Cortland council to seek resident input, issue RFP after years-long refuse arrangement

Cortland's City Council on Jan. 5 heard an extended public discussion about the municipal refuse contract and agreed to circulate a resident survey and then issue a request for proposals (RFP) to let multiple vendors compete for service.

The discussion began when resident Rita Dodd (242 Fowler) asked when the city would solicit bids from other garbage companies. City counsel and staff told the council that the current contract originated in 2013 and was extended in 2019, 2021 and 2024; although the contract technically expired in August 2025, both sides continued to perform and legal advice given to the council characterized the arrangement as an enforceable implied contract until either party takes action to modify or nullify it. "So for the moment, yes, there is a contract in place," one counsel representative said, while also noting competitive procurement remains an option.

Councilors and residents focused on what a new procurement should specify: whether recycling should be mandatory for all households, what size carts should be provided (18-gallon bins were discussed alongside larger 64-gallon wheeled carts), whether recycling should be an optional, a la carte service, and how to avoid locking residents into a program they do not want. Several council members said they favored a short survey to collect resident preferences (distribution via e-news, the city website, Cortland News, flyers and social media) and to use survey results to shape the RFP scope and bid specifications.

Councilors debated timing: some urged a very short response window to speed the process (a few working days), while others suggested allowing one to two weeks or more so vendors have time to respond. Council discussed a practical timeline: finalize the survey within days, allow a brief feedback window, prepare a specs package within two to three weeks, then post an RFP and permit the normal vendor question-and-answer period; staff warned vendors typically need a couple of months to compile route and stop data for accurate proposals. Council members also acknowledged operational details bidders will ask for, including a current account list that the incumbent contractor is likely to hold.

Several residents emphasized preserving low-cost options for seniors or households that prefer bag service. "I really just want my garbage picked up. I want a decent price," one resident said, urging that residents be able to opt out of added recycling carts if they wish. Council members discussed offering multiple service tiers and an a la carte approach that lets households select cart size and recycling participation rather than mandating a single model for all residents.

Council did not take a recorded formal vote to award a new refuse contract during the meeting. Instead, members agreed verbally to send a draft survey to the council and to prepare a request for proposals (the mayor's office said it would present a specs package at a future meeting). Staff and counsel said the RFP will be open to all vendors and must include a clear Q&A process for bidders. The council expects to advertise the RFP and allow at least the customary period for vendor questions; exact dates were described as "to be determined" and will be on a subsequent agenda.

What happens next: the council will circulate the proposed survey for council review, finalize the survey period, publish it to residents, and then use the responses to shape the RFP specifications. If a new company wins the contract, councilors acknowledged there will be logistical work to transition receptacles and notify households.