This week, the City Commission took an important step. We directed staff to explore partnering with a private company to handle many of Frankfort’s waste management services, including trash and recycling.
As you know, our city’s waste collection has been handled for many years by dedicated public servants. These are individuals who take pride in their work and understand that what they do matters to the quality of life in our community. I have always believed there is real value in providing this service in-house, and I still do. There is a level of trust and familiarity that comes with seeing city crews in your neighborhood each week.
The reality, though, is that we are at a point where maintaining and improving the current system would require a level of investment, planning, and operational alignment that we have not yet been able to bring together.
Over time, the city has not consistently made the capital investments needed to sustain a modern waste management system. As a result, maintaining the service in-house would now require average annual equipment purchases of $700,000, in addition to approximately $3,600,000 in annual operating costs.
There have also been changes that make operations more difficult. The loss of inmate labor, which historically supported parts of our system, has at times reduced staffing flexibility. And residents have felt it. Our schedules and policies for yard waste, bulk waste, and recycling have changed over the last several years, and that has been confusing to follow. This is not the level of service that I want for Frankfort residents.
At this time, staff has recommended that, in order to fully restore service levels, the city explore outsourcing those operations, and the commission has a responsibility to consider that recommendation. It is important to note that no final decision has been made. If staff presents a clear path forward, supported by a comprehensive plan that gives us confidence we can restore service levels, modernize equipment, and operate more efficiently in-house, I will support it.
Should we partner with a private provider, we will do so without implementing additional costs to our residents. I want to emphasize that point. As proposed, there will be no additional fee. This service will continue to be funded through existing city tax revenue, just as it is today.
Financially, the savings on annual operating costs are expected to be modest. In fact, depending on how we support our existing workforce, costs could be similar in the near term. That is acceptable to me. If employees transition into other roles within city government, it strengthens our ability to deliver in areas like parks, streets, and beautification. We can always use more hands serving our community.
The more significant benefit is avoiding future large, recurring capital investments in trucks and equipment, as well as the opportunity to strengthen staffing and resources in other priority areas.
As this process continues, our focus will be on ensuring that any option we pursue meets high standards for reliability, responsiveness, and accountability. We will expect clear service schedules, strong communication with residents, and a commitment to maintaining the level of service that Frankfort deserves.
My primary goal is to deliver the level of service our residents expect. At the same time, I recognize the weight of this decision and the pride that has long been associated with providing this service in-house. This is a difficult decision, and not one I take lightly.
I am also mindful of the city employees who have provided this service over the years. They are dedicated public servants who take pride in their work. Their contributions have mattered, and they will remain an important part of whatever path we choose moving forward.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback as the city considers its options. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
All my best,
