East Moline residents may soon see some changes in their trash pick-up. Monday, the City Council will vote on whether to privatize the city's garbage service and sign a contract with Republic Services.
If the switch is made, City Administrator Cole O'Donnell says the city will save money, mainly through lower employee costs. The four current employees of the department will move to different Public Works positions, recently left vacant by retirements.
He says the direct benefit would be the reduction in employee benefits, resulting in savings of $70,000 for the city's general fund.
The proposed contract with Republic Services is set for seven years. The cost for East Moline residents will be the same for the first year, $7.15 per month, but that will increase to $7.43 in the second year.
O'Donnell says residents can expect increases over time for garbage pick-up, whether it's privatized or not.
He says residents of East Moline will continue to receive the same garbage services, but changes may be made in how yard waste is picked up in the city.
