City of Auburn, Maine, City Council Workshop & Meeting, September 21st, 2026

The City of Auburn, Maine City Council held a workshop and meeting on September 21, 2026, focusing primarily on solid waste management updates and proposed ordinance revisions. The council received a detailed report on the rollout of new solid waste and recycling carts, including challenges with contamination, missed pickups, and adjustments to collection practices. They discussed proposed ordinance changes affecting trash pickup for multifamily buildings, including limiting city collection to buildings with four or fewer units and requiring larger properties to arrange private collection. The council also reviewed a $42,000 proposal for leaf pickup services by the contracted waste hauler, Cassella, which was not included in the current budget but expected to be absorbed within the solid waste line item. Additionally, the council approved collective bargaining agreements with two unions covering public works and service employees, including wage adjustments and updated contract terms. Other agenda items included acceptance of an $18,337 Justice Assistance Grant for the police department to purchase a mobile message board with speed radar, and discussion of a citizen-initiated ordinance regarding automated license plate readers, which the council voted not to adopt as written due to concerns about unintended consequences. The meeting also featured a presentation on the successful removal of the Littlefield Dam, funded by grants and completed under budget. No direct contract awards or new procurement solicitations were reported, but several budgetary and contract-related decisions were made regarding waste management services and labor agreements.