Town to vet two leaf-and-limb proposals after mixed bids cite $108,000 vs ~$45,000 annual costs

Holly, the town manager, presented two bids for leaf-and-limb collection during the July 26 work session and asked commissioners for guidance on program design and ordinance language.

Bridges Land Management proposed bringing a grinder to the public-works site and processing material onsite, which Holly said could reduce disposal costs and enable reuse of the chipped material for town projects. Cousins Property Management submitted a curb-collection bid with a per-collection price of $4,500 and an annual full-service estimate of about $108,000; Holly also presented alternative program options that could reduce the annual cost to roughly $45,000 if specific collection standards (for example, bagging or tying limbs) were required.

Commissioners discussed enforcement and the risk that added rules would require additional staff time. One committee member said an ordinance and public notice will be needed and that staff should evaluate vendor proposals, identify enforcement burden, and prepare clear options for the next meeting. Holly said she will meet with Public Works staff, coordinate vendor follow-up and return a recommendation and proposed ordinance for public input at the next meeting.