The Merriam City Council meeting on December 9, 2024, focused on the proposed organized trash collection plan, a significant initiative aimed at streamlining waste management services for residents. The council discussed the bidding process for selecting a single hauler, emphasizing the need for due diligence and transparency as they move forward.

City officials highlighted that the exact costs and service details would not be known until bids are received from haulers. The council reiterated that they could halt the process at any time if necessary. The goal of the organized collection plan is to provide better service, reduce costs for residents, and minimize the number of trucks on the streets, which would also decrease emissions and noise pollution.

The council has been gathering feedback from residents since the summer of 2023, including results from a citizen satisfaction survey that indicated support for investigating a single hauler. A work group consisting of residents and council members has been involved in developing the plan, which includes specific requirements for the bidding process, such as the frequency of pickups and customer service expectations.

During the meeting, residents expressed mixed feelings about the proposed plan. Some voiced concerns about potential cost increases and the loss of individual negotiation power with haulers. One resident, Fred Tubmancamp, expressed skepticism about the city's involvement in waste management, preferring to negotiate directly with private haulers. Another resident, Billy Cron, noted that some neighbors felt their input would not influence the council's decision, highlighting a need for improved communication and engagement with the community.

The council plans to release the bids in January 2025, with an evaluation process to follow. If the plan proceeds, residents could see changes in their trash collection services by January 2026. The council emphasized that the new system would not be a tax but rather a fee assessed on property tax bills, which they believe will ultimately be lower than current individual payments to haulers.

As the meeting concluded, the council encouraged residents to continue providing feedback and assured them that their concerns would be taken into account as the process moves forward.