PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – It’s not clear how big an impact the ongoing trash controversy in Portage will have on city elections in two weeks, but it’s clear the issue is not going away.
This week, the council was urged to pass a resolution to delay implementation of the sole-source contract with Waste Management for a year to allow time for an anticipated city referendum on the question.
Resident Jay Woodhams told the city council that the earliest the vote could be held would be next May, two months after the contract takes effect.
He says the city is also possibly facing lawsuits over the matter, either way it goes.
Councilmember Terry Urban says the council couldn’t change the terms of an approved contract even if they wanted to.
One resident, Andrew Larson, spoke in favor of the council’s action on the trash question at this week’s meeting.
The city says its citizens will save $2 million annually under the new arrangement, which replaces three competing companies with one. They claim the average household will see a 44% reduction in the cost of their weekly trash pickups.
Some council members have accused a losing bidder of conducting a misinformation campaign to undermine the program.
There are four incumbents on next month’s ballot, all of whom voted for the single hauler trash plan.
The outcome of that election may suggest whether a referendum has any legs.
They can absolutely modify the Contract, and should.
For full disclosure, “Resident Jay Woodhams” is Candidate Jay Woodhams – he currently is running for the Portage City Council.