Our Commissioner Rob Williamson recently wrote this and we asked him if we could share it on here. We thank Commissioner Williamson for sharing his writing with us.
I apologize for the inconsistent or, in some instances, total lack of service during the recent transition to our new waste hauler. I have heard from folks throughout south county. From Dan off Rosewood Dr (east county line), TJ off Timber Ln, Aaron off Esplanade in HBTS, Roger off Bergren Rd in west Navarre and all the way to James off Lorraine Ct., there are reports of missed trash and/or recycling pick ups and service inconsistencies.
The transition to a new waste hauler should have been better planned and better executed.
As a customer and Navarre neighbor, I share your frustration.
Why did the board make a change?
When it came time for the annual review with Waste Management, they demanded significant price increases; and, if these increases were not approved, they told us they would quit.
To avoid these mid-contract price increases for customers, the board
asked Waste Pro if they would take on the Waste Management service area at the same low price for the remainder of the contract term and they agreed. Waste Pro had already been serving south Santa Rosa and all indications were they would handle the transition well. They tried to take on this massive customer increase during the holiday busy season. With several holidays falling on regular pick up days, severe weather conditions combined with staffing and logistics problems, all proved too much to overcome initially.
It is obvious the transition was not handled well.
Like you and many of your Navarre neighbors, I too have experienced inconsistent service during this transition.
What is being done to normalize service?
Progress and improvements to normalize waste and recycling pick ups have been slower than we would like but steady gains are being realized throughout our service area.
I have scheduled a meeting with Waste Pro Executives and county staff for Wednesday morning to get updates on service levels and the action plan to continue improving service and communication moving forward.
I have also asked for Waste Pro and county staff to address the public at this Thursday’s commission meeting to communicate the steps being taken to get this fixed.
Rest assured, we will take whatever steps necessary to normalize service.
Thank you for your patience in dealing with what has been a frustrating transition. We will get through this.
Please keep communicating any service issues to our Santa Rosa County Environmental Department (info included below) so we can ensure service levels are improving and get any problems resolved faster.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your commissioner.
With gratitude,
Rob
850-529-2525 cell phone
SRC Environmental Department (our resource for county waste hauling)
SRC Supervisor Environmental Department – Ron Hixson
850-981-7143
