VENTURA : Contract Expected for Trash Hauler

The Ventura City Council is expected to award an exclusive franchise for hauling trash and recyclable materials later this month to E.J. Harrison & Sons Inc.

The council on Monday voted to set a public hearing Sept. 20 to consider the issue. The Ad Hoc Waste Committee and city staff are recommending granting the $70-million contract--the largest contract the city annually awards.

By entering into a long-term agreement, the trash hauler will have an easier time obtaining better financing, city officials said. The savings would then be passed on to residents and businesses, officials said.

The tentative franchise agreement also entails offering more recycling services to businesses, and implementing a green-waste collection program that would haul such materials as yard clippings.

The agreement was reached after more than four months of negotiations with E.J. Harrison, officials said.

Under terms of the proposed contract, profit is capped at 4.75%, plus a 3% incentive for quality customer service, including starting new recycling programs.