The Jefferson City Council is preparing a new request for proposals on the city's solid waste contract, reigniting discussions several aspects of the current service, including whether it should continue to be mandatory.
At a work session Monday, council members were taken through several decision points for the request for proposals, or RFP, process, including the type of system, service options and billing options. Council members indicated a willingness to consider an open market option, at least for commercial businesses, but also noted they would like proposals to include costs for providing the type of service currently used.
In November 2009, the city entered into a six-year contract with Allied Waste for exclusive service to city residents. Though several companies had expressed an interest in bidding on the service, Allied was the only bid received by the city. An ordinance passed earlier that year made the service mandatory, and not subscribing to it is a violation of city code.
Seven people spoke during the public comment period, three of whom were representing solid waste contractors.
Max Murray, with Waste Corporation of Missouri, out of Springfield, said his business is "extremely interested" in the Jefferson City market, but he noted an open market would allow them to be very competitive with rates. Representatives of M&W Hauling and Allied Waste also spoke Monday, seeking further information on the RFP process.
Rob Agee, owner of Madison's Cafe, said as a business owner, his desire is to try and save costs. He said the only way for him to save on trash services is through an open market with competitive prices. Agee said the commercial businesses are charged a higher rate for services to help keep residential rates low and compensate for a road fee imposed by the city.
David "Butch" Ruprecht, owner of several McDonald's locations in Jefferson City, agreed with Agee's comments, adding "I've never seen where competition has hurt anyone."
Last month, a group of more than 35 business owners, known as the Jefferson City Commercial Trash Alliance, presented their support of an open market for commercial trash hauling to the Public Works and Planning Committee.
The current contract with Allied Waste ends Oct. 31 and city staff has been working for the past few months to put together a new scope of services for a request for proposals.
Janice McMillan, director of Planning and Protective Services, said it will take about 60 days for staff to build the RFP and they hope to have a draft ready for the council to look at in early May.
If the council approves the RFP, then it will be sent out to solid waste contractors to begin the bidding process.