8/5/13 - After some discussion about whether to seek bids from other companies, the City of Howell voted to extend its garbage collection contract with Waste Management for another two years. The city's 5-year contract will come to an end in the near future, and the city was given the option to extend it for another two years. That extension would include a 1.5% increase in cost both years, but Waste Management approached the city and offered to waive that increase for the first year. At its meeting last week, the council discussed whether to accept the contract extension or seek more bids. Councilman Doug Heins was in support of letting the contract out to bid as a way to find lower prices and keep Waste Management honest. Mayor Phil Campbell said the recent increase in the garbage millage means the council has a responsibility to find the best value available. City Manager Shea Charles says the city had surveyed surrounding communities and found that the Waste Management contract is very competitive. Eventually the council voted to extend the current contract by two years, but to seek new bids at the end of that period. (JK)
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