Slippery Rock considers options for trash services
SLIPPERY ROCK — Two options were presented to borough council for the future of garbage services, but for residents, costs are expected to decrease either way.
Council voted unanimously to table awarding a bid regarding garbage services for a three-year period, set to begin Jan. 1, until further review can be done. Two bids were received and opened during Tuesday’s meeting.
The idea of a new garbage services contract was originally discussed by council on Aug. 5 after two residents expressed their discontent with Aiken Refuse, citing recurring instances of garbage not getting picked up and unpleasant customer service.
Then, during the meeting on Sept. 2, council voted unanimously to formally authorize advertisement of a request for proposals for a new contract. Aiken Refuse was notified that the borough would be putting out a new contract for bid.
The new contract also had language added to ensure better customer service.
However, the borough’s solicitor, Rebecca Black, reminded council in September that there are fewer garbage companies and the borough cannot exclude Aiken from bidding again.
Those same reminders came to fruition during Tuesday’s meeting when the borough only received bids from Aiken Refuse and Tri-County Industries.
While each company offered a list of expected rates for each upcoming year, the difference in cost between the bids came out to less than a dollar, according to borough officials’ rough calculations.
Before moving forward, borough council said it would calculate what sizes of receptacles residents have in order to formulate a more precise rate.
Regardless of the receptacle’s size, all bids received presented a lower rate than what is currently given to residents, meaning the amount residents pay for the services will decrease in the next year.
Black said council should be in a position to vote on the topic at their next meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
