Covington council authorizes staff to finalize solid waste contract with Republic Services after public comment and debate

Covington City Council on Tuesday authorized staff to move forward on finalizing a solid waste collection contract with Republic Services, including two contract alternatives: a 12-year term and an alternative service-fee escalation component.

The vote followed a public comment period in which local nonprofit, business and hauler representatives urged the council to consider both price and service. "The Republic Service has given the Storehouse a grant that's helped most the people of Covington who are the most vulnerable," said Stephanie Lawson, director of the Storehouse. "I believe it's in the best interest of the city, for the city to have Republic Service as continued as our garbage service."

The Covington Chamber and local businesses also recommended staying with Republic, citing smaller projected increases and continuity of service. "We respectfully urge the Covington City Council to select Republic Services as the city's solid waste collection provider for another term," said Dana Noots on behalf of the Covington Chamber…