Approved the September 2026 financial reports.
Department Updates
Water and Sewer: Public Works reported that water usage had decreased from approximately 900,000 to 700,000, though continued conservation remains important, particularly for outdoor irrigation.
Fire Department: The department thanked the Council for supporting the purchase of a new fire truck and invited residents and Council members to visit the station to see the vehicle.
Public Safety Accreditation: The Police Department reported continued work toward accreditation and noted that state and municipal organizations are encouraging municipalities to pursue accreditation by 2028.
Parks and Community Events: City representatives described National Night Out as a success and thanked volunteers and community partners who helped make the event possible.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Residents are welcome to attend public meetings and stay informed about City business.
- Water and Sewer Committee: Monday, October 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
- Planning Commission: Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
- City Council: Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
- Holiday at the Park: Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., at City Park.
Unless otherwise announced, meetings take place in the Highfill City Council Chambers.
Staying Connected with the City of Highfill
Highfill is committed to keeping residents informed about City decisions, projects, and services. Residents can review meeting agendas, supporting documents, and other public information through the City’s official website or by contacting City Hall.
For City news, event announcements, and meeting reminders:
Your participation matters. Attending meetings and reviewing public materials are valuable ways to stay informed about the decisions shaping Highfill’s future.
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