City to decide fate of garbage service

The Colusa City Council will talk trash Oct. 7 when it grapples with the fate of the city’s garbage collection service. Ordered by the state to “go green,” city lawmakers will have to make the tough decision to buy a new low emission garbage truck, build a transfer station or outsource collection service to a private contractor.

Only one contractor, Norcal Waste Systems of Butte County, met the city’s request for proposal and qualifications to provide the garbage services. The company currently provides services to Williams and the unincorporated areas of Colusa County.

Rob Hickey, before he left his position as city manager, said the biggest issue of concern is the time remaining to make a decision.

“The current hauling vehicles must come out of service on Dec. 31,” Hickey said. “There is a minimum 90-day period to acquire new, replacement equipment should the council decide to retain the ability to collect and dispose of solid waste.”

Whatever the council decides, it will mean increased rates for city residents. The city will also have to grabble with the fate of employees and alley pickup, both of which could be affected by the council’s decision.

The city currently collects waste from 1,700 residential and 118 commercial customers before reloading it on a commercial vehicle and hauling it 40 miles to the landfill, in Yuba County.

City officials say the cost of a new “green” replacement vehicle is about $280,000. The purchase would drive residential rates from $21.45 for a 90- gallon container to $35.22. Commercial rates could jump from $56.05 to $92.04.

Hickey said if the council decides to retain its own garbage services, the new rate structure would need to go into effect as soon as possible.

If the city decides to establish a transfer station or outsource the service, rates would be somewhat similar to the new structure, city officials said.