By KAREN JONES CODY
In the July meeting of the Knott Fiscal Court on Monday, a disagreement about the contract for the county’s garbage pickup has left the future of this service in doubt. Ecology Officer Roger Hicks began the discussion by explaining that the contract with Rumpke, who has been the county’s provider since 2003, renews on a year to year basis. “They have the right to obtain increases according to CPI, which would mean this year they could ask for up to 3.5%. They have agreed to a much lower request, 1.5%. They’ve worked pretty good with us, and have only raised prices about $4 since the beginning.”
“What if we don’t agree to this?” asked District One Magistrate Jamie Mosley. “They got a raise nine months ago.”
“It’s a year to year contract,” Hicks said. “If it was long term, five or ten years, they would ask for things for down the road. According to the county attorney, we either renew it year to year, or bid it off. Remember – they are allowed to go over 3%, but if we’re renewing the contract, they won’t do that.”
“I say table it,” said District Four Magistrate Calvin Waddles.
“If you’ re going to table it, you’d better do something in a hurry, because bidding it off takes time,” Hicks said. “And in order to get out of this contract, I think it requires six months notice.”
Judge-Executive Randy Thompson interjected, “Having dealt with both Rumpke and U.S. Waste, Rumpke is superior by far.”
“That’s okay if they are willing to stay at this rate. I think we should negotiate,” Jamie Mosley said.
“I have negotiated – this is their request, and I’ m just giving it to you,” Hicks said. “I got them down to this. You can read their letter, and if you don’t agree, I’m sure a representative will be glad to talk to you. We have two choices, U.S. Waste or Rumpke.”
“What was the problem with the other company?” Waddles asked….
See this week’s newspaper for more.
Find the Troublesome Creek Times at local stores in Knott and surrounding counties or subscribe to the Times at (606)-785-5134