Board clears expedited path for new five-year waste-disposal contract after single qualified bid

David Spicer presented the results of an updated RFP for solid waste transportation and disposal, saying Republic in Caldwell County was the only permitted facility able to accept Alleghany County waste. Spicer told the board the proposed disposal and transport rate is about $64.50 per ton and that the contract includes a 5% annual escalation clause.

Spicer asked the board to waive the typical notice timeframe so county staff can have time for the new contract to be drafted, reviewed by Heather (county staff), and returned to the board for approval before the current contract lapses at the end of March. "This is the only bid that we was able to get in the only place that we could find," Spicer said.

Commissioners were concerned about budget implications. Staff estimated roughly $829,000 will be needed in next year’s budget for waste/disposal based on the proposed rates, and noted the county currently bills an availability/tipping fee of $98 per qualifying residence (about 8,000 billed addresses). The board voted 4-0 to suspend rules and allow staff to proceed with drafting the five-year contract so it can be considered and approved in time to prevent a service gap.