Dunnellon city officials are expected to vote on whether to continue the city's relationship with its existing waste management company or seek an alternative.
At a Monday city council workshop, representatives from Waste Management and Waste Pro separately made their pitch to Mayor Walter Green and City Commissioners Rex Lehmann, Tim Inskeep and Valerie Hanchar on why their company should be selected.
Doug McCoy, senior district manager for Waste Management, whose company has held the contract with the city for the past several years, said Waste Management has 11 contracts, which include surrounding counties.
McCoy said since Jan. 1, 2024, his company had only three missed pickups. He said the contract with the city ends Sept. 30. McCoy told the council though his company's bid is higher than Waste Pro, they can negotiate.
Waste Pro Government Affairs and Sales Manager Carl Zalak said he has spent his life in the trash business and his company's goal is to have a cleaner, healthier environment.
Zalak, who also is a Marion County Commission member, said Waste Pro plans to offer similar services as Waste Management — that is, pickup twice a week — but at a cheaper rate than Waste Management. He said although Waste Pro is a large company and operates in 61 of the state's 67 counties, it has a local team that's ready to meet the community needs.
After each presentation, city officials asked questions. Monday's gathering was only a workshop; the vote on the contract is slated for July 10.
In other city news
+ Green suggested an ordinance to allow alcohol sales on Sunday. Except for beer or wine, alcohol is forbidden to be sold on Sundays within the city limits of Dunnellon.
The measure appears to have support from business owners, and a favorable consensus from the elected body.
For the measure to pass, an ordinance must be drafted and voted on by council.
+ Hanchar announced that former Mayor Charles J. "Chuck" Smith died late last month.
Smith was an elder at Dunnellon Presbyterian Church and a previous business owner.
Smith's death comes several months after the death of former city council official Ken Chesterfield.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
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