Truesdale residents could see their monthly trash bills increase by $1 in 2011 after bids were reviewed last week.

With a new company submitting the lowest bid over a Truesdale-based provider, aldermen last Wednesday postponed a decision until reviewing the figures and giving the public an opportunity to speak out on the service.

The three-year contract submitted by Grace Hauling, of O’Fallon, would increase the monthly trash service to $10.75 next year, $11.25 in 2012 and $11.75 in 2013.

The only other company to bid was Wilson Waste Hauling, of Truesdale. Its 2011 rate would be $13.25, with the fee increasing to $13.75 in 2012 and $14.25 in 2013.

Residents currently pay $9.75 monthly for trash collection under a contract with Wilson Waste. That contract expires at the end of the year. 

The fee for residents who choose to recycle will remain at $3.50. The city’s administrative fee is 25 cents.

The board is expected to award the contract at its next board of aldermen meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 13. A public hearing has been scheduled at 5:15 p.m., prior to the regular 5:30 p.m. start, to gather input from residents.

Along with giving residents the opportunity to speak out, Mayor Murray Bruer said the delay will give the city time to check Grace Hauling’s background. With Alderman Rhonda Colombo absent, he also wanted the entire board to be in attendance when the bid is awarded.

“We’re not familiar with the other bidder and we want to get some references,” Bruer said. “We wanted to check them and make sure they are reputable and someone we can trust.

As part of the bid package, the city asked each provider to submit pricing for twice-a-week pickup. Grace Hauling’s first-year bid was $15.75, with the fee increasing to $16.25 in 2012 and $16.75 in 2013. Wilson Waste, meanwhile, would charge $18 in 2011, $18.50 in 2012 and $19 in 2013.

In Other Action

• The city’s cost for upgrading West Street has increased by $4,257. The extra expense is due to the need to relocate the waterline to the east. It was a cost that engineers advised previously the city might incur during the bid opening.

The project, to reconstruct and install storm drainage, was initially expected to cost $74,563.55.

• The board agreed to spending $2,196 for three refurbished computers to replace older models in the city’s two police cars. The third computer will be used as a backup.

• The city is going to follow up on two properties in the Dieckman Farms subdivision where concrete driveways were widened without a building permit. Concerns were expressed with the driveways being poured next to a city street.

• Bids will be opened for the MoDOT Safe Route to School sidewalk program on Friday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m. The board is expected to award the bids at its next meeting on Oct. 13. 

The project consists of building a sidewalk along Highway M and other streets leading to nearby schools and installing flashing lights.