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A city proposal to purchase a truck with a purchase price of up to $125,000 so it can haul bins a short distance around the dump has raised the ire of Yellowknife's garbage contractor.

John Oldfield, owner of Kavanaugh Brothers Waste Removal Services, stands in front of his newly purchased roll-off truck. The city is considering whether to purchase a similar truck, valued at up to $125,000. - Lauren McKeon/NNSL photo

Last year, city council approved $75,000 to convert a 20-year-old tandem truck into a roll-off truck capable of loading and unloading garbage and recycling bins at the dump. The city later decided against the conversion after concluding the tandem truck was too old. Now, the city wants to purchase a used, lease-return roll-off truck for up to $125,000 so it can move around four bins at the landfill once a three-cell salvage area is complete.

City administration was seeking approval from council Monday to bump the already approved $75,000 up to $125,000 after reporting that the city was under budget for fleet purchases.

John Oldfield, owner of Kavanaugh Brothers Waste Removal Services ñ the city's garbage contractor ñ said when the director of public works contacted him to see whether he'd consider selling the city one of his used roll-off trucks, he suggested the city should just use his services instead, especially since he's already under contract to provide them.

"I'm here today to ask the city to reconsider purchasing a roll-off truck," he said during Monday's municipal services committee meeting. "We've got the men and the equipment here to do it for you."

The longtime Yellowknifer also told council he just purchased a brand new 2009 truck, similar to the type the city was looking at purchasing. "Don't go spend $100,000 on a piece of equipment that's in town at the time," he said. "At least give us a chance."

Dennis Kefalas, the city's director of public works, said he initially understood that Kavanaugh's shifts ended at 2:30 p.m., and was concerned Oldfield might not be available to haul the bins at a convenient time.

But Oldfield said that's not the case. He claimed he was willing to hire his workers for overtime at no cost to the city and if that fails "I'll do it myself," he said.

It would only take about half an hour, he added.

"They want to buy a $125,000 truck to haul four bins."

What's more, Oldfield said he was willing to decrease the price for hauling the four bins at the landfill.

"We'll stick to our quoted price to haul the bins whether it's at seven in the morning or four-thirty in the afternoon," he added, without mentioning a price.

Currently, Oldfield hauls over 50 bins ñ both garbage and recycling ñ in his contract with the city.

Councillors were torn over whether to condone the purchase of the new truck.

"I found this decision to be quite difficult," said city councillor Paul Falvo. He added both the city's argument and Oldfield's sounded reasonable.

The question the city needs answered, said Coun. Mark Heyck, is "what is the most cost-effective way to deal with the waste?"

"I'm unsettled by this right now," said Coun. Dave McCann.

By using Kavanaugh and saving at least $75,000, the city can put money "in other useful things, that we as a city are required to do," he said.

Coun. Lydia Bardak also questioned whether it was wise to block out contractors in the city when there is such a shortage.

Some councillors, like Shelagh Montgomery, voiced support for city administration.

"In this case it's not an issue of trying to undermine the local contractor," said Montgomery.

The issue will move to next Monday night's council "without any great direction or decision," said Mayor Gord Van Tighem.

City administration is seeking a 4.75 per cent property tax increase for the 2009 budget.