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Council members discuss solid-waste contract, RFP timing and cost implications for Bonney Lake ratepayers
Summary
Council discussed the city's contract with Murray Disposal (current through 2031 with possible extensions), whether mandating residential service yields better rates, the feasibility of municipalizing collection, and the option to run an RFP when the contract allows; staff said municipal provision would require substantial capital outlay.
Bonney Lake council members and staff discussed the city's solid-waste contract at length on Feb. 17, focusing on contract terms, rate increases and options for future procurement.
Committee members noted that the current agreement with Murray Disposal runs through 2031 and may include an automatic three-year extension. Speakers debated whether mandating residential garbage service across the city would yield lower rates when negotiated as part of a larger contract. "You get a better rate if you mandate garbage service because then they know you have this many households," Director Sullivan said, explaining the typical procurement rationale.
Staff cautioned that municipalizing collection would require a substantial capital outlay for trucks and staffing, and the city would face operational challenges and negotiating dumping agreements. "You would have to buy the garbage trucks, and I wanna say they're upwards of millions of dollars, plus hiring the staff to bring it on," staff said.
Councilmembers also raised concerns about a state-imposed fee (described in the meeting as an item Murray sought to pass through). Some members said the city could reject vendor-requested pass-throughs and consider competitive procurement when contract windows permit. Staff suggested that the three-year extension period is the practical window to prepare an RFP and seek alternatives.
Next steps: Staff recommended the council consider an RFP well before the contract's renewal window if council members want to pursue a different provider; no formal decision was made at the meeting.
