Locally Owned Company Takes Over Garbage Services“Not only will a local company with ties to the Valley take over, but County residents and businesses will see a reduction in their bill,” explained Board Chairman Ronn Dominici. “This is a win-win for both the County and the hardworking taxpayers of Madera County.”
Madera County has received calls from concerned residents who have apparently been notified by Madera Disposal Systems that their service may terminate early. However, the provisions of their contract require that they continue service until the end of the month, and the County remains optimistic that they will live up to their obligations.
“Transitions are difficult,” explained County Administrative Officer Eric Fleming. “To date, Madera Disposal has failed to deliver the list of County residents and businesses that receive refuse service. It is our hope that they will cooperate with the County, provide all critical documentation and fulfill the obligations of their contract.”
“Waste Connections is a nationwide firm that we know is soliciting the business of other public entities,” explained Fleming. “I do not believe that they will tarnish their reputation or compromise their ability to serve elsewhere by abandoning Madera County, our residents or our businesses.”
According to Madera Mayor Brett Frazier, the county's change in service providers will cause no changes to the city trash collections. He did say, however, that Madera Disposal was charging two times the average tipping fees of other businesses in the area. The city of Madera is contracted with Allied Waste of Fresno.
As a result of the public bidding process the County conducted over the last several months, Red Rock Environmental Group will not only be providing enhanced services like curbside recycling and commercial recycling, but County residents who receive collection services in the affected area will see a significant reduction in their service charges. Depending on the optional subscriber services, the charges could reduce by as much as 30% - 40%.
“Financially, times are tough for everyone and Madera County is sensitive to that” stated Dominici. “Families and small business owners are struggling to make it and a reduction in their monthly garbage bills will make a big difference at the end of the day.”
In addition to being the sole provider of refuse collection below 1000 feet, Madera Disposal also operated the Fairmead Landfill and the North Fork Transfer Station through contracts with the County of Madera.
On February 7th of this year the County notified Madera Disposal of its intent to terminate all contracts on November 1st. Shortly thereafter the County filed suit against Madera Disposal seeking over $2.9 million in fees collected at the landfill and due to the County.
In the lawsuit the county claims that Madera Disposal has retained monies that they were not entitles to and that the disposal company did not share revenues with the county on the sale of recyclable materials to levels their detailed in their contract.
Red Rock Environmental Group will also be taking over operations at the landfill and the transfer station. Services at those two locations will continue without interruption as well.
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