Republic Services tells Ohio County it will lower resident drop-off rate to $33 and offers RFP proposals

A Republic Services representative addressed the court during public comment to preview an upcoming RFP and company proposals for the county's waste handling. The representative said the company will expand free-service offerings and extend hours for some drop-off events and proposed reducing the resident drop-off rate to $33 effective Aug. 1 to match a neighboring county.

The speaker provided financial context for the county's host fees and tonnage: $235,000 in host fees in 2024, about $400,000 in 2025, and on pace for approximately $800,000 in 2026, with an aspiration to reach $1,000,000 in future years. The representative said two competitive proposals would be supplied to the county (a purchase and an operating agreement) as part of the RFP package and emphasized a willingness to work with magistrates on service improvements.

Magistrates discussed access concerns for northern residents and asked the company representative to explore local drop-off or dumpster options for more remote areas of the county. The company stated it would include the requested changes in the RFP and adjust rates and service hours accordingly.