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Council directs 30‑day cure notice to Walker’s Disposal after repeated billing and service complaints
Summary
Following multiple citizen complaints about billing and customer service, the Estacada City Council directed staff to notify Walker’s Disposal of franchise noncompliance and give the company 30 days to remedy specific deficiencies, including billing, online pay options and customer-account records.
After hearing multiple citizen complaints about customer service and billing, the Estacada City Council voted Oct. 9 to notify Walker’s Disposal that it is out of compliance with the city’s franchise agreement and to provide a 30‑day period to correct the issues.
"We need to provide a 30 day notice to cure," said Peter (City Attorney), explaining the procedural step the city must follow under the franchise/ordinance. Councilor Paul moved the motion directing staff to follow the ordinance process; the motion passed. Mayor Drinkwine recused from that vote.
Why it matters: Residents reported missed or delayed bills, rude phone interactions and unclear billing instructions; one resident told the council she was told to drop a check at City Hall and waited months for it to be cashed. The franchise revenue the city receives depends on accurate billing and timely remittance; the city said it has not received audited financials or reliable customer-account reports.
What the order will require (staff summary): City staff said the forthcoming notice will ask Walker’s Disposal to provide a specific checklist of remedies, including: a complete customer list/accounts ledger; a working billing system with online payment options; audited or verifiable financial statements sufficient for the city to confirm franchise-fee remittance; timely response procedures for new-service requests (staff suggested a maximum turnaround similar to the existing twice‑weekly service schedule); and monthly availability of financial records for city review.
Council and public input: Multiple speakers urged a balance between enforcing standards and preserving local jobs. Josh Brown, Arrow district manager, told the council Arrow would consider hiring affected drivers if routes needed to change; Arrow representatives said they had offered training and support to Walker previously. Resident Chantelle described repeated phone calls and a delayed check-cashing experience that left her without timely account information. Other residents defended Walker, citing long community ties and asking the council to work with the local business to stabilize operations.
Next steps: Staff said it will draft the cure notice, provide Walker the 30‑day period to respond and produce documentary proof of remediation, and return to the council with any necessary follow-up. If Walker fails to cure, the franchise agreement allows the city to terminate the contract and explore alternatives, including other carriers already operating in or near the city.
