Commissioners table cardboard-recycling contract after public concern and refuse-board request

Park County commissioners voted on June 17, 2020, to table a proposed contract for county cardboard recycling after public commenters said the refuse board had not yet had a chance to review the contract and requested more interagency coordination.

Public works staff told the commission the county issued a request for proposals and received a single bidder, Full Circle Recycling, for a contract the county estimated would exceed $80,000. “We did only have one bidder for cardboard recycling,” a public-works representative said.

Members of the public and a refuse-board representative said the refuse board was scheduled to meet two days later and wanted the chance to discuss the proposal. One commenter said the contract had not been presented to other local partners and asked why the county was not coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions and reused equipment purchased earlier by the county.

Commissioner Wells asked for a motion to table; the motion was made and seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners directed staff to provide the refuse board an opportunity to consider the contract at its upcoming meeting before the commission takes final action.

County staff noted recycling has cost benefits compared with landfill disposal, but commenters warned that contract increases could accumulate across county services. The contract’s final language remained under review by county staff and counsel, and commissioners said they would not sign until the refuse board had an opportunity to weigh in.

No final contract was signed on June 17; the item was tabled pending the refuse board meeting and further review.