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Residents press Portage council on proposed single‑hauler waste contract; staff say bids could lower rates
Summary
Residents urged the Portage City Council to preserve choice and brush pickup if the city adopts a single-hauler waste contract; City Manager said staff received three responsive bids and will present a full proposal within about 30 days, stressing transparency and that brush collection would continue.
Portage — Residents voiced concerns at the June 10 Portage City Council meeting about a potential switch to a single‑hauler system for trash and recycling, while city officials said staff are still evaluating bids and have not made a decision.
Nicole Caswell, a lifelong West Portage resident, told the council that a single‑hauler arrangement would remove residents’ ability to choose providers and could lead to higher prices and a loss of services such as routine brush pickup. "Eliminating that choice takes power away from the residents and places it in the hands of a monopoly," Caswell said.
Resident Keith Grafos, who said he has used his local hauler for 17 years, urged the council to preserve competition and to communicate clearly with residents about any changes.
City Manager McGinnis responded that staff have been evaluating options for years and that they pursued a market‑based approach, contacting about a dozen companies and receiving three responsive bids. He said the bids the city received were "considerably lower than what is currently being charged to people" and that brush pickup "will not go away." McGinnis said staff expect to return with a complete presentation spelling out benefits and cost savings within roughly 30 days and emphasized that council will not move forward unless the arrangement guarantees better service, lower cost, or more transparency.
Councilmembers reiterated that no final decision has been made and encouraged residents to submit questions and contact information for follow‑up. Councilmember Pearson stated the city’s analysis anticipates savings on average and cited a 40% figure as an example of potential savings presented by staff; the claimed percentage was presented as staff analysis and remains subject to verification when staff returns with final numbers.
The council said it will provide full information to residents before any vote; meanwhile, the city continues internal brush pickup operations for storm cleanup and will provide updates about routes and schedules.
