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Spencer County to seek extension from Rumpke as solid-waste bid rises about 26%
Summary
After reviewing Rumpke of Kentucky's bid for curbside trash and optional subscription recycling — which included a fuel-surcharge grid and a 10% franchise fee payment to the county — Fiscal Court directed staff to ask Rumpke for a contract extension to July 1, 2024, while members weigh the 26% proposed price increase.
Spencer County Fiscal Court on Nov. 20 asked Rumpke of Kentucky to extend the county’s existing solid-waste contract through July 1, 2024, while the court considers Rumpke’s new proposal.
Rumpke detailed weekly collection service, an optional subscription curbside recycling program (requiring at least 40% participation by Sept. 2024 to remain viable), and a monthly fuel surcharge tied to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Midwest diesel average. The company said it will remit a 10% franchise fee to Spencer County on gross receipts. Rumpke’s proposed rates showed increases for 2024–26 with residential trash and optional recycling fees itemized in the bid.
“This bid was a 26% increase from last year,” Judge Scott Travis told the court during discussion. Court members said they were not ready to award a new multi-year contract amid the price jump and asked staff to seek an extension from Rumpke while comparing alternatives and reviewing recycling participation expectations.
Magistrates also asked county staff to confirm franchise-fee accounting and whether consumers would face a fuel-surcharge pass-through. The motion to request a contract extension was made by Esq. Travis, seconded by Esq. Stump, and carried by voice vote.
The Rumpke packet included program conditions — notably that Rumpke will consider canceling curbside recycling or raising subscription costs if participation does not reach the required threshold — and a franchise-fee commitment to return 10% of gross receipts to the county. The court will revisit solid-waste procurement and any contract award at a future meeting.
