Council adopts resolution requiring regular street and sanitation reports after pickup complaints

The Helena-West Helena City Council unanimously adopted a resolution directing the street and sanitation department — ideally the director or a designated representative — to provide regular status reports to the council about trash collection, equipment availability and actions taken to address missed pickups.

Councilmember Dr. Miller, who introduced the measure after receiving constituent complaints, said commercial businesses reported missed pickups: "I had one commercial business that said that her dumpster hadn't got picked up since March." He said a regular report would help councilors give accurate information to residents and reduce frustration.

Council members discussed staffing shortages, recent hires of two commercial drivers, and the city’s contracting costs for interim pickup services. The mayor said the city has been working to reduce contracting costs and has identified potential operational savings if department staffing remains stable. The resolution (No. 11) passed on roll call and staff will coordinate a reporting cadence with the council.