Contractors might soon be making offers on an Alna job that might go to no one, but which Third Selectman Coreysha Stone said could be a go at some point.

Some residents April 10 continued questioning the point of seeking bids on trash and recycling collection since the town already contracts with Wiscasset Transfer Station. They said bidding now would tip contractors' hands for any subsequent bid requests, when other firms would know how low to go; another concern was that contractors would be turned off if they put time into a bid and none is awarded. 

The request for proposals (RFP) would note the board reserves the right not to choose a bid, Stone said. While last year's survey showed satisfaction with the transfer station, respondents also wanted to learn more about alternatives, thus the RFP, she explained.

 A draft Stone provided of the RFP was for any of three possible three-year contracts starting July 1, 2026 for curbside solid waste and recycling pickup, curbside solid waste pickup only, or curbside solid waste pickup “and sorted recycling drop-off/ delivery. Solid waste pickup at all residential and government locations ... and sorted recycling drop-off by residents. The contract shall provide for pickups of solid waste weekly and sorted recycling bi-monthly according to the Lincoln County Recycling  program.”

Resident Mike Trask said the board's effort would fall short if the RFP does not include bulky waste, like Wiscasset accepts. "You're not comparing apples to apples."

"We have to piece together what (a plan) would look like. But we have to start somewhere," Stone responded. 

What if no one bids, an attendee asked. "Feed it to the shredder and say, 'Well, it was a good idea while it lasted,'" First Selectman Nick Johnston said.

The board planned to post the RFP on the town website at Alna.maine.gov, then after two weeks run it in the paper and accept bids until May 29.

Also April 10, the board kept Toby Stockford for mowing, for $5,800 like last year. And the board and meeting-goers eyed a possible roadside cleanup day. Date and other details to be announced.