A private company will probably take over garbage collection in East Moline next year. Monday night, the city council gave its preliminary approval to signing a seven-year contract with Republic Services.
City administrator Cole O'Donnell says privatization has been discussed in recent years but aldermen did not want to lay off any city workers. Now though, four people have retired from the Public Works department, and that's how many employees it takes to collect trash. So all current workers can keep their jobs.
"We see a savings in the general fund related to retirements and benefits that don't have to be paid from that fund. And we see some long-term savings in regards to other post employment benefits."
He estimates immediate savings for the city of 40,000 dollars, and long-term of 350,000 dollars.
Garbage pickup now costs East Moline residents 7-dollars and 15-cents per month, and it will stay at the level through the first year under Republic, thanks to a subsidy from the city. Then O'Donnell says rates would rise gradually to nearly 8 1/2 dollars in the final year of the contract. Republic Services already provides this service in Silvis.
A final vote is expected at the city council's first meeting in October.
(photo: Rapids Sculpture - East Moline Welcome Center at Beacon Harbor - courtesy of the city)