Columbia residents share mixed opinions about trash system Thursday night

View a replay of the meeting above.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mixed emotions rose about the proposed end to the logo bag program in Columbia during a Thursday night public forum.

"Why in the world would we be opposed to what you're saying? I mean, I'm not getting something," one resident said.

"So are you saying it would save but we have no idea where that money is going to go?" said another resident.

The proposed change would get rid of the city's logo bag program. Instead, an automated trash system would be put into place. The proposed change would save the city about $1.5 million, but some Columbia residents wonder if that money would now come out of their pockets

The conversation at Thursday's meeting was about logo bags only, but residents still asked many questions about roll carts. David Sorrell, director of utilities, said a roll cart program could save the city money and possibly help with recruiting.

"If you made the process more automated, less physical demand on the body, then it would help with recruiting and retaining staff," Sorrell said.

A final vote on the program from the City Council is planned for December.

Another public comment meeting will be held 6 p.m. Nov. 30 in the same location.