CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA PACKET

3 The survey provides clear direction regarding the community's approach to future contract decisions. While 94% of satisfaction rates suggest that residents value the current service quality, 56% believe the city should conduct competitive bidding that allows other qualified providers to submit proposals. Only 36% prefer continuing with current arrangements without competitive evaluation. This finding suggests residents trust competitive processes to maintain or improve service quality while potentially providing cost benefits. The preference for competitive bidding aligns with general public administration best practices and resident expectations for transparent procurement processes. Cost and Billing Perceptions Among respondents, 68% consider their quarterly trash and recycling bills to be "just about right," while 20% consider costs too high and 2% consider them too low. These cost perceptions provide some flexibility for future rate adjustments, particularly if linked to service improvements or regulatory compliance requirements. However, having a group that views the costs as too high suggests that any rate increases should be accompanied by clear justification and demonstrated value. Service Enhancement Opportunities The survey identified some interest in service enhancements not currently provided by the hauler. Curbside leaf pickup generates the highest interest (24%), but it's worth noting that all the services presented failed to generate substantial interest, and 46% of respondents specifically answered “none”. Willingness to pay for enhanced services shows varying levels of support. Among residents who expressed interest in each specific service: • Weekend pick-up: 49% (based on 41 individuals). • Curbside leaf pick-up: 36% (based on 95 individuals). • Unlimited organics disposal: 31% (based on 68 individuals). • Optional vacation hold: 13% (based on 87 individuals). Transfer Station Policy Direction The transfer station findings provide strong community direction despite operational and financial complexities. Consistent support levels before and after cost information suggest resident preferences are robust rather than superficial. Environmental and quality-of-life concerns, while not eliminating support, suggest that any facility upgrades should incorporate enhanced environmental protections and traffic management measures. Page 89 of 399