Between inflation and the rise of gas prices, an increase in trash service charges is not something anyone would be excited about.
But that subject was on the docket Tuesday night as the Guthrie Public Works Authority held its meeting and workshop before City Council.
The possibility of renewing the contract for five years with Waste Connections of Oklahoma, Inc., to collect and dispose of Guthrie’s trash, and the approval of Resolution No. 2022-05, calling for amending fees, charges and policies, were the discussed agenda items.
“They kind of roll together,” said City Manager Leroy Alsup.
“The city of Guthrie has not adjusted the trash rate charged to local residential and commercial business since Sept. 30, 2006,” said Alsup, adding that since October of 2006, the city’s trash service costs through a contract with Waste Connections has increased by 21 percent.
The city had a $44,359 shortfall from the Convenience Center in 2021 (and as much as $72,000 in 2011), so Alsup indicated the city would have to have rate increases to offset those losses, although some Council members wanted to revisit why the center doesn’t pay for itself.
The city has until Sept. 20 to make a decision on the renewal of the Waste Connections contract, so the Council tabled its decision for now, agreeing with Alsup, in order to have further discussion.
Several Council members agreed that Waste Connections was doing an “excellent” job.
Also, under Alsup’s suggestion, in regards to the decision to adopt Resolution No. 2022-05, Council approved a motion to alert the Cedar Valley township that its waste management contract will be terminated at the end of the current term Sept. 30, and will then be up for renegotiation.
In other news from the Council meeting:
* There was a proclamation from Gov. Kevin Stitt declaring the official ‘89er celebration week.
* The purchase of a 2020 Freightliner truck to move sludge from the waste treatment plant was approved.
* Aaron Rooney and Nathan Turner were appointed to the Guthrie Historic Preservation Commission through March 31, 2025, with Adam Ropp reappointed for the same time period.
* January will be the target date for starting the process of finding the replacement for outgoing City Manager Alsup.