Columbia County votes to rebid solid-waste contract after public outcry; Waste Pro denies allegations of misconduct

The Columbia County Commission voted 3–2 to send the county’s solid-waste collection contract out for bid following an extended public-comment period in which residents objected to large proposed rate increases and publicly raised concerns about the incumbent contractor’s conduct.

During public comment multiple residents urged rebidding the contract. Some speakers implied improper behavior by the incumbent waste hauler, prompting representatives from Waste Pro Florida — Dana Williams and Frank Kramer — to respond from the podium and deny the allegations.

"I'm up here to emphatically, deny unequivocally the allegations that were just stated about us stealing from this county," said Dana Williams (Waste Pro), adding the company had provided requested documentation and considered the accusations unfounded. Waste Pro representatives told the board they have been county partners for years and would provide additional information if requested.

Several residents argued the proposed price increases — described during the meeting as a major percentage jump — made it appropriate and fair to rebid the service. After brief discussion the board voted to reissue the request for proposals; the voice vote was recorded as 3–2 in favor of going out to bid.

Background and next steps: Staff had recommended rebidding consistent with policy. The board directed staff to follow the normal procurement process and return with a timeline and updated bid documents. The county said it will not address ongoing personnel or internal investigations on the meeting floor and has referred some staffing concerns to outside counsel.