AUGUSTA, Ga. – The city’s proposal for a new garbage contract has faced significant pushback from Augusta commissioners, who voted to deny the plan during a recent meeting. The proposed deal would have raised the annual trash pickup fee by $36, while also eliminating recycling services from the city’s waste management program.

Commissioner Francine Scott expressed concern over any increase in costs, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the financial impact on constituents. “Any increase on anything is something you know we have to think twice about with our constituents,” Scott said.

The controversial proposal, which would have contracted with two waste haulers, was discussed in detail by the Administrative Services Committee. The plan’s removal of recycling services, along with the price hike, led to strong objections from several commissioners, including Commissioner Alvin Mason. “What we won’t do is haphazardly keep doing what we’ve always done and get what we’ve always gotten,” Mason stated. “The bill will go up and we’re not doing recycling. There’s something very wrong with this picture.”

The committee, after a lengthy discussion, voted to reject the trash service contract bid. Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice argued that taxpayers should not bear the brunt of an unnecessary increase, especially during a time of economic uncertainty. “It looks like it needs to go back out for rebid because right now, with everything else we’ve got going on here in Augusta, taxpayers don’t want to pay the extra,” Rice said.

As a result, the committee recommended that the city explore contracting with a single waste hauler while maintaining recycling options for residents. In the interim, commissioners suggested allowing the current haulers to continue their services on a month-to-month basis until July, though this extension would cost the city an additional $1 million in expenses.

Commissioner Jordan Johnson cautioned against rushing into a decision. “I just really want us to be careful with this one because we’re spending money we don’t have to go back out for bid,” Johnson remarked.

The committee’s decision now heads to the full commission for approval. If they agree, Augusta will begin the process of rebidding the garbage contract, delaying a resolution to an issue that has been under discussion for several months.

For now, residents of Augusta will have to wait and see how the city moves forward with its waste management plan, as commissioners continue to weigh the potential costs and benefits.