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Selectboard moves to secure curbside trash service after low bidder withdraws
Summary
After the low bidder withdrew, the selectboard voted to pursue a contract with Somerset Disposal to keep curbside trash and recycling service on track for July 1, contingent on voter approval of related warrant articles and a possible special town meeting to cover a $16,500 shortfall.
The Jay Selectboard voted to pursue a contract with Somerset Disposal to provide curbside trash and recycling service after the low bidder, Riverside Disposal, withdrew its $210,000 proposal.
Silas, the town staff member who presented the procurement update, told the board Riverside informed the town it could not provide service "largely from manpower reasons." He said Somerset, the second-place bidder, offered weekly trash pickup and biweekly recycling at $226,500, leaving a $16,500 difference compared with the Riverside figure.
Why it matters: the two warrant articles on the April 28 town meeting ballot ask voters to authorize $200,000 for curbside trash and $10,000 for curbside recycling. If voters approve those sums but Somerset is selected instead of Riverside, the town would need to raise or reallocate the extra $16,500 to implement service beginning July 1. Silas told the board staff had confirmed the funds authorized on the warrant could be used even if the named bidder on absentee ballots no longer can perform the work.
Board discussion focused on timing and procedure. Staff recommended either scheduling a special town meeting immediately after the April 28 vote or moving the next selectboard meeting to April 29 so the board can act promptly if voters approve the warrant articles. The town must finalize arrangements quickly so Somerset can gear up for service starting July 1.
Silas also relayed comments attributed to Derek Eric Street (as relayed to staff) on recycling economics: "You know, I can understand why a lot of communities are getting away from recycling because the cost is up," but new state packaging legislation, he said, should shift costs and reimburse certain recycling expenses, which could reduce the town's net recycling costs over time.
Next steps: The board instructed staff to proceed with the expedited schedule to ensure uninterrupted service if voters authorize the funds. A motion to move forward with the Somerset Disposal proposal, contingent on the town meeting results and funding, was made and seconded and carried by voice vote.
The town will publicize the procurement update to voters (email and Facebook) so absentee and in-person voters understand how a withdrawal of the named low bidder affects the ballot question and the options available to the board.
