Last Updated on August 6, 2023, 2:50 AM | Published: May 8, 2023
MOORE, Okla. — The City of Moore has heard a lot about the curbside recycling proposal in the last few months. And, residents will have the opportunity to vote on it again Tuesday, May 9.
The measure will appear on the ballot as follows:
“Shall Ordinance No. 1018(23) of the City of Moore, Oklahoma, which amends Section 17-209 of Chapter 2 of Part 17 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Moore establishing an initial rate for required bi-weekly residential curbside recycling for $3.90 per month, with a two percent (2.000%) increase each year for years 2 through 5; provides for an effective date; and provides for the severability thereof be approved?”
If passed, Moore will begin to orient customers on the program details and roll-out process. The program should begin within 4 to 6 months of the election day.
Citizens were most concerned about the fact that Republic reserves the right to raise costs above the 2% annual increase listed in the ballot language. Moore city government promises that the resident rate will not increase by more that 2%, and the rest of the potential costs will be negotiated or borne by the City.
Residents in multi-family situations like apartment complexes are considered commercial customers and are not included in the program.
The City’s proposed contract with Republic will only be 5 years long, at which point the council can adjust the program or outright eliminate it.
Background
Republic Services brought the idea to the council in December, and the City has worked to figure out how they should go about bringing the service to citizens for months.
The city’s Public hearing showed that most Moore residents were for the program, but there were a vocal minority that voiced concerns.
In later meetings, Councilmembers Danielle McKenzie and Melissa Hunt advocated for the City to just pass the proposal as they do with dozens of others for the good of the people. Mark Hamm vocally disagreed, and wanted to be sure that citizens want the service by putting it on a special election ballot.
Moore voters refused a similar proposal in 2016 by a slight margin, and so some in the City government thought it best to give citizens another chance to share their opinions.
The City settled on the election, and Moore citizens will have the opportunity to vote for or against the proposition on May 9.
More details
More information can be found about the proposal on Moore’s official May 9 special election page, including how to find your polling place.
Damian Powell is our government reporter for the smaller municipalities in the OKC metro such as Moore, Norman, Bethany, and Warr Acres. Damian is studying Political Science at the University of Oklahoma.
