Council backs termination of New Way Mississippi contract over poor litter- and bridge-cleaning performance

The Jackson City Council on Sept. 9 approved a resolution asking the administration to terminate the city’s contract with New Way Mississippi Inc., citing poor performance in litter pickup and bridge-cleaning responsibilities. Council members repeatedly described visible trash on major corridors and said they had not observed the contractor performing assigned work.

Council members criticized the contractor’s approach to crew deployment and the company’s visible lack of activity along major streets. Councilman Stokes and others described seeing crews not covering major thoroughfares and characterized the current results as unacceptable for the sums the city pays. Interim public-works officials told the council they had reviewed the situation and did not object to termination if the council so directed.

Nut graf: The council’s action instructs the administration to end the city’s current contract with New Way Mississippi and seek alternatives; members framed the resolution as a response to continuing complaints and visible trash problems in key corridors despite existing expenditures.

Details and context: Council members referenced recent events and high-profile visits to the city where litter along entry corridors was especially visible. Councilwoman Clay said she supports hiring local youth for cleanup efforts, but wants clarity on contract terms before rebidding. Administration and department managers indicated they would comply with the council’s direction to terminate the contract if that was the council’s desire.

Ending: The resolution passed with a recorded vote of 7–0; administration and public-works staff said they would proceed with contract cancellation and consider alternative strategies, including local hiring and revised approaches to corridor maintenance.