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Rio Vista to issue RFP as Veolia wastewater contract nears Dec. 31 expiration
Summary
City staff told the council the Veolia wastewater contract (originally 2009, extended) expires 12/31/2024 and recommended issuing an RFP to seek better service, updated terms and options including possible plant consolidation; council voted unanimously to issue the RFP.
The Rio Vista City Council voted Aug. 20 to issue a request for proposals for wastewater operations and maintenance as the city's contract with Veolia — first executed in 2009 and extended twice — approaches expiration on Dec. 31, 2024.
City manager (staff) told the council the current contract has provisions that no longer reflect the city's operational needs and recommended an RFP "to allow the city the opportunity to determine the best service and value," and to renegotiate terms for staffing, maintenance and problematic legal provisions. The manager said the extension option in the original agreement has been realized twice and the current extension will expire on 12/31/2024.
Council members asked whether the city had considered bringing wastewater operations in house. One council member asked, "Has there ever been any consideration of actually bringing this function in in house?" The city manager responded that in-house operation "could be" possible but would involve a "considerable lift" because the service is highly technical, requires specialized testing and regulatory compliance, and existing staff lack the required operational knowledge.
Residents who participate in the utility review process urged the RFP to include alternatives such as consolidating the district's two treatment plants so proposers provide cost estimates for both separate operation and a consolidated configuration. Staff said permit requirements, including state NPDES terms, would materially affect any cost estimates and that some required details would only be available if consolidation were pursued.
The motion to issue the RFP was made by Council Member Donnelly and seconded by Council Member Stanish; the city clerk recorded a unanimous roll-call vote in favor.
What happens next: Staff will publish the RFP and evaluate proposals; the city signaled it will include contract language to address the possibility of plant consolidation during the contract term so the city can renegotiate or re-solicit if conditions change.
