The proposal to contract with one private firm for city-wide trash collection service will take an important step in April.  At the Tuesday morning meeting of the Fishers Board of Public Works & Safety, Mayor Scott Fadness said that body will be voting on the request for proposals (RFP) which will contain the specifics of what the city expects private sector bidders to include in any bid.

The mayor’s Chief of Staff, Jordin Alexander, presented the first draft of an RFP at a recent board meeting and the mayor indicated several changes would be made before the final version is approved.

Once the bids are submitted, the board will consider each bid.  That may require a much larger meeting room than the board’s normal location at the City Court.  It is possible the new City Hall/Arts Center will be ready in time to host such a meeting.

The City Council will have the final say on any trash collection contract.  The earliest any contract with a private firm would be effective is 2025.  Residents have been voicing concerns recently about the spike in costs for trash collection service.

In  other board action:

–The board approved buying 3 flatbed trucks for the city fleet at a cost of $176,056.80.  Tabatha Miller from Fleet Management told the board the cost of this equipment is gone up 30 per cent in just 2 years.  Delivery is hoped to arrive by the end of 2024.

–Beginning July 1, city customers of the stormwater and sanitary sewer system will be placed on a paperless billing system.  This is projected to save the city money by streamlining the billing system.  Customers will be provided an “opt-out” choice if deciding not utilize the paperless system.