There could be some additions and changes in the way garbage service is provided in Warren County.

Katie Martin, the county environmental officer, told the board of supervisors during a working session Monday she will make a request for proposals on a six-year garbage service contract during the regular meeting March 18. The county is expected to advertise for bids on the contract March 27.

“We’d like to try and get the new contract executed by June 3,” Martin said.

Currently, Waste Management has the county garbage contract.

Some of the changes Martin would like in the new contract include providing service for people with special needs, which has never been included in the garbage service contract in the past.

“We have less than five cases of special needs,” Martin said. “These are people that are in wheelchairs or mostly older people that can’t get that garbage can to the curb.”

Martin said she and the hauler will evaluate each special needs request on an individual basis.

Supervisor Charles Selmon questioned why the contract was for six years, which is the maximum limit.

Martin said the longer the contract, the cheaper the rate for the county.

“They’re not going to have to go out and bid against someone again in two years or three years,” Martin said. “They’ve got it for six years. The only way they’d lose it is if they don’t abide by the contract rules.”

Martin said a second alternate bid will be awarded.

“So if the first contractor does not follow the contract or for some reason cannot, then the alternate will take over,” Martin said.

Martin said she is also working on updating the numbers on active garbage accounts.

She is also adding to the contract a quarterly report she wants the contractor to provide the county that includes residences that do not set their garbage cans at the curb. She said many of those residences are vacant, yet the contractor still charges the county.

“When they go by your house and your garbage can is not out, they note it,” Martin said. “We’re not going to pay for service not rendered. And if they come by your house and your can is not out there, we’re not going to pay for it. They’re not going to bill us for it. We find all the time people who have left and not informed us.

“This should help us, along with the other things we’re doing, control our cost better.”