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Atoka approves Wind River service rates after vendor change; council discusses buying town pump truck
Summary
The Atoka board approved a resolution adopting new service rates from Wind River Environmental for sewer and grease pumping after the vendor sale; members discussed rate increases, two-hour response times and a possible municipal pump truck purchase to reduce reliance on outside contractors.
The Atoka board on Sept. 9 approved a resolution accepting new service rates from Wind River Environmental, the company that purchased the town’s previous vendor for septic and grease pumping services.
Town staff told the board Wind River — the successor to a long-standing local vendor — notified municipal customers of price increases effective in early September. The new schedule includes higher standard call rates and an additional after-hours fee. Staff said Wind River’s corporate terms set a two-hour call response window during normal service hours and a holiday/after-hours premium; one example discussed in the meeting described a standard tank pump at about $300 plus $100 for after-hours calls (the town negotiated holiday pricing reductions during discussion).
Wesley Romani (Public Works) told the board the town currently has no active contract in place with the new company and that many surrounding municipalities likewise depend on third-party contractors. He recommended approving the resolution to lock in access to the vendor while the town finalizes details and pursues alternative long-term arrangements.
Board members pressed staff on performance guarantees and contingency plans if Wind River could not respond. Town staff said they had requested contract language for nonperformance but did not yet have a final version; they emphasized the resolution would not prevent the town from acquiring its own pump truck in the future. Several board members and staff said purchasing a used pump truck and retrofitting it with pumping equipment (estimates around $100,000 for a used vehicle with equipment) could be financially advantageous over time.
Alderman Poole moved to approve the Wind River resolution as presented, with the effective date revised to Sept. 9; Alderman Leitzy seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote.
Staff said they will continue discussions with Wind River, seek contract language covering performance and response commitments, and bring back a plan on whether to pursue acquisition of a municipal pump truck and related funding.
