An Introduction to Measure Q:
The Waste Collections Services Act of 2024
This Fall, Windsor residents will have an opportunity to vote on Measure Q: a citizen’s initiative which would repeal Windsor’s Refuse, Recycling and Composting Competitive Bid Ordinance that was passed by town voters in 1996.
The reasoning behind Measure Q is simple: to provide continuity to create operational efficiencies in waste collection (including the prospects to re-combine recycling into one unit without a divider), control costs paid by ratepayers, and continue to provide the same high level of waste collection services that Windsor residents deserve and expect.
Here are five key reasons Measure Q is being pursued:
1.
Measure Q will give the Town Council more flexibility in choosing a waste management company, so they can make sure they are getting the best contractor for the best price. And, with a longer contract, providers would have more control over keeping rates consistent.
2.
In 2017, the competitive bid process took almost a year of resources from Town Staff, and cost over $500,000 which was passed on to the Town, the service provider, and ratepayers. Allowing the Council to negotiate a contract extension will benefit the residents of our community.
3.
Measure Q will make sure Windsor has the right waste and recycling service for our community, and that we don’t have to change providers too frequently. It provides the Town Council flexibility to negotiate a contract extension while also keeping the competitive bidding option available.
4.
California’s complex waste management laws make things harder on waste management companies who want to contract with the Town. Measure Q will make it more attractive for waste management companies to do business with the Town.
5.
Windsor residents passed the current ordinance almost 30 years ago. Since then, the needs of our community have changed and waste collection and processing technology has improved. What may have been appropriate in 1996 is no longer applicable today.
Measure Q will create the continuity needed to control rates, return to single-stream recycling bins without dividers, and allow the Town Council to negotiate the best deal for Windsor.