Aug, 22, 2008, editorial: Sticking with a local business

Hardin County Fiscal Court’s decision last week to allow Waste Transport, a local trash hauler, to match the lowest bid for the county’s new contract is smart business.

Waste Management has the current contract and is a known, proven service provider, according to many local government leaders. So why would would the county opt for a trash hauler based in Austin, Texas?

Few could argue effectively against using local services provided by local people, providing jobs here and keeping the money in the community. But how the county went about securing Waste Transport to a new contract rattled the ire of one competing company, RR Waste Solutions, as well as Commissioner Bill Brandenburg.

The county has been pleased with the performance of Waste Transport, and wanted to keep it as the trash hauler but apparently could not justify Waste Transport’s submitted bid of $18.35 per month.

So when provided the opportunity,  Waste Transport matched RR’s $17.97 bid and was awarded the contract. The county did nothing illegal. Judge-Executive Harry Berry and Commissioners Garry King and Bill Hay did what they believed was best for the county.

Their decision was beneficial in the long haul for the county and Waste Transport.

The feared aftershock of this decision might never be felt, or there could be rumblings in the future when word of this decision spreads and other companies decide to shy away from submitting bids they know can be matched by local businesses.

It was a chance worth taking.

RECYCLING

A year ago, the opportunity to recycle in Hardin County was limited.

Today, there are two drop-off sites, one in Elizabethtown, another in Vine Grove, and there are three more on the way thanks to a grant received by the county in June.

The new trailers will be installed in the western, southern and northwestern parts of the county. Exact locations have not been determined.

Recycling is proving popular with local residents — expansion of the service is appropriate.

This editorial represents a consensus of The News-Enterprise editorial board.