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Jackson council approves 12-month litter-removal contract with New Way Mississippi over dissent
Summary
The City Council approved a 12-month contract with New Way Mississippi Inc. to remove litter from city rights of way. The measure drew debate over procurement practices and use of formerly incarcerated workers and passed 4–3.
The Jackson City Council on March 18 approved a 12-month contract with New Way Mississippi Inc. to remove litter from public rights of way, a measure that passed on a 4–3 vote after an extended discussion about procurement rules and local contracting.
Supporters said New Way provides daily crews and hires formerly incarcerated people through a partnership with the Mississippi Department of Corrections. “They use formerly incarcerated individuals and find workforce opportunities for them,” Mayor Shokwe Antar Lumumba told the council, noting the contractor’s workforce-development role.
Opponents objected that the contract was awarded without a competitive request-for-proposals process and said the council should give local businesses a chance. “Why can’t they do work with the city? Four hundred thousand dollars is a lot of money,” Councilman Kenneth Stokes said, urging a pause to allow competitive bids. Councilman Brandon Foote said best practice would be competitive bidding on a contract this size.
City Attorney Drew Martin told the council that some city contracts do not require RFPs and that subsequent councils can set aside contracts, but he also agreed to provide guidance in writing about which procurements require RFPs. Council members asked that any implementation schedule be shared with council offices.
Council members who spoke described differing priorities: Mr. Stokes and Mr. Foote pushed for competitive procurement and more transparency; Mr. Banks and Mayor Lumumba emphasized continuity of city cleanup services and New Way’s employment mission. The motion passed 4–3. The contract term is 12 months with an option to extend, and the current contract had expired in February, the clerk said.
The council directed staff to provide a published work schedule for the contract and to circulate that schedule to council members and the public.
Votes at a glance: carries 4–3; proponents cited daily coverage and workforce reentry benefits; opponents cited lack of competitive bids and timing before an election.
The city clerk will distribute the work schedule publicly and to council members; legal staff will provide a memo on RFP thresholds to the council.
