New trash contract causes dispute between city and contractor

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Port Huron City Manager James Freed is speaking out about what he calls a “misinformation campaign” regarding the city’s new garbage contract. The city’s contract with Marcotte Disposal expires at the end of this month, with Port Huron City Council selecting a new contractor to begin refuse collection in July. Freed says in the recent days, letters claiming downtown buildings will loose trash service were being distributed by Marcotte. The city manager says those letters are false, and that the new contract with Emterra Environmental includes the same services as the old contract. WPHM has left a phone message with Marcotte that has not been returned. Anybody with questions about their trash removal is urged to contact the Port Huron Department of Public Works. Furthermore, Freed says the city will be taking steps to make city council meetings safer. He tells WPHM that items such as backpacks and purses are now subject to a search before entering council chambers. The new safety procedures started at this past Monday’s council meeting.