Claremore moves to allow contracting commercial garbage services; residential collection to remain city-run for now

The Claremore City Council approved an amendment to Chapter 51 of the city code to allow the city to contract commercial garbage services to third-party providers while retaining residential service operations under the city’s control.

City staff member Mr. Davis described the change as “a simple adjustment to the ordinance language” that would allow the city to contract out commercial sanitation services if the council so decides. He said the amendment does not obligate the city to outsource but gives staff the authority to run a formal procurement process and present contract options to the council.

Davis told the council the commercial collection fleet and routes are the most expensive and maintenance-intensive part of the sanitation operation and that commercial trucks break down more often and create the majority of work-compensation claims. He said commercial routes are currently run largely with temporary drivers and that outsourcing could reduce city operating and equipment costs. The city expects to run an RFP process and return to council with recommended contract terms; staff said any contract would come before the council for final approval.

Councilors asked for estimated cost figures and operational details. Staff said the commercial program costs the city “millions of dollars a year” and that individual truck repairs can range from about $30,000 to $80,000 depending on the work. Davis said the earliest a commercial contractor might start would be the next fiscal year, and he emphasized the city will be careful to pick responsible vendors to limit road wear and protect customers.

The motion to approve the ordinance language change was made and seconded in council and proceeded toward procurement planning; staff will run an RFP and return with options and fiscal estimates before any outsourcing contract is finalized.