FOLSOM – The City of Folsom has approved a new two-year agreement with Bio-One Sacramento to handle the growing need for professional homeless encampment cleanups across the city, a move officials say is necessary to protect public health, safety, and the environment.
The $157,456 agreement, funded from the city’s General Fund, was authorized during the Aug. 26 City Council meeting following a staff report presented by Interim Police Chief Randy Ulibarri. Under the contract, Bio-One will continue providing specialized cleanup services at homeless encampments located throughout Folsom, including areas managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
City leaders point to the rising presence of encampments in recent years, many of which have resulted in significant hazards, ranging from discarded drug paraphernalia and biohazardous waste to debris left in creeks, preserves, and wildlife corridors. Ulibarri noted that while homelessness remains a complex social issue requiring long-term solutions, immediate attention to the environmental and safety impacts of these camps is a priority.
“Over the past several years, the City of Folsom has experienced a growing need for professional cleanup services associated with the abatement of homeless encampments,” Ulibarri shared in his staff report. “These sites often present serious public health and environmental concerns, and the need for a reliable, responsive, and specialized provider has become increasingly critical.”
The two-year contract will cost the city $76,804 for the first year, followed by $80,652 in the second year, reflecting a five percent increase. In total, the agreement amounts to $157,456. The city has already budgeted sufficient funds to cover the first year, with the second year’s cost to be included in the next annual budget process.
The contract is being awarded as a sole-source procurement. According to Ulibarri, Bio-One was the only vendor among local providers to respond to the city’s survey of potential contractors, making them uniquely positioned to meet Folsom’s needs.
This marks the second consecutive contract Folsom has signed with Bio-One. The company was first brought on in September 2024 under a one-year agreement and has since demonstrated consistent, reliable service. City staff cited Bio-One’s ability to quickly respond to cleanup requests, adhere to safety standards, and thoroughly document and dispose of hazardous materials.
Unlike some past contractors, officials said Bio-One has the capacity and specialized training required for complex cleanup jobs, including those in difficult-to-access areas. Their established working relationship with state agencies like Fish and Wildlife also adds to their effectiveness.
“Bio-One Sacramento has proven to be the most dependable and comprehensive in their service delivery,” Ulibarri reported. “They consistently meet timelines, handle post-cleanup thoroughly, and restore most areas to near pristine conditions.”
With the new agreement in place, Bio-One Sacramento is expected to begin work immediately, providing city staff and law enforcement with a reliable partner to address encampments as they arise.
Copyright © 2025, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
