Richmond residents will have a new trash hauler as of July 1, but the majority of services are expected to remain unchanged. On June 3 during a regular meeting, the Richmond City Council unanimously voted in favor of a motion to approve a proposal from Priority Waste for a five-year contract. The contract is for solid waste, recycling and yard waste collection in the city. The motion directed administration to complete any necessary contracts to switch providers.
Priority Waste will begin its services on July 1 in Richmond. Mayor Tim Rix said the new contract will save money and retain services for residents. Council briefs indicate that the proposal from Priority would reduce the amount placed on a resident’s tax bill from $234.56 to $224. “Priority is going to be picking up what you put to the curb, within the rules that we have at the curb,” Rix said. “But that is not going to change at all.”
Moore said two bids were received, and the bid from Priority closely matched the current service level. Moore also explained to council that Priority offered residents a 4% decrease in cost for the first year, subsequently providing 4% increases for the five-year contract.