Tamaqua will be paying substantially more for its garbage collection and recycling services over the next few years.

During Wednesday’s meeting, council awarded a five-year contract to Tamaqua Transfer and Recycling.

But at $786,600 for the first three years, and at a slight increase in the fourth and fifth years, Tamaqua Transfer’s bid was almost less than half of the second lowest bid received.

Council was split on awarding the contract for five years, and needed Mayor Nathan Gerace to break the vote.

“It’s not surprising considering the economic climate and inflation that the bids are more,” Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt said.

The borough pays Tamaqua Transfer $525,000 per year under its current contract, which will end June 30.

According to Steigerwalt, the borough’s general fund won’t be able to handle the approximately $261,000 annual increase. Residents will need to absorb the cost.

A garbage fee hike from $51 to $75 per month was discussed but no action was taken at the meeting.

“As you can see, the prices are going insane,” Larry Wittig, owner of Tamaqua Transfer, told council.

Labor costs and landfill fees are on the rise, Wittig said.

“I said no matter who gets it (the contract), it’s probably going to be about a 50% increase,” he explained.

Wittig surmised that Tamaqua Transfer came in lower than the other two bidders because of fuel costs.

“For us, fuel doesn’t make much of a difference because we’re right here in Tamaqua,” he said.

Other bids were submitted by J.P. Mascaro and Sons and GFL, which purchased the former County Waste. Steigerwalt noted that the borough advertised for 1- to 5-year bids.

Councilwoman Kathy Kunkel motioned to award the contract for five years.

Under public comment, resident George Haldeman cautioned against the longer term.

“I know there are projections of $10 per gallon of gasoline and diesel will probably hit $15, but that can’t stay that way. It will bankrupt the whole country,” he said.

Haldeman suggested a three-year term.

Councilman Ron Bowman agreed, saying he’d prefer a shorter term in hopes that prices will decrease.

The vote was split 3-3 with Kunkel and council members Jay Hollenbach Jr. and Mary Linkevich voting in favor, and Bowman and Councilmen Ritchie Linkhorst and Robert Amentler opposed. Council President Brian Connely was absent.

Linkevich then attempted to award the contract for three years, but because Kunkel didn’t rescind her motion, Linkevich’s motion was voided.

Council needed Gerace to break the tie.

“I don’t think anybody can point to anything that has gotten cheaper over time,” Gerace said.

After some discussion, he voted in favor of awarding the five-year contract.