Mayor: Waste Management or Public Safety?

By Dan Rubin, KSEE24 News

November 20, 2012 Updated Nov 20, 2012 at 7:27 PM PDT

Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin is raising the stakes on the city's fight over trash collection. Tuesday, she was joined by City Manager Mark Scott and Chief Jerry Dyer in front of police headquarters.

About 80% of the city's general fund goes to public safety. City Manager Mark Scott says the city has already cut everywhere it can.
Next up would be the police force.

Mid-Valley Waste Disposal has offered to take over residential trash service. It's a move that could save the city money by reducing the number of trash routes and workers' pay.

The city council is set to take up the issue again next Thursday. So far, privatizing residential trash collection has been a divisive issue. Three council members have voiced opposition to the project.