Portage council members urge voters to review May 5 single-hauler trash proposal

With absentee ballots scheduled to be mailed March 26, Portage council members spent part of Wednesday’s meeting urging residents to study a May 5 special election ballot question that would change the city’s trash service framework.

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Pearson told residents he would vote no on the ballot proposal, saying the city’s competitive bidding produced a lower Waste Management rate. “Waste Management was the lowest bidder. Best Way was the highest of 3,” Pearson said, adding that his first Waste Management bill was “only a $168 a year” compared with prior Bestway charges he said were “$274.” He urged voters to compare individual bills before voting.

Council Member Olmstead reminded residents that absentee ballots will be mailed March 26 and advised voters to preview the ordinance amendment and a millage proposal on Michigan’s Secretary of State sample ballot. Council Member Burns previewed staff recommendations on utility rates and emphasized fiscal impacts elsewhere on the agenda; other council members encouraged civic engagement and review of available information.

Council members framed the ballot decision as a trade-off between price and choice: supporters of single-hauler contracts argue they produce guaranteed service standards and cost savings through competitive bidding, while opponents cite the loss of household choice and relationships with local haulers. No formal vote on the trash ordinance occurred at Wednesday’s meeting; the matter is on the May 5 special-election ballot.