Rising Sun awards trash collection contract to Republic Services amid budget concerns

The Town of Rising Sun held a meeting on May 30, 2023, addressing significant issues regarding trash collection and a new grant writer program. The primary focus was on the town's ongoing challenges with its current trash hauler, which has led to a critical need for a new contract.

Town Administrator Calvin A. Bonneberg Jr. reported that the town has faced escalating costs for trash and recycling services. The current annual cost of $173,856 is set to rise dramatically, with bids for new contracts reaching as high as $513,270. This increase poses a serious financial challenge, as the town's budget operates with minimal surplus. In response, the town staff recommended awarding a contract to Republic Services, which offered the lowest annual cost of $241,324, despite a 5% annual increase. The resolution to approve this contract was passed unanimously by the commissioners.

In addition to the trash collection issue, the meeting also discussed a new initiative to secure a part-time grant writer through the Maryland Circuit Rider Program. This program allows multiple towns to share resources, with Rising Sun partnering with Perryville, Charlestown, and Port Deposit. Each town will have access to a grant writer for 12 hours a week, aimed at enhancing their administrative capabilities and securing funding for various projects. Rising Sun will contribute $3,000 to this initiative, which is expected to increase the overall funding available for the participating towns.

The meeting concluded with the approval of both resolutions, marking a proactive approach to managing rising costs and improving grant acquisition efforts for the town. The decisions made are expected to have a positive impact on the town's financial management and service delivery in the coming years.