Leon County rebidding waste pickup service amid continued Waste Pro complaints
The county re-issued its call for bids for a solid waste provider after a tumultuous run with Waste Pro.
The current contract is set to expire in a year and the county is looking for companies to provide services in the unincorporated areas. At the same time, staff signaled they would be making some minor changes to trash service to account for inflationary pressures on fuel and the workforce.
Issuing a call for bid on the contract is normal procedure as it expires in the next year. Waste Pro will be allowed to enter a bid on the contract.
Commissioners voted unanimously to issue an invitation to bid Tuesday night. A recommendation for a provider could come as soon as December.
Adjustments to existing services include limiting yard debris pick up to 8 cubic yards a week, a pile roughly six feet in length and three feet tall. On average, customers place about one cubic yard per week.
In addition, customers can no longer place yard debris in plastic bags, which currently Waste Pro has to debag at the curb then manually empty them. Customers will also no longer have to request pick up of bulky items such as furniture and appliances, which will be picked up weekly.
The county is hoping to secure a vendor which utilizes a fleet of vehicles at least 50% powered by natural gas or electricity.
Although not the sole reason for rebidding waste services, the county’s current provider, Waste Pro, was put on notice a few years ago and most recently in July after a surge of customer complaints. Its been the solid waste provider since 2013.
Waste Pro in the headlines:
Trash turnaround: Waste Pro gears up to meet demands after almost being put on the curb
Leon County Commission narrowly approves revised Waste Pro contract
Verified complaints agianst WastePro have not slowed. In April, there were 400. May saw 600 while in June there were 800 logged complaints. In July that number dipped to 300.
County Commissioner Kristin Dozier noted the past troubles with Waste Pro, which resulted in a complete overhaul of its operations in early 2020.
“We have been through the same conversations for years,” Dozier said of the complaints against the company. “Things get better for a time then they resume again. I have a lot of concerns about what’s going to happen in the future if we sign another contract with Waste Pro.”
Flesh eating bacteria not found
Almost a month after the Bradfordville Dog Park was closed after a report of a dangerous mold infecting a dog, County Commissioner Brian Welch said water samples didn't reveal the presence of a fungus that is dangerous to dogs.
Leon County commissioners will likely get an update on the issue at their next meeting. Access to the ponds at the park has been closed off and signage was placed to alert owners.
More: Bradfordville Dog Park closed in 'abundance of caution' after report of 'flesh-eating mold'
In a social media post, Welch said the suspected “flesh-eating mold,” Pythium insidiosum, was not found.
“Three samples were taken from each stormwater pond at the Bradfordville Dog Park and sent to the UF/IFAS office for testing,” Welch wrote in a post. “Fungal growth was detected in 1 sample, but it was determined NOT to be Pythium insidiosum, the Pythium which is dangerous to dogs.”
He also noted the county will proceed with fencing off access to the ponds in an abundance of caution.
"We know this is disappointing for some, but the safety of our furry friends is the most important factor to consider when operating the park."
Fort Braden center to be named for late Jimbo Jackson
Commissioners moved forward with acquiring the Fort Braden Community Center and naming it after their late colleague, Jimbo Jackson.
The center is owned by the Leon County School Board but has been leased by the county for $1 since 1994. Jackson, who died of complications with long COVID in May, served 30 years as an educator and principal at Fort Braden School.
The exchange between the county and school board will come at no cost except the school board will be allowed more capacity in a stormwater facility at Chiles High School and the county will take up maintenance of a segment of Moore Circle Road in southwest Tallahassee.
Jackson’s colleagues noted that naming the facility after him was fitting given his years of service in the western Leon County community.
“He was just a great humanitarian. He loved his district, but he loved Leon County,” said Commissioner Carolyn Cummings. “He loved the schools, he loved the children in his school. I certainly support this particular item. This is just a small token of how we can remember him as a fellow commissioner in his Fort Braden community.”
Contact Karl Etters at ketters@tallahassee.com or @KarlEtters on Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon County rebids trash service, will name center after Jimbo Jackson
