TUSTIN : Council to Decide on Trash Service Pact

The City Council will decide today whether to accept an offer by the city’s trash hauler to reduce trash collection fees in exchange for a two-year extension of its contract with the city.

After a public hearing Monday, the council decided to delay its decision on Great Western Reclamation’s offer to reduce the $10.66 monthly residential rates by 5 cents.

In addition, the trash hauling company offered not to increase residential rates for 1993-94. According to its current contract, Great Western Reclamation is allowed to raise the rates to $11.47 a month, starting July 1. Instead, the residential rate could go down to $10.61 monthly if the council approves the deal.

In return, Great Western Reclamation wants its five-year contract extended to June 30, 2000. Its current contract expires in 1998. The trash hauler also wants a fixed seven-year contract if it remains the contractor after 2000.

In February, the council voted 3 to 2 to open the trash-collection service to other contractors. In the past, the service was not put out to bid.

“We have here an opportunity to decrease rates,” said Councilman Thomas R. Saltarelli.

Some residents, however, wanted a closer look at the proposal before the council votes on it.

“If this is such a great idea, show us,” said Guido Borges, a resident. He said few residents know about the offer.