JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jacksonians were given the opportunity to learn more about the proposed garbage contract from City Council President Aaron Banks, Ward 6, during a town hall meeting on Thursday.

There was a large crowd in attendance at Glory Empowerment Center. Banks told the group the purpose of the meeting was to hear what services residents want provided, so he could bring that before the Jackson City Council.

“We need a service that the constituents are happy about, not just a contract,” Banks stated.

He asked if residents wanted carts or not, and it was a mixed response.

“It’s important to know that you don’t have to use the carts. So, it’s a 96-gallon cart that will be provided to you by Richard’s, but the contract says that you can use any approved container you want,” said Drew Martin, the attorney for the City of Jackson.

Under the proposed contract, the city would pay Richard’s Disposal $891,000 a month, which includes the cost of purchasing and delivering 45,000 carts to residents that are 96 gallons each.

“You don’t get to decide on a $64 million contract in one meeting,” said former Hinds County District 2 Supervisor David Archie. “Richard’s are suing the same people that they’re asking to do business with Jackson, Mississippi. So my question is, would you hire someone that is suing you?”

Banks explained why he believes more vendors did not place a bid.

“A lot of people that would have responded to the RFP did not because of the circumstances of the court case,” he stated.

One Jackson resident wanted to make sure that she understood what’s going on with the contract.

“There’s still a lot of argument over it. Finally, glad that we got a contract and hopes that the right decisions are made on this upcoming Tuesday with, as far as amendments and things like that,” said Halima Strong, who lives in the capital city.

City officials said if Richard’s wins the lawsuit, and the contract is awarded to another vendor, the City of Jackson will have to pay two garbage contracts.

The proposed contract is expected to be brought before the City Council on Tuesday, March 19. The city’s emergency contract with Richard’s Disposal expires on March 31, 2024.