In back-to-back meetings Tuesday at the Johnson Community Center in District 5 and Saul Adler Recreation Center in District 2, the City of Monroe launched the first of several planned community forums to discuss proposed changes to garbage and trash collection. City officials presented sobering facts that could mean changes that will filter down to residents and possible fee changes.
Public Works Superintendent Lashonda Gospel, a lifelong Monroe resident with nearly three decades of service, took center stage at both meetings. Gospel said the city is grappling with equipment breakdowns, employee shortages, and a $1.2 million annual deficit in sanitation operations. “We’ve exhausted every resource,” she told residents, saying that she is not happy with the quality of service given the public by the city’s garbage and trash crews.
“We can’t continue to operate like this,” she said. She said entering into an agreement with a private company or continuing the city’s subsidy of public works are the options.
Both meetings emphasized that while the city is exploring contracted waste collection, no final decision has been made. Gospel reassured residents that no full-time sanitation workers would lose their jobs in the transition, noting that many could be absorbed into other city departments.
She said some of the city’s efficiency problems are prompted by its heavy use of temporary workers from a temp agency who don’t care. A private company that paid full wages and benefits would help solve that problem.
While both forums covered similar grounds—declining fleet reliability, overworked routes, and outdated garbage trucks—each revealed unique community concerns and new details.
Johnson Center-City losing money
At the Johnson Community Center, Mayor Friday Ellis stressed that Monroe is one of only five cities in Louisiana still managing garbage pickup in-house. He called for a sustainable solution that “balances cost and quality of service,” adding that newer trucks and contracted professionals might provide relief to a strained system.
City Attorney Brandon Creekbaum presented the financials: the city currently brings in about $270,000 monthly through sanitation fees, but spends nearly $376,000. A term contract with a private firm could save an estimated $200,000 annually. He was quick to note, however, that the city would maintain oversight and that any vendor would be held to strict performance standards and penalties for missed pickups.
He also noted that switching to private pickup would reduce the city’s cost but would not eliminate its deficit costs.
Others shared frustration over missed pickups, poor can placement, and unsightly spills, particularly in apartment complexes and public housing.
Councilman Verbon Muhammad urged attendees to remain open-minded.
“This isn’t about privatization,” he said. “This is about exploring options that provide better service and reduce the burden on the city’s budget.”
Saul Adler Meeting-Landfill and Recyling
At the Saul Adler meeting, landfill costs emerged as a major topic not discussed in the Johnson session. Creekbaum acknowledged that the city pays approximately $70,000 per month to dispose of waste at White Oaks Landfill, contributing significantly to the deficit. Creekbaum, when questioned, acknowledged that owners of the landfill are expected to be among bidders for the new contract.
When asked how a private company could offer better services than the city and make a profit, Creekbaum did not answer, but the conversation shifted when it was pointed out that the landfill owners have the ability to lower dumping fees if they have the contract.
Roosevelt Wright, Jr., publisher of the Free Press, asked whether or not the city is being held hostage to landfill owners who will be the only ones who will profit from the shift to partially privatizing its garbage and trash pickup.
Another key difference at the Saul Adler meeting was the community push for recycling. Several attendees proposed reviving past efforts to reduce landfill costs by diverting cardboard and plastics.
Gospel responded that the city lacks the infrastructure and legal framework for a recycling program but welcomed ideas for future exploration.
Residents at both meetings voiced mixed reactions. Some praised current sanitation workers, but most questioned the wisdom of handing the service to outsiders.
Powell Recreation Meeting -Testy
While the meetings were designed to answer questions and receive input, City Councilwoman Juanita Woods, held a meeting Wednesday at Powell Center. She didn’t waste time telling about 30 people assembled for her regular chat and chews that she supports the privatization move because something must be done to resolve the problem.
She and city council staff member Marie Brown had a testy exchange as Brown challenged Woods claims, saying more should be done to protect the low income workers. Woods is Brown’s boss at the city council but that didn’t stop the two women sharing a heated exchange.
A District 1 resident, Tony Little, urged the people of District 3 to give privatization a try.
The city plans to continue holding community meetings throughout the week. No proposal will be presented to the Monroe City Council until all meetings are complete and community feedback is considered.
