Manitou trash hauler measure narrowly passes

The Manitou Springs City Council voted 4-3 Tuesday night in favor of a controversial ordinance to establish a single-hauler trash system, in a region where the free market has long defined trash collection.

Supporters say it will cut down on truck traffic on the narrow and steep residential streets, with only one company’s trucks coming through each week instead of three. It will encourage recycling, since all residents with trash service will be required to pay for - but not necessarily use - recycling service. The hauler will also pay the city $48,000 a year in fees, to be used for street projects.

Anyone with trash service will be required to use Bestway Disposal, the only company that submitted a bid. Monthly rates will be $16.25 to $18.25.

“We’ve done all that we could to accommodate all of peoples’ needs here. It’s not mandatory. It you currently take your trash and recyclables somewhere else, you can continue to do that,” said Manitou Springs Mayor Marc Snyder. “(The single-hauler system) is a recognition on the part of the council and the part of the community that we need to start planning for the future.”

Critics contend the city is taking away their right to choose their trash hauler, something residents in Colorado Springs do, with a half-dozen companies competing for business.

Residents with another hauler can switch immediately to Bestway or, if they have a three-month contract in place, continue until Aug. 9, after which no other haulers can serve homes in Manitou. The city may eventually take over billing.

Businesses and apartment complexes with more than seven units are not impacted.

Voting in favor were Snyder and council members Aimee Cox, Michael Gerbig and Matt Carpenter. Ingrid Richter, Ed Klingman and Rick Barry were opposed.

Klingman said he voted against the measure because it is “reducing the competition and having the city take over what amounts to a relatively complex business.”

“The cost will go up for the consumer (because of) the fact we’re not going to see competition on a daily basis,” he said. “Right now if you have two haulers and if you don’t like one you move to the other. Once you remove that choices prices can go up.”

Bestway can request rate increases annually, in proportion with changes in the consumer price index. Council must approve the hikes.