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Portage residents press council over new garbage contract and billing concerns
Summary
Multiple residents told the City Council they are worried about costs and communication around a new garbage collection contract; the mayor’s office clarified that single-stream recycling remains funded by a voter-approved millage and residents will not receive a separate recycling bill.
Several Portage residents used the meeting's public comment period to press the City Council for clearer information about a pending change to trash collection service and to say the city must do a better job explaining costs.
"First year alone, this potential wonderful idea will cost our family a little over $300," said Leah Owens, describing her household calculation of charges under the proposed contract. Owens said she and her husband had reviewed city-provided numbers and remained unconvinced by the city's projections.
The presiding officer answered during the meeting that the city—————————recycling program will continue and that the service is paid through a voter-approved millage. "You will not be charged for that," the presiding officer said, adding that recycling is funded by property taxes and residents should not expect a separate recycling bill.
Les Minor, another resident, urged the council to "get out there and start selling this program to the people of Portage," saying many residents remain unaware of the plan and criticizing the timing of public disclosures. Council staff offered to meet with Owens to review the city's numbers.
Speakers also noted that Best Way previously held an exclusive contract for nine years and that Waste Management is the new contractor referenced in the city's materials. The presiding officer said the city manager could follow up with residents who leave contact information.
The council took no formal action on the collection contract at the meeting; the consent agenda and other business proceeded. Residents asked for clearer, itemized cost information at future meetings.
