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Council hears mixed reports on recent transition to new waste vendor; residents reported billing and pickup issues
Summary
Mayor and council discussed the town’s switch to a new waste contractor. Town leaders said complaints were fewer than expected but noted billing disputes with the prior vendor, Republic Services, and urged residents to report unresolved issues to town staff.
Mayor Foley updated the Town Council on the recent transition to a new waste hauler and said, after review with staff, complaints have been “fewer than you anticipated.” He cautioned that press accounts had not reflected the experience of most residents and asked anyone with problems to contact the town’s front office.
Why it matters: Solid-waste contracts affect routine services and town revenue allocations and produced several public complaints and media attention during the transition.
What the council heard: The mayor acknowledged “some bumps in the road,” including resident confusion over which bins to use and lawn-collection containers that some households did not need. He described prior billing disputes with Republic Services and said the town received a memo stating Republic “believes that they’ve accomplished what they needed to accomplish and refunds are in the mail either to your account or refund checks.”
Vice Mayor Atwater and other members noted residents reported Dunning notices and alleged late fees; the mayor and staff said refunds or account adjustments were being processed and that facilities staff were helping residents who reported missed pickups. Council members said the issue had not reached the level requiring formal legal action and that the town would not immediately pursue a lawsuit.
Actions requested: Council urged residents with unresolved complaints to call the town front office so staff can track and escalate issues. Town staff said they will continue to monitor complaint volumes and report back to council.
