Augusta commissioners return to the matter of a garbage pickup contract and rate hike Tuesday after postponing the decision several times.
The city’s current two garbage haulers, Georgia Waste System and Coastal Waste Recycling, were the staff’s choice for two halves of the contract, but some commissioners have questioned why two haulers were recommended instead of one.
The firms’ existing contracts ran out last year. In conjunction with the contract awards, staff has proposed a hike in fees from $325 to as much as $440 annually, but commissioners have considered a lesser increase.
The new contracts, going before an Augusta commission committee Tuesday, are expected to include the option for customers to purchase separate recycling collection.
Other items going for committee discussion and possible approval Tuesday include:
- A request by John Trussell to waive a $900 fee for the Jessye Norman Amphitheater for the March 23 200th anniversary celebration of the Marquis de LaFayette’s tour of Augusta
- A discussion requested by Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle about spending on vacant lot clearing and home demolition along with how much of it “was recapture(d)” by the city
- A request by Commissioner Stacy Pulliam for a list and discussion of roads scheduled for resurfacing during 2025
- An update on right-of-way maintenance schedules including creeks and ditches, requested by Pulliam
- An emergency replacement for burst water lines at Carrie J. Mays Community Center for $51,973
- A presentation of an executive hiring strategy to fill approximately 10 vacant executive positions, including general and deputy counsel; directors of IT, finance, procurement and central services and deputy administrator
- An update on department standard operating procedures sought by Pulliam
- Discussion of creating three constituent service liaisons/commission assistants, requested by Pulliam
