By By MICHELE GERLACH Publisher
The Brewton City Council Tuesday renewed its contract with Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) to provide local garbage, trash and recycling services.
In the new contract, which begins Oct. 1, the city will pay BFI an additional $1.40 per household per month. A portion of that increase likely will be passed on to customers beginning in January, city clerk John Angel said.
According to the terms of the new contract, items left for BFI to remove which do not comply with BFI guidelines will be tagged and left. A report of the uncollectible item will be filed in city hall.
Mayor Ted Jennings said, in addition, once the city returns to some kind of normalcy following the recent hurricane, BFI will not pick up trees or limbs longer than eight feet, more than eight inches in diameter, and not in excess of 60 pounds.
The company also will not remove construction debris.
BFI agreed to purchase a new boom truck for local use, which will be in place by Nov. 1.
Both Councilman Dennis Dunaway and Councilman Mervin Huff, both of whom lost their bids for re-election, abstained from the vote approving the new contract. Jennings recognized both men for their service.
Dunaway said it's difficult to walk away from the council.
He encouraged city employees to "strive to do their best;" members of the city council to "be prepared;" and Mayor Jennings to "keep leading the city forward."
Huff expressed his appreciation to Jennings for his efforts in leading the city and thanked city department heads.
In other business, the council: