Letter to the editor: Why isn’t city sending garbage hauling contract out for bid before big increase?
To the editor,
The city of Paso Robles has initiated a Proposition 218 process to approve a 33-plus percent hike in garbage collection rates. At the same time, the city’s contract with the Paso Robles Waste & Recycle is being extended to 2027 based on a facility requirement that has not been properly satisfied.
The contract for Paso Robles’s garbage disposal has not been put out to bid since at least 1993… and perhaps never. There is good reason to question the justification for this automatic contract extension worth more than 30 million dollars. That is why I’m concerned about this rate increase.
Paso Robles Waste and Recycle has a virtual stranglehold on the city’s garbage contract. This is an undeniable monopoly. How can we ratepayers know if a 21.6% rate increase over the next six months is really warranted when we have what is essentially a one-pony show?
Wouldn’t a competitive bid process confirm we are in good standing at these rates?
I understand the large capital investment necessary to provide this kind of public service. This is what justifies longer-term contracts common in this business.
Nevertheless, putting this very large contract out to bid periodically will help ensure that residents and businesses are getting the best service and the biggest bang for their garbage buck.
Find more information at www.playfairpaso.org.
Dan Blackburn
Paso Robles
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