Much needed street equipment was included in the upcoming city budget this week.
But city leaders are considering getting out of the garbage collection business.
After recent complaints from citizens and a critical report from Public Works Director Walter Williams, the city council held a special meeting to find solutions to a mounting problem.
Williams was very vocal during the last Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting about his need for equipment and qualified workers. He said he is tired of getting blamed for problems getting fixed when he doesn’t have the equipment he needs to do the job.
“All of you are aware of the equipment that we need – over two million dollars of equipment,” Williams said, last week. “We cannot do the job without it. I want to stress that to relieve myself of the pressure of having to meet demands that I cannot meet. I brought it to your attention before, and I think you need to know that the job can only be done with the proper equipment and manpower.”
Ward 2 Alderman Dr. Jack Varner said this week that the city board did consider Williams’ request while preparing for next year’s budget.
“The street equipment deemed necessary was included in that budget,” he said. “But the garbage trucks were not included in it.”
Varner said the city is considering contracting its garbage services with a private company.
“There is some talk that we may farm it out,” he said. “The city may be getting out of the business. We haven’t budgeted for a garbage truck until we decide that specific thing.”
The city council has been receiving heavy criticism from citizens about its garbage collection services. Faulty equipment has been the reason behind delayed collection, according to city officials.
“It’s totally out of hand right now,” Varner admits. “We don’t have the proper equipment, and we have too many employees. It’s a mess right now.”
Varner said the board is looking into all the options when it comes to garbage services.
“We will either stay in the business or farm it out,” Varner said. “But we are going to wait to see what pans out.”
