A hearing in the Hinds County Chancery Court ultimately led to the city council dismissing its case against the mayor. The council argued the mayor acted outside of his authority by entering the city into a contract with a garbage collection agency without their approval. Lawyers debated for roughly an hour and a half before they met privately with the judge in an hour-long recess.
Special Judge David Clark presided over the hearing, and bluntly stated that this issue shouldn't have had to make it to a court room.
"This should be about compromise and cooperation, looking after the best interests of the citizens of this city." he said. "And that's the only reason I'm spending the time I'm spending here because ultimately, this is not a legal issue in this context."
The city of Jackson has now been without garbage pickup service for two weeks, which Clark called a "travesty." After the court adjourned, the parties met behind closed doors and agreed on a short-term contract. The city council has voted down multiple versions of a contract from the vendor, Richard's Disposal, but an agreement released yesterday afternoon says that they will compromise on a 12-month contract with Richards. City Council member Ashby Foote says the judge is trying to act as a "mediator."
"He wants to try to reach a, a resolution so that the garbage can be picked up, and I'm glad he's trying to do that." Foote said after the court adjourned today. "It's really, you know, become very dysfunctional in Jackson City government and that's sad for the citizens particularly."
The city council will meet to vote on the agreement at 2:30 today.
