Council holds off on trash decision

The Sisters City Council has delayed a decision about franchising out the city's refuse operations to High Country Disposal (HCD).

In a guest editorial printed in the July 30 Nugget ("Reject public resource giveaway, page 2), Councilor Len Kellstrom wrote: "Accepting HCD's last proposal would be the worst public policy decision in the 10 years I have been on the council."

Several of the councilors expressed concern about the franchise agreement at both their regular bi-weekly workshop and council meeting on Thursday, August 14.

Concerns centered on a few key points: The potential loss of a monthly "profit stream," an uneasiness about understanding the actual budget numbers used in the financial analysis, and a desire for public input.

Councilor Kellstrom reiterated his concern about the loss of this profit stream.

"I don't think it's a good idea for the citizens of Sisters," said Kellstrom.

Councilor Sharlene Weed expressed her concern about the franchise agreement with HCD.

"I'm feeling uneasy about this. It looks like we're willing to give up $7,000 per month for improved services from HCD. I've been getting a lot of questions and comments from the public, I'm not ready to vote on this. I'd like to wait and get more community input," said Weed.

Weed's concern was also expressed by Sisters resident Judy Curtis, who spoke to the council during the "visitor communications" part of the meeting.

"So few people know about it (franchising out the refuse business), I'm concerned that this decision is going to be made by September 1 and no one knows about it," said Curtis.

Virginia Lindsey, another Sisters resident, was also not in favor of franchising out the refuse operation.

"I like the way that Sisters people take care of Sisters. I prefer that you keep the service here in town," said Lindsey.

Mayor Boyd made it very clear to the council and audience that there are many reasons to franchise out the operation:

"If we keep the operation in-house we'll have to pony up and buy new or used equipment, maintain that equipment, charge potentially up to 40 percent more within a few years, while at the same time not offering the increased refuse services that HCD offers. HCD has all the newest and safest equipment, they're going to charge what we're charging right now, and we're going to get a lot of money each year from the franchise fee and land lease. And, on top of that, HCD is going to buy all our outdated refuse equipment. This is cash which can be used for other city needs - roads, parks, sewers and water," said Boyd.

The mayor also made a point of emphasizing that HCD cannot arbitrarily raise rates.

"It's a council decision to raise rates whether HCD gets the franchise or we keep it in-house. We'll operate in good faith, analyzing all data, before we make a decision to raise rates," added Boyd.

Council President Bill Merrill, having listened to all the discussion and public comments, added his concern.

"I think there's some value in waiting on this (the vote). We need to put the financial numbers in layman's terms so we can understand them before making a decision. And we need more public input. I don't have any problem in delaying the vote and taking time to look at the numbers," added Merrill.

With three of the five councilors expressing concern, the mayor decided to pull the franchise agreement vote from the evening's agenda.

"I'm pulling this item from the agenda and instructing staff to come back to us with more numbers. I'd also like to have a public forum on the issue, with HCD presenting their services so the public can really understand what the switch would mean. Then I think we'll be in a position to vote on this issue," said Boyd.

The council's next regularly scheduled workshop and meeting is at city hall on Thursday, August 28. The workshop starts at 6 p.m., council meeting at 7 p.m.