Clarkston City Council voted 6-1, Feb. 24, to create a committee looking into a single trash hauler for the city.
Contracting with one hauler for the entire city would reduce truck traffic, reduce costs, and improve services with faster responses to complaints and issues. Disadvantages include loss of freedom of choice and increased workload on city staff, said City Manager Jonathan Smith.
Council member Al Avery voted “no,” saying a committee isn’t needed.
“I’m not sure what the committee accomplishes for us,” Avery said at the Feb. 24 meeting. “The information seems simple – let’s get the bids.”
Council member Jason Kneisc favored putting the issue up for a vote.
Council member Sue Wylie, who proposed the motion, said they should have a committee even if it goes to a ballot.
“We need a bigger group of people to do the investigation. I don’t see it as a waste of time. I see it as gathering the important information,” Wylie said.
The approved motion includes a June 1 deadline for the committee to make its recommendation.