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Should the city get in the trash biz?

Officials dispute claims by a mayoral candidate that residents will be forced to get the service from the city

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A City of Lebanon notice seeking bids for trash service is drawing criticism from a candidate for mayor. City officials disputed claims by candidate Jim White, a former city councilman, that residents would be forced to obtain trash service from city hall. “We’re not mandating anything,” City Administrator Michael Schumacher said. On a post on his campaign Facebook page, Jim White noted that the city was advertising for solid waste collection service with the headline: “New cash cow for city - residential trash service.” He posted, “In other words, appears all residents will be required to obtain trash service from city hall at whatever rate and surcharges city hall wants to add to trash service. If implemented you no longer will be free to select your own trash company or negotiate your own rates. Opens up a whole new revenue stream for the city at the expense of the citizens.” For more on this story see Saturday's LCR.