Merriam holds first reading of single‑hauler trash ordinance after months of outreach; public split on plan to award GFL contract

The Merriam City Council conducted the first reading of an ordinance to establish citywide single‑hauler trash, recycling and yard‑waste service and discussed staff’s recommendation to negotiate with GFL Environmental under the Mid America Regional Council (MARC) cooperative bid. The item received extensive public comment; council did not adopt final terms at the meeting and a second reading is scheduled for April 28.

Staff presentation and proposed terms: City staff said the proposal stems from a 2024 resident survey in which 65% of respondents favored a citywide contract. Staff and a mayor-appointed single‑hauler work group developed the bid package, opened competitive bids and recommended negotiating with GFL (the low MARC consolidated bid). Key contract features presented by staff included a five‑year agreement, a contractor monthly charge of $19.50, a city administrative fee of $3.50 per residence (for a combined monthly cost of about $23), an annual CPI adjustment capped at 3%, and a required 18‑month waiting period after…