Cortland council holds first reading, public Q&A on proposed five-year refuse contract with Ohio Valley

The Cortland City Council on May 4 held a first reading of O-16-26, a proposed five-year contract with Ohio Valley Waste Services Inc. to provide residential refuse collection starting Oct. 1, and invited public questions and technical answers from the vendor.

Chair opened the item as the mayor's submission and introduced Jake Stewart of Ohio Valley Waste Services, who addressed pricing, service options and operational details. Stewart said Ohio Valley was the low bidder and described the city contract as a five-year term. In explaining relative costs, a council speaker cited an example for the contract's later year showing a vendor rate of $21.98 per month versus the current provider's $31.58 for a typical two-cart service.

Residents asked whether the new contract would require residents to use vendor-issued carts or allow continued bag pickup. Stewart said the vendor offers bag service and that residents could continue to sign up for bag service and buy bags at city hall, but that the typical contracted unit pricing assumes use of vendor-provided totes. He explained the vendor's barcode system ties each assigned tote to a household for invoicing and to simplify replacement of damaged equipment.

A resident with the Cortland News, Tom Folliott, asked whether recycling carts were included and whether carts would be provided or charged separately; Stewart responded that a recycling cart would be provided and that cost is included in the quoted service price. Another resident, Rob Freeman, asked whether a fuel-surcharge clause applied; city staff and vendor representatives said the written proposal did not include a fuel surcharge.

Council members and residents also discussed billing cadence and subscription options. Staff said billing would be quarterly, that autopay options would be available, and that city staff will distribute a flyer describing service levels (bag, one-, two- or three-tote options), billing methods and enrollment steps before the new contract takes effect.

Chair and staff emphasized the item remains at first reading; the contract and full bid comparisons are posted on the city website and copies will be printed on request. The council did not take final action on O-16-26 at the meeting; additional readings and a future vote were indicated.

The council will return to the ordinance in subsequent meetings where residents can provide further comment during those readings.