Citizens and supervisors decry missed pickups, ask board to prepare emergency contracting options

Several supervisors and members of the public said the county's contracted garbage hauler has repeatedly missed scheduled pickups and operated in unsafe or noncompliant ways. Complaints included trucks broken down, missing DOT credentials, and gaps in driver availability.

One supervisor said the contract performance had been "the worst garbage contract probably in the history of the state," and urged the board to be prepared to declare an emergency and secure replacement service if the contractor stops providing reliable pickups. Board staff noted the county's statutory emergency-contracting options and said an emergency contract could be used if necessary to preserve service continuity.

Board members indicated they will prepare contingency plans and examine contract compliance documents, while advising residents to file online complaints so staff can track missed pickups and locations.