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Commissioners authorize six‑year wind‑down of old waste franchises and direct RFP for modern franchise framework
Summary
The board authorized notice to terminate long‑standing solid‑waste franchise agreements to enable a coordinated countywide process and competitive RFP for a modern franchise framework; commissioners discussed possible investments up to roughly $125 million and a phased procurement approach.
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 1 authorized county staff to begin a process to terminate existing solid‑waste franchise agreements and pursue a modern, coordinated franchise framework with nearby cities.
County staff told the board the county’s current franchise model dates to 1972 and was designed for a much smaller population. The presentation said services have expanded (collection, recycling, organics) and that the county and cities are considering significant infrastructure investment in disposal and diversion facilities. Staff estimated potential future investments “in the neighborhood of up to a $125,000,000” for a new landfill, diversion processing facilities and transfer stations.
A motion (mover identified in the record as Speaker 8) authorized the solid‑waste director to issue notices of termination to franchise holders operating under existing board orders, initiating a six‑year wind‑down period under the current evergreen contracts. A separate motion directed the director to lead a coordinated countywide process with Bend, Redmond, Sisters and La Pine to design and competitively procure a contemporary franchise framework by RFP, with target agreement terms of roughly 10–15 years. The board recorded the motion and proceeded.
Public commenters praised long‑standing local haulers such as Cascade Disposal for local customer service and urged county staff to account for strong local providers when designing new contracts. Commissioners said the modern franchise effort is intended to set performance standards, require financial transparency and ensure future facilities and diversion goals are met.
Why it matters: The actions begin a multi‑year transition in how residential and commercial solid‑waste services are governed in the unincorporated county and how the county coordinates with cities. The move could affect local haulers, service rates, franchise terms and where county‑collected material is processed.
What’s next: Staff will issue termination notices to begin the six‑year wind‑down, develop a template franchise agreement, pursue intergovernmental agreements with cities and either negotiate new terms with incumbent providers or issue an RFP for potential new providers.
