Dispute between BOCC, Republic heads towards showdown
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Ron Clark makes the argument that his client, Republic Services, and Polk County Commissioners continue the mutual effort to resolve outstanding issues between the two entitites.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Frustrated by the lack of progress,Polk County Commissioner Edwin V. Smith accuses Republic Services of not acting in good faith in the effort to resolve outstanding issues, such as overbilling payments to the tune of $1.5 million, as well as failure to comply with terms of the contract.
The message Polk County Comm-issioners sent Republic Services in a 4-1 vote was clear and simple. Because the waste hauler had not fulfilled its obligation to the county, it had better accept the settlement agreement the county had earlier issued. Otherwise, not only would the county go to court, it would examine discontinuing the contract, which has five years remaining. Republic Services was told it had until Tuesday, Jan. 15 to accept, which calls for a $1.5 million settlement. Otherwise, the BOCC would direct County Attorney Michael Craig to move forward.
The lone dissenting vote came from Commissioner Edwin V. Smith, who wanted to cancel the contract immediately. Voicing his exasperation, he no longer had any confidence in Republic Services and that it would fulfill its agreed-upon conditions stated in the contract it has with Polk County.
