Despite the ordinance dying for a lack of a second during its previous meeting, the Marshall City Council brought back an ordinance to outsource the city’s sanitation services during its meeting on Monday, April 18.

Prior to a discussion taking place, incoming Ward 1 Councilman Tim Reeder addressed what he thought could be a violation of state statute by moving forward with the ordinance.

Later, during a lengthy and discussion, City Attorney Josh Taylor addressed what Reeder had brought up.

Ward 2 Councilman Robert Ashford explained the city needs to fix its streets and stop pulling workers from the street department to perform the sanitation part of Municipal Services.

Ward 1 Councilman Leon Thompson seconded Ashford’s motion.

In the end, the council voted 5-2 to approve- Ward 3 Councilmen Dan Brandt and Charlie Guthrey, Leon Thompson, Ashford and Ward 2 Councilman Kirk Arends voting in favor and Ward 4 Councilpersons Craig Thompson and Phesa Wright voting opposed.

However, the ordinance will need to be approved a second time during a future meeting before it would take effect.

After the Oath of Office was administered to Reeder and new Ward 2 Councilman Drew Green- as well as Craig Thompson and Brandt for their next terms- Reeder asked that a meeting be set up with the council and Municipal Services to figure out exactly what is needed for the city to maintain providing sanitation services for the citizens.