City to provide forum on trash franchise

The Sisters City Council has scheduled a public forum for Monday, September 8, at City Hall to present information about a possible franchise of the city's refuse operations to High Country Disposal (HCD).

The franchise proposal has been controversial. Councilor Lon Kellstrom has made some strongly worded public comments against the move, calling it potentially the worst public policy decision during his tenure on the council.

City staff have defended the idea as providing long-term cost savings and more services to the public.

At the meeting, city and HCD representatives will present the franchise proposal to help the public understand what the transition would mean for the residents within the City of Sisters.

Following the presentation, they will field questions from the audience.

The meeting is scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Representatives from HCD will be available at City Hall prior to the meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to answer any one-on-one questions regarding their proposal and the services they offer.

As of press time there will be materials available regarding HCD's services and recycling carts on display in the lobby of City Hall.

For more information contact city manager Eileen Stein at 323-5205 or HCD general manager Merle Irvine at 323-4701.