Public works outlines options for countywide solid‑waste RFP; commissioners direct staff to bid multiple service scenarios

Shane Parker, Hendry County Public Works director, presented a list of recommended parameters and open questions for a request for proposals to select the county’s franchise hauler for solid waste and recycling collection in the unincorporated area.

Parker sought direction on 15 key items so staff can finalize the RFP. Commissioners agreed on several points by consensus and directed staff to solicit bids that allow the board to evaluate alternate service levels and contract structures.

Major topics discussed and the guidance recorded in the meeting included:

- Service district: commissioners favored keeping a single service district covering the unincorporated county rather than splitting north and south.

- Contract term: commissioners agreed to a shorter tested structure and expressed support for an initial five‑year term with a single five‑year renewal option (a 5 + 5 arrangement), to allow the board to revisit terms after 10 years.

- Annual rate adjustments: the board endorsed keeping a consumer‑price‑index (CPI) adjustment with a 5% cap per year.

- Collection frequency and level of service: staff was directed to bid the RFP both ways (once‑per‑week and twice‑per‑week collection scenarios) so the board can compare costs and service levels. Commissioners noted twice‑weekly collection tends to reduce roadside dumping and litter but asked to see pricing trade‑offs.

- Commercial service and exclusivity for roll‑offs/construction debris: staff will include options in the solicitation to compare maintaining franchise exclusivity for commercial and construction/demolition collection versus allowing competitive self‑haul or third‑party services; bidders will be asked to present pricing both ways.

- Container program: staff recommended issuing 64‑gallon blue toters for recyclables and 95‑gallon toters for solid waste to unincorporated customers; commissioners supported providing toters to residents and removing older, inconsistent containers to standardize service and predict volumes.

- Community service and debris pickup: staff proposed increasing the county’s allowance for county‑directed claw‑truck pickups (used for neighborhood cleanups and storm debris) from 120 cubic yards per year to 360 cubic yards; the board agreed with the increase.

- Office/operations yard: the board concurred that the franchise contractor should maintain an office and operations yard within Hendry County.

- Automation/collection method: staff will allow bidders to submit proposals with automated trucks or traditional rear‑load service; vendors may present the option they prefer and staff will evaluate costs and reliability.

- Procurement process: the board asked staff to require a mandatory pre‑bid meeting, use a selection committee to shortlist respondents, and present finalists to the board for interviews and ranking. Financial proposal weight was discussed; staff proposed keeping the financial component at approximately 50% of evaluation points.

Parker noted tradeoffs among these choices: exclusivity can reduce commercial rates and franchise fees but limits market access; allowing open competition for roll‑offs can reduce franchise revenue and requires ordinance changes. Commissioners asked staff to prepare the RFP to show both sets of outcomes when appropriate so the board can make an informed selection.

No final contract was awarded at the meeting; the session provided direction to finalize the RFP language and evaluation criteria and to return shortlisted proposals and recommendations to the board for decision.