Richmond’s City Council voted June 14 at City Hall to approve a resolution for a trash rate increase, but not before letting the Republic Service representative hear the council’s multiple grievances with the company.

Representing Republic Service that evening was Tyler Riordan, municipal sales manager for the Kansas City metro and Warrensburg areas. Riordan told the council that Republic was initiating two separate rate increases, beginning July 1. Both increases are included in the company’s contract and are similar in language to the contract originally held with Heartland Waste.

The contract stipulates that a standard, annual 4% increase will take effect on July 1. That’s when the contract renews.

The second increase is tied to rising fuel prices. The contract allows Republic to implement the second increase if diesel prices significantly increase, allowing the company to offset some of its fuel costs.

Riordan explained that Republic had used a six-month average of fuel prices to determine the amount of the second increase. That six-month average was $4.12 per gallon, requiring a 27-cent per month increase per household.

Combined, the two increases amount to a 65-cent-per-month rate adjustment to residents.

Regular curbside trash and yard waste collection is $13.50 per month for non-senior residents and $11.50 for senior citizens. Beginning July 1, the monthly rates will be $14.15 for non-senior residents and $12.15 for seniors.

“This is going to be a hard sell, because your service has not been good; it’s not even been acceptable,” Councilwoman Deanna Guy said. “Our trash service is a big issue. It’s hard for us to say yes when our service is not good.”

Councilwoman Barb Hardwick agreed, adding that trash for her ward had been picked up a day late the week before.

Riordan said the problems of late have been delayed pickups more than missed ones. He cited mechanical issues on the old Heartland trucks as one reason for the recent delays. Under normal conditions, Republic utilizes two trucks, two drivers and two helpers to service the Richmond route.

Another condition Republic had faced recently was a shortage in one helper, according to Riordan. As a result, the driver was responsible for stopping at every yard, parking the truck, getting out and emptying the trash bins before returning to the driver’s seat and moving to the next house.

“Obviously, that adds more time to each route and causes these delays as well,” Riordan said.

Councilman Ron Peterson asked about communication when there are delays.

“I can live with a delay if I know about it,” he said.

City Collector Marilyn O’Dell said Republic sends her email notices when it realizes there will be service delays.

“My point is that, if we continue to improve on communication, I can live with that,” Peterson said. “No. 1, gas prices are horrible. No. 2, hiring and maintaining good people in the world we live in right now is impossible. I feel for you. That’s why it’s important that good communication and continuous improvement is what I like to see.”

Republic inherited 12 municipalities when it acquired Heartland, with Richmond being one of the largest. No residential routes were managed from the Warrensburg facility before the acquisition, Riordan explained, but the transition is almost complete.

“We’ve definitely had our struggles, but I feel we’re on the back end of it,” he said. “We’ve had a changeover in operations and a good streak of hiring drivers, helpers and even a couple of new techs to work on the trucks. The end goal is to get most of Heartland’s old fleet of trucks out and have new Republic trucks in. I know our service isn’t spectacular, but it is improving.”

Riordan added that, despite the rate increases, Richmond’s rates are still well below the market average. He said that average market prices around the area for trash pickup only is between $11.50 and $13.50. Those rates don’t include yard waste or bulky item pickup services, which Richmond still has.

Councilman Bob Bond agreed that Republic cannot run its business without addressing the fuel cost increases.

“I agree, I had problems with service at first, but not anymore. I think the real issue here is to continue improving on service,” Bond said before motioning to approve the rate increases, with his motion seconded by Hardwick.

Councilman Adam Booth said: “I agree with Councilman Peterson that communication is very important. There is a lot of transference of that communication from customers to us, to the city, to you. A lot of people are talking about this. Assurance from you is something we need to justify the cost, especially when spending our constituents’ money. Improvements are something we definitely need to see.”

As recommended by Councilman Rob Kinnard, Riordan agreed to occasionally attend future council meetings to update the council on updates and improvements.

The motion passed 7-1. Rob Brash dissented.