Lewistown residents press commission on Republic Services pickup changes

Residents told the Lewistown City Commission on Aug. 4 that a recent change in Republic Services’ curbside pickup approach is causing safety and access problems and leaving older and mobility‑limited neighbors uncertain about how to comply. "She is unable to help individuals on an individual basis," said Chris Aamold, describing his exchanges with the company and urging coordinated community response.

Several residents said drivers are enforcing a two‑foot clearance around cans and that parked cars now block collection or force cans into the street. "I am 86 years old and I can’t drag the garbage can in and out of the street," said Mel Taurman, who said drivers told him to leave the can between parked cars. Commissioner Robertson told the public the commission has heard similar complaints at previous meetings and reiterated that the City’s regulatory options are limited because refuse service is provided by a regulated public utility. "The City’s hands are tied because it is a public utility," Robertson said.

City Manager Phelps said the administration is investigating legal and operational options and noted Fergus County is examining landfill and private‑operator alternatives. Commissioners discussed asking the city attorney for advice and creating a small task force; Commissioners Day and Hewitt agreed to serve and Commissioner Hrubes asked to be notified of meetings. Aamold provided residents with contact information for the Montana Public Service Commission and urged others to file complaints so the agency can track community concerns.

The commission did not take formal action on the Republic Services issue during the meeting but asked staff to explore legal options and to report back, and commissioners agreed to form a small group to pursue next steps.