A new owner could pick up the county’s garbage collection service.
Contracting with a new solid waste service provider was one of multiple issues that the Sunflower County Board of Supervisors decided to table until the March 2 meeting.
Two companies, Waste Pro USA and Arrow Disposal Service, Inc, submitted proposals to handle the county's residential garbage collection service. They proposed $14.39 per residence and $13.75 per residence, respectively.
The county lawmakers indecisiveness was seemingly further enhanced by an announcement from Lori Cate, Municipal Marketing Director with Waste Pro, that her company has a pending agreement to purchase Resourceful Environmental Services, the county’s current solid waste provider.
"I just wanted to share some information regarding your current contract that might enlighten your decision regarding your future contract," Cate said, "We at Waste Pro have received a letter of intent so, officially beginning March 1, unless something falls through between now and the 28th of the month, we will be acquiring their contract. So, the county will be going through a transition from RES to Waste Pro at the beginning of the month already. So, should you select another provider then you would be transitioning to another contractor in a very quick window of time."
Cate emphasized that they have only received a letter of intent, but she wanted to make the members aware of that since they had the bids before them.
"Otherwise we were going to hold off until the beginning of March to tell you," she said.
Upon a question from Attorney Johnny McWilliams, Cate implied that the transition should be a smooth one if the county decided to go with Waste Pro, since they will be retaining RES's employees.
District 1 Supervisor Glenn Donald made a motion to contract with Waste Pro even though their cost was higher. Reflecting on past experiences with Waste Pro, he said the company's service was "great" and based on his satisfaction with the company's past service record with the county he was willing to go with the higher bid.
Donald praised Waste Pro recalling how before the county contracted with RES, Waste Pro was the county's service provider.
"Waste Pro was a great company,” Donald said.
However, his motion failed for lack of a second.
President Riley Rice then attempted to make a motion to go with ADSI.
"If we can save $16,000, we need to save $16,000," he said.
Donald emphasized, "We're not paying it, the citizens are paying it."
District 4 Supervisor Anthony Clark voiced his reluctance to vote at the time, so the matter was tabled. District 3 Supervisor Ben Gaston was not present at the time.
The county residents are currently paying $12.47 per residence with RES and that price will remain in effect until May 1. If they had accepted Donald’s recommendation the cost would go up to $14.39 per month per resident and $13.75 per household if Rice’s motion had succeeded.
Attorney Johnny McWilliams calculated that based on 2,100 county households, contracting with Waste Pro over ADSI would cost county residents a collective $1,344 more monthly and $16,128 more annually.
