Torrington council approves 10‑year successor contract with USA Hauling despite concerns over bypassing bids

The Torrington City Council voted May 4 to authorize the mayor to negotiate, award and execute a successor contract with USA Hauling and Recycling for municipal waste and recyclable processing services covering fiscal year 2026 through fiscal year 2036, with a three‑year opt‑out provision.

The motion — offered and moved on the agenda as a direct negotiation rather than a full competitive procurement — drew both support and opposition during council debate. Supporters said the contract provides immediate budget relief in a difficult fiscal year and that the three‑year opt‑out preserves the city’s ability to return to a regional operator if the Northeast Resource Recovery Authority (NRA) becomes operational. One council member said the arrangement "delivers immediate relief" for taxpayers and gives the NRA time to organize; another called the agreement “a masterfully negotiated contract” and said it balanced flexibility and savings.

One council member opposed the motion on principle, saying a 10‑year contract that bypasses a competitive bid process is too long and that the council has previously questioned waiving bids. The opponent said they would not support the motion for that reason, though they acknowledged USA Hauling’s record of local service.

Public comment before the vote framed the decision in a regional context. Michael Magestrali, a Torrington resident who said he helped draft the ordinance that created the NRA and served as probate judge and corporation counsel, urged the council not to authorize a direct 10‑year negotiation with USA Hauling, arguing it may violate the city charter and saying the NRA should ultimately own and operate the transfer station. Jen Hen Jones, identified as executive director of the Husatonic Resources Recovery Authority, told the council HRRA supports regional authorities and noted the Connecticut House had passed a conveyance bill to transfer the land to the NRA.

Council members also cited the contract’s three‑year opt‑out as a safeguard: several members said the city could opt out if the NRA becomes a viable alternative within that time. The mayor framed the vote as one of fiscal responsibility amid a tight budget and the need to limit tax impacts.

The council approved the motion by voice vote; the motion passed and the mayor was authorized to proceed with negotiation and execution.

What happens next: The mayor will negotiate and, if terms are met, execute the successor contract with USA Hauling and Recycling. Council members said the three‑year opt‑out gives Torrington time to monitor NRA development and reconsider services if the regional authority is ready to operate the transfer station.