Henry County Supervisors select All American Sanitation for waste contract

MT. PLEASANT — The Henry County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to award the rural sanitation contract to All American Sanitation of New London, ending WEMIGA Waste’s tenure as the county’s service provider. The decision, made during the board’s Oct. 9 meeting, hinged largely on cost savings paired with assurances about equipment reliability.

According to Supervisor Chad White, All American’s bid offered about $55,800 in savings over three years compared to WEMIGA’s proposal. This equates to roughly $18,600 annually or $1,550 per month. That differential tipped the scales in the new company’s favor.

The meeting opened with Chair Marc Lindeen calling for discussion on the bids after a review by the county attorney. Supervisors considered bids for the county sanitation contract from WEMIGA Waste of Mt. Pleasant, the incumbent, and All American Sanitation, which currently operates in Southeast Iowa providing portable toilets and roll-off dumpsters among other services.

Throughout the discussion, White raised several operational questions, pressing staff on whether both companies could handle compactor breakdowns with backup units, perform “above and beyond” duties such as minor repairs, and operate reliably in freezing winter conditions. White said he wanted to ensure that service disruptions would not accompany a change of provider.

Both Lynn Whaley, owner of WEMIGA, and Timothy Myers, owner of All American, confirmed their companies’ abilities upon White’s questioning.

Supervisor Steve Detrick then pivoted to the financials.

“In looking at the dollars, strictly from a dollar perspective, I would have to work with All American Sanitation, because it’s a savings of over $55,000 for the three years, all things being equal,” Detrick said.

“All things being equal, money being the deciding factor, I would have to go with All American. That’s not to say that WEMIGA hasn’t done an outstanding job — they absolutely have,” White added.

Lindeen agreed with his colleagues, noting that WEMIGA’s past performance was solid.

“I have never had a concern whatsoever,” he said.

He also asked fellow board members to consider redirecting some of the savings toward economic development initiatives, citing previous local-option sales tax surveys that placed waste removal and development among top priorities.

Detrick formally moved to accept All American’s bid. White seconded. The board voted in favor without opposition.

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After the vote, Whaley stood before the board and members of the public present at the meeting to express his gratitude for his company’s longtime service to Henry County. He acknowledged the board’s candid remarks and pledged continued service until the existing contract’s conclusion.

“My team and I are grateful for the years we’ve been able to serve Henry County,” Whaley said. “You all know our heart, we care deeply about this community. We’ll continue doing our job for the people of Henry County right up until the final day. We’re proud of the work we’ve done and the relationships we’ve built here.”

The contract with All American is expected to begin in January with the completion of WEMIGA’s contract.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com