Pocatello council OKs RouteWare asset-management agreement for sanitation; monthly fee $18,126.70

The Pocatello City Council approved a service agreement with RouteWare to provide the sanitation department's asset-management and routing system, at a monthly rate of $18,126.70, according to city staff.

Tom Kirkland, Pocatello Director of Public Services, told council that the routing software has produced efficiencies and revenue gains since the department implemented it after 2019. Kirkland said the department's revenues have increased roughly 13 percent over five years based on rate-study projections and by improving operational efficiency (for example, increasing roll‑off container pulls and reducing repeat customer “go-backs”). He said those efficiencies can translate to tens of thousands of dollars per month in recovered revenue in high-activity periods.

Kirkland said RouteWare includes new add-ons in the renewal such as the Recollect mobile app, which can provide reminder alerts to residents, collect service requests digitally, and support public education materials about recycling. During council questions he said the city's prior monthly payment was about $15,000 (Kirkland's recollection) and that the new monthly payment would be $18,126.70.

Council Member Cheatham moved approval and Council Member Paulson seconded. The council approved the agreement by roll call. Council members who asked questions emphasized dispatch and route monitoring gains, reduced overtime and clearer documentation (including photographic evidence of missed pickups) as reasons the upgrade produced tangible operating improvements.

Ending note: City staff said the Recollect app will be rolled out to the public after implementation and that the agreement remains subject to final legal review and signature.