Brookhaven aldermen have approved an annual price increase for household garbage pickup, but not because they wanted to do so.

Arrow Disposal Service Inc. has an annual consumer price index increase written into its contract with the City. This year the price per unit rose from $13.23 to $13.54.

Because it’s included in the contract, the increase will take place no matter what the board decided.

“If it’s already a given, we shouldn’t have to vote on it,” Ward 2 Alderman Shannon Moore said.

“It’s probably for the auditor,” attorney Bobby Moak said. “If the auditor sees the payout increase … he may question it without a vote on the minutes.”

With a vote of 4-3, the board accepted the change, though most expressed frustration.

The board also approved a 50-cent increase in solid waste bills for Brookhaven residents, from $32 to $32.50. The increase will go to cover the ADSI increase, as well as leaves and limb removal, and large debris/trash removal.

“The increase is due to the necessity to bring the landfill into compliance for closure based on Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality regulations,” the City’s legal notice reads.

Issues with garbage pickup by Arrow have been consistent over the life of the contract, with area manager Charles Lungrin repeatedly saying issues were due to a high rate of employee turnover, training time, and constant vehicle upkeep and maintenance.

In July, the City called for bids from other companies to possibly take over Brookhaven’s garbage pickup.

“I’m sick and tired of calls about garbage,” Alderman-at-large Don Underwood said at the time.

“It’s sure enough a problem,” said Ward 2 Alderman Shannon Moore in July. “I used to have sympathy for (Arrow), but I don’t have any more sympathy.”

The City’s contract with ADSI ends Oct. 1, 2023. The contract can be renewed for one year, or a new contractor can be hired.

In other business, the board:

• Awarded the off-road diesel bid to James Case Oil at $3.479.
• Voted not to renew a contract with Cornerstone Government Affairs, which had been contracted in September 2022 to help point the City to available state and federal resources.
• Approved August 2023 salaried and weekly payrolls and corresponding transfers of funds.
• Approved Michelle Burgess to attend the Mississippi Municipal Court Clerks Training Course in Choctaw on Sept. 20-22. There is no registration fee, and the City will reimburse for lodging, meals and mileage.
• Tabled the Water Department bad debt list for Fiscal year 2022-2023 until Superintendent Kris Xifos could be present to discuss.
• Approved to authorize pre-application for AIP and BIL airport grants for FY 2024.
• Approved Mayor Cox to sign grant application, sponsor certifications and grant offer for Apron Expansion Project at airport, if project is within budget.
• Approved Dungan Engineering to begin work on the Oak Hill EWP Project on the dam and levee. The City will not pay anything on the project, but must allow the work to take place with Oak Hill paying any costs above a federal grant of $54,862.
• Approved the resignation of Benjamin Hux, Brookhaven Police Department patrolman, effective Aug. 12.
• Approved the resignation of Alanna Smith, BPD dispatcher, effective Aug. 25.
• Approved a one-year anniversary salary increase of $1 hourly for Solid Waste Department operator Marvin Fields.
• Approved to hire Kenneth Short as a part-time certified patrolman for BPD at $21.63 per hour, pending drug test, background check and physical.
• Approved to hire Rashuan Tillman as a part-time certified patrolman for BPD at $21.63 per hour, pending drug test, background check and physical.
• Approved to hire Travis Crain as a part-time certified patrolman for BPD at $21.63 per hour, pending drug test, background check and physical.
• Approved to hire Kenetra Simpson as a part-time certified patrolman for BPD at $21.63 per hour, pending drug test, background check and physical.