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Readers weigh in on proposals to revamp Memphis’ solid waste collection services
Here are excerpts from comments online readers of The Commercial Appeal posted on a June 17 article reporting on two proposals to revamp Memphis’ solid waste collection services with an eye toward saving city funds: One of the plans calls for applying some of the $5.4 million in savings to a supplemental retirement fund for some veteran Memphis sanitation workers.
EARTH WROTE:
Any changes in residential solid waste collection that result in less frequent collection or significant increases in cost will further littering and illegal dumping. Other than reducing the budget and creating retirement income for solid waste workers, what are the benefits to Memphis residents? Nothing but inferior service, higher taxes and trashier neighborhoods. I am not opposed to a wellplanned, rational pay-for-volume system for yard waste, but it has to be implemented gradually.
THEKINGFISH WROTE:
Why ... would the city take $5.4 million out of taxpayer money and give these people a pension? They never paid into a city pension and they voted against becoming part of the city pension plan years ago. Why can’t that $5.4 million be applied to the debt or deficit?
AMAZED AGAIN WROTE:
Privatize and apply the $15 million savings directly to servicing the debt. Lease all the city-owned equipment to the private company as a bonus.
THE CATS MEOW WROTE:
Keep the current service as is. Yes, I know we need “revenue enhancement,” but destroying one of the few things Memphis does right is not the place to look for it. This “City of Good Abode” cannot take anymore hits to its “livability.” We need the savings, but not at such a cost, if our city is to thrive.
OMEO MY WROTE:
Here’s another option to consider: Eliminate the mandatory city service and fees and allow me to contract for my own service.
BLUETAXI WROTE:
(In response to OmeOmy:) I would tend to agree with you but you would probably pay more. I pay Allied Waste $35 a month for collection at a house in unincorporated Shelby County. And, many people would not contract for their own service and then you have the Northaven problem of dumping.