Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Refuse Contract topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Benson board extends GFL refuse contract one year after public hearing; performance bond required
Summary
After a public hearing with limited resident input, the Benson Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 to extend GFL's refuse contract for one year on condition of a performance bond while staff continues talks with Carolina Trash.
The Benson Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Oct. 24 to extend the town's refuse services contract with GFL for one year, contingent on GFL posting a performance bond.
Jay Murray, the town's project manager, told the board that a resident survey seeking input on refuse services drew just 117 responses out of roughly 1,600–1,800 utility customers. "We only received 117 responses," Murray said, citing low participation as a constraint on gauging widespread preference.
Norma Yanez, representing GFL, told the board the company never received the notice to cancel the contract and asked for a one-year extension to ensure its services meet the town's expectations. "We never received the notification to cancel the contract," Yanez said, and offered to provide a performance bond for the one-year extension.
Town Manager Kim Pickett said staff's recommendation remains Carolina Trash but that staff will continue conversations with both Carolina Trash and GFL to determine whether the town can exit the existing agreement with GFL. "Staff's recommendation is Carolina Trash, but allow staff to have conversations with Carolina Trash and GFL," Pickett said.
Commissioner William Neighbors expressed concern about whether GFL had been properly notified and warned that unclear cancellation procedures could expose taxpayers to liability. The board ultimately approved the one-year extension with a performance bond by a 6-0 vote on a motion from Commissioner Neighbors.
The extension is intended to give GFL a final opportunity to demonstrate service quality while allowing the town more time to pursue procurement or contract alternatives; the board did not adopt a timeline for future action beyond the one-year extension.
