Rumford manager urges residents to report missed trash pickups after service failures

Town Manager O'Keefe told the Rumford Board of Select Persons on Feb. 5 that the town experienced “the worst week in trash collection” and that staff are tracking missed pickups and contacting contractor Archie's to press for better performance.

“If your trash has not been collected, please call us and let us know as we do track the calls and reach Archie's to let them know this is unacceptable and we are working on it,” O'Keefe said during the Town Manager's report. The town's minutes record that residents should report missed collections so staff can follow up with the contractor.

Public Works Director Roberts reported the town received 24.5 inches of snow in the last storm; crews cleared sidewalks and widened roads, and a sidewalk plow was sent to Cat for repairs. Roberts said Rumford crews opened Main Street twice to assist the neighboring town of Mexico while Mexico's machines were down.

Select Board members praised Public Works for clearing roads and also voiced concerns about trash service: Theriault expressed concern about the trash-collection issues, and Brennick reiterated that the town is addressing the problem. The minutes record that staff have been working diligently with the contractor and that the town is communicating with affected residents.

The minutes do not record disciplinary actions or contract-termination decisions; they record only that the town is tracking complaints and pressing the contractor for improved performance.