The Kearney Board of Aldermen meeting on May 20, 2024, focused heavily on ongoing issues with local trash collection services provided by Republic Services. Aldermen expressed significant frustration over the company's failure to meet service expectations, leading to complaints from residents about missed pickups and inadequate responses.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the frequency of missed trash collections, with one alderman noting that trash had been left outside for over a week. The discussion highlighted the impact of these service failures on the city's reputation, as residents often direct their frustrations toward city officials rather than the service provider. Aldermen emphasized the need for Republic Services to improve its operations, particularly in staffing and accountability, to ensure timely waste collection.

Aldermen called for immediate action, urging Republic to address staffing shortages and implement solutions to prevent future service disruptions. They suggested that if Republic is unable to maintain adequate staffing levels, they should consider hiring temporary drivers to cover gaps. The board also discussed the possibility of renegotiating contract terms to include provisions for discounted rates for residents affected by service misses.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to follow up on these issues in the coming weeks, as the board seeks to hold Republic Services accountable for its performance. Aldermen expressed a desire for a more proactive approach from the company, emphasizing that consistent and reliable trash collection is essential for maintaining community satisfaction and trust.