Waste change delayed

Current contract prevents Grovetown from taking bids for garbage-service firm until next fall

Web posted December 15, 1998

By S.B. Crawford
Columbia County Bureau

An attempt by Grovetown City Council members to save city taxpayers a few dollars for garbage services in 1999 was derailed Monday night when officials discovered it was too late to make a change this year.

Officials were ready to ask for bids for garbage service for next year, at the suggestion of Public Works Director Wayne Newman, who had been discussing changing service with waste disposal firms.

``These other outfits indicate they could make a substantial savings if we put this up for bid,'' Mayor Dennis Trudeau said.

Council members were discussing a motion to call for bids for garbage service when a representative from the current service provider -- Southland Waste Systems of Thomson, Ga. -- notified officials it was too late to cancel the current contract.

According to a contract in effect since 1993, officials must give notice of their intent to cancel service 60 days prior to the contract's yearly renewal date -- which is Jan. 1, according to Southland spokesman Jamey Amick.

``I just wanted to make sure you are aware that there is an agreement in place,'' Mr. Amick said.

Mr. Amick's contention was determined to be true after City Attorney Jim Blanchard looked over the contract.

When council members learned this, the motion to call for bids was voted down unanimously.

Officials can consider bidding out garbage service next fall, the mayor said.

In other business Monday, council members voted to approve the city's 1999 operating budget of slightly more than $2 million -- an increase of $115,000 over 1998.

The additional revenue will come from the city's growing tax base, Mr. Trudeau said.

The value of taxable property in Grovetown has mushroomed from about $23 million in 1993 to more than $49 million in 1998.

``We expect it to grow another $7 million to $8 million in 1999,'' Mr. Trudeau said.

S.B. Crawford can be reached at (706) 868-1222, Ext. 111, or scraw@augustachronicle.com.