Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Procurement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge board not to rebid trash contract; local hauler owner defends service
Summary
At the Oct. 15 meeting, residents urged the Dardenne Prairie Board not to rebid the city’s trash-hauling contract, warning rebids could raise resident bills. The owner of the current hauler described long-standing local service and urged the board to keep the contract.
Residents urged the Dardenne Prairie Board of Aldermen on Oct. 15 to avoid rebidding the city’s trash-hauling contract, saying a rebid could raise monthly bills and reduce service quality.
"You're gonna raise everybody's trash bill in Darden Prairie, including mine," citizen Jeff Amelong told the board during public comment, arguing the one‑year rebid clause exists to protect the city but that rebidding risks higher rates based on experiences in neighboring cities.
Gary Schneider, who identified himself as owner of the city’s current hauler, described his company’s local roots and continuity of service. "We're thrilled to be your hauler and ... have been for, oh my goodness, since 2010," Schneider said, adding that his company often provides immediate backup if a truck has mechanical problems and that recycling is processed at the company’s own center in O'Fallon.
Speakers warned the board that rebidding to seek lower apparent cost could backfire because long‑term local haulers sometimes win on logistics and proximity. No formal action was taken on the public comments during the meeting. The board did not vote on changes to the contract at this session and discussion may return at a future meeting.
