Prairie Village is looking to dump Deffenbaugh Industries.
Wes Jordan, Prairie Village's Assistant City Manager, just got approval from the City Council to begin negotiations with a new trash service provider -- KCK-based Republic Services.
Deffenbaugh, which also goes by Waste Management, actually beat Republic's price by about $4 per month per home, but that wasn't enough to persuade Jordan to contract with the company again.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: PV accepts bids for new trash removal service
"Waste Management was the lowest bid but as we entered into this bid process it was never about just the best or lowest bid. It was also a large part would be a service component," said Jordan.
Since the start of the year, more than 300 Prairie Village homeowners have filed official complaints with the city regarding Deffenbaugh Industries.
AN ONGOING PROBLEM: Deffenbaugh apologizes for trash pickup delays
“It has been an ongoing problem and I understand their position,” explained Jordan. “But at the end of the day, our residents expect their trash to be picked up, their recycling, their yard waste.”
Jordan worked as a police officer for 27 years and has been the assistant city manager for over a year. He said he has lots of experience addressing problems head-on, and that is exactly what he is doing in this case.
That’s why for the first time in 14 years, the city is changing providers to the new waste management company. Pick-up delays are not the only reason, but Jordan said they were a factor.
If the negotiation process goes smoothly, Prairie Village will ride out the Deffenbaugh contract through December 31. Then it will make the switch to Republic on January 1.
TALKING TRASH: Johnson County homeowners say Deffenbaugh hasn't picked up trash in weeks
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