Gillett looks to contract out for garbage service

By the end of 2013, the city of Gillett plans to dump its costly garbage-collection service in favor of a private contractor. Nanette Mohr, chairwoman of the Public Works Committee, said two companies have submitted bids to take over, beginning Jan. 1, 2014. The committee will review the bids and present its recommendation to the City Council in the coming months. Under the city’s present system, residents purchase stickers for $1.50 each and place these on their bags. With a switch to a private firm, residents will place a covered, wheeled tote at the curb. Stickers will no longer be used, so Mohr advised individuals use all their stickers in 2013. Mohr said the city will try to negotiate fees comparable to 2013 costs — $78 per household for 52 stickers (one for each week). The city will not change its recycling program, since that service is under contract to Oconto County through Dec. 31, 2015. It will also continue its commercial pickup service. City officials have discussed garbage collection alternatives since late 2012, when it projected to be $61,816 in the red for 2013.