by Chris Cannon
PORTLAND, Tenn. - Many residents in Portland have noticed their trash cans standing full by the side of the street. Mechanical problems with the city's trash trucks have caused a delay in pick-up across the city.
On Morningside Drive, Linda Elliott noticed the trash truck never made it up her street Monday morning.
"They didn't show up and we were wondering what's taking them so long and our trash can was getting fuller and fuller," Elliott said.
Many people have called Portland's city hall asking questions about the delay in trash pick-up. The mayor said mechanical problems have taken a toll on the city's fleet of three trucks.
"Where normally we run three a day. Then we were down to one a day, then two, then back to one. But we do have two back up running now," explained Mayor Ken Wilber.
Sanitation crews worked extra hours on Monday and Tuesday to try and get back on schedule. The Mayor has also inquired about borrowing a truck, or leasing one on a short term basis.
"If we get another truck we will pull help from other departments and get them out working and we're going to work late every night," said Wilber.
The Mayor is also working on purchasing two new trash trucks. He and city council members discussed the cost during a budget meeting Tuesday afternoon. Each truck would cost upwards of $180,000.
It is the Mayor's goal to have trash collection back on schedule by Friday.
email: ccannon@newschannel5.com
