Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Columbus Water and Power to modify and renew a contract for liquid land application of biosolids with Synagro Central, LLC. This contract provides biosolids disposal and beneficial reuse services for the Division of Water Reclamation. The City operates a 100% Beneficial Reuse program through a diverse and robust profile of outlets. Liquid land application is one of the city’s longest utilized outlets and involves the subsurface injection of 8% total solid biosolids below the surface to meet the agronomic need of grain crops. The Contractor hauls and applies biosolids in addition to locating and permitting ground for land application. They are responsible for all soil sampling and agronomic calculations necessary of beneficial use site operators.
PROCUREMENT
The Department of Columbus Water and Power solicited a Request for Proposals (RFP) in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code relating to professional service contracts (RFQ030868). Four proposals were received and opened on September 10, 2025. Discussions and negotiations with the selected firm resulted in the award of the contract to Synagro Central, LLC.
CONTRACT AMOUNTS / TIMELINE
The original contract was authorized by Ordinance 2780-2025. Ordinance 0658-2026 authorized the first of three one (1) year renewals. This Ordinance is intended to authorize the second renewal option. The contract language allows for three (3) one (1) year renewal options on a year to year basis upon mutual agreement, availability of funds, and approval by Columbus City Council. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested.
1. Amount of additional funds: The total amount of additional funds needed for this contract modification No. 1 is ADD $400,000.00.
2. Reason additional funds were not foreseen: Anticipated renewal. The original contract allows for three (3) extension periods on a year to year basis. This modification No. 2 is to provide the funding necessary for the payment of services to be provided through March 2028.
3. Reason other procurement processes were not used: This modification No. 2 is part of the terms of the contract as originally bid.
4. How was cost determined: The costs were part of the initial bid.
SUPPLIER:
Synagro Central LLC | D365 Vendor #010213 | Expires 5/11/2028
The company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$400,000.00 is budgeted and needed for this contract renewal.
$373,472.13 has been spent so far in 2026 as of 10/23/2026
$12,716.69 was spent in 2025
$59,857.70 was spent in 2024
Title
To authorize the Director of Columbus Water and Power to modify and renew the contract with Synagro Central, LLC to provide liquid land application of biosolids for the Division of Water Reclamation, and to authorize the expenditure of $400,000.00 from the Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund. ($400,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Columbus Water and Power to renew the existing agreement with Synagro Central, LLC for liquid land application of biosolids; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 2780-2025 authorized the initial term of the contract; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 0658-2026 authorized the first renewal of the contract; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Columbus Water and Power wishes to renew the contract for an additional year, up to and including March 31, 2028 and provide funding for the same services as under the original agreement; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $400,000.00 from the Sewer Operating Fund (6100); and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of Columbus Water and Power to authorize the Director of Columbus Water and Power to renew the existing contract with Synagro Central, LLC in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of RFQ030868 bid on file; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Columbus Water and Power be and is hereby authorized to modify and renew a contract with Synagro Central, LLC for liquid land application of biosolids in accordance with the specifications of RFQ030868 bid on file.
SECTION 2. That this contract modification No. 2 is in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code.
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 5. That the expenditure of $400,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed and is hereby authorized in Fund 6100 (Sewer Operating); in object class 03 Services per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.