Deal on garbage contract continues to elude Augusta leaders

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Augusta commissioners still have no decision on a new garbage contract – and it could be four more months before they reach one.

After discussing that matter while meeting at the committee level Tuesday, they amended what they’re looking for and sent it out for rebidding.

And they’re extending the contract with the current provider by four months to give them more time to decide.

This has been a back-and-forth issue leaders haven’t been able to make a decision about.

On Tuesday, commissioners amended the plan to seek a single provider for all three zones. They’re also looking for recycling to be included and to remove add-ons like mosquito control and street sweeping.

After failing to reach a decision for quite some time, leaders had already asked for a 90-day extension so they could make a decision. The 90-day extension was voted on Dec. 18 – so the clock was ticking.

But now the extra four months will give them some breathing room.

A new contract will probably mean higher rates for customers.

The current rate is $26.71 a month. City Engineering Director Dr. Hameed Malik’s proposal is $36.67 per month.

Malik is also recommending taking $9.7 million of the garbage fees and using the money for other purposes like street sweeping, dealing with vacant lots, demolition and mosquito control.

The price was one of the sticking points for commissioners Tuesday.

Commissioner Don Clark said the subject is probably confusing to constituents because they won’t understand why it’s costing them more.

“It shouldn’t be this confusing,” he said.

City Tameka Allen recommended that commissioners pick from the three options the city procurement staff had laid out.

But that’s not what they did.

“It is not clear with istration how this governing body wants to proceed,” Allen said.

Commissioner Alvin Mason called it “quite telling that service-specific instructions can be ed but other instructions cannot,” adding that there are “too many devils in these details.”

Commission Stacy Pulliam asked if the ancillary services would be addressed differently from the garbage contract, and Malik said they would.

“Last year we had two vendors,” said Wayne Guilfoyle, District 10 commissioner. “This year we ended up with two vendors and I’d rather look at bottom line pricing that’s for the constituent because with all the other frills on it, we’re going to be the highest garbage paying entity around and that’s not fair.”

Right of way and city-owned lot maintenance is another topic discussed.

The city says her team is looking at a comprehensive maintenance program she hopes to have before commissioners within the next 60 days.

In other matters

• City leaders viewed a presentation on the executive hiring strategy. There are 10 current executive vacant positions in Augusta-Richmond County government, including general counsel, central services director, information technology director, finance director and procurement director. Leaders agreed to move forward on the plan that was presented.
• Commissioners will have the city ’s office provide information on a path forward for fixing or replacing light poles that are leaning and broken as well as wires that are dangling in the middle of traffic such as the ones on Holly Hill Road and Walton Way.
• Nikki Harper is expected to speak on reportedly inhumane treatment of inmates and conditions at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.
• Leaders discussed expenditures on vacant lots, clearing and demolition of houses, including how the money is recaptured and how much was spent last year.
• As requested by Commissioner Jordan Johnson, leaders will get an update on the homelessness task force.
• Commissioners will discuss road repaving projects that are scheduled for 2025.

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