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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

The Maplesville Town Council has entered into a three-year contract for garbage pickup with Liberty Disposal Inc.

The contract brings many changes, but also stability after R&B Sanitation resigned as of June 28, but later agreed to continue service through July. The company had asked for the council to consider a rate increase and had been operating on a month-to-month basis as the council considered specs for an official bid process.

The contract with LDI was approved on July 12 during a regularly scheduled meeting. Two companies had bid to provide the service, but one bid package was incomplete.

The three-year contract officially begins Oct. 1, according to Town Clerk Dawn Smitherman.

“LDI agreed to pick up trash for the months of August and September with the three-year contract beginning Oct. 1,” she said.

The company has offices in Selma, Hayneville, and Camden.

Mayor W.C. Hayes sent out letters to residents about changes in garbage service pick up this week.

On Aug. 1, the cost for the service will increase from $17.50 per month for residential customers, which has been charged since 2017, to $30 per month for residential customers, according to the letter.

Liberty Disposal Inc. will provide a 96-gallon trash can, and those needing an additional can will be charged an additional $30 per month. The lid must be able to lay flat

“Garbage rates haven’t increased since March 27 nor has there been a limit on how many can/bags picked up,” Hayes said in the letter. “Landfill rates and fuel prices have increased, causing necessary changes.”

Billing will be directly through the company, not Maplesville Utilities, and bills will be sent out at the beginning of the month to pay for service for that month. Payment from customers will completely pay for the service, so it does not cost the town government anything. The town is also not receiving any revenue from the new agreement.

“The council and I understand you will receive a bill for garbage pickup for the months of July (from Maplesville Utilities) and August at the same time, and we apologize for any inconvenience this might cause,” Hayes said in the letter.

Residents should also expect a letter from Liberty Disposal Inc.

Either the town or the company could terminate the contract after one year and 120 days notice.