Officials from the City of Lumberton is considering entering into a contract with Clearwater Solutions to privatize the city’s Public Works Department – which oversees water and sewer, among other operations – which would see Clearwater come in to assume that department’s duties.
Although a final decision on that matter has not been made, Mayor Quincy Rogers said the city is looking at that option to determine whether it would be more affordable and feasible than performing in-house operations with the Public Works Department.
“We’re looking at getting our money’s worth, as far as the city is concerned, with water, sewer and streets – things of that nature,” he said. “I did do an interview with the guys from Clearwater earlier this year … and they’re going to come down (at the next meeting of the Lumberton Board of Aldermen) and give us a presentation on what services they can provide the city.”
Rogers said one of his biggest concerns is making sure that if the city did contract with Clearwater, that all the Public Works Department employees would retain their jobs and benefits.
“That was one thing we talked about, and (the Clearwater representative) assured me that would happen,” Rogers said. “I want to make sure our people don’t lose their jobs or their benefits.
“That’s going to be a big factor in going with Clearwater. If they can’t guarantee me that (our employees would keep their jobs), then this would probably be something I would veto.”
After that presentation, members of the board of aldermen are expected to vote on whether to enter into the contract.
“I’m looking for some better services,” Rogers said. “We do have a small department, and if Clearwater can provide better services than we’re actually getting now, then I’m all for it.
“But it will have to be with the fact of our current employees not losing their jobs. Our guys are doing the best they can with what they’ve got, but we’ve just got a small crew.”
Since last November, when the former director of the Public Works Department resigned, the city has contracted with a water and sewer operator for that position’s duties.
“With Clearwater, that would eliminate us looking for that (director position), because they have those guys already on staff,” Rogers said. “So that’s another thing that would help us out a great deal – us not worrying about us having a director, someone that’s certified in water and sewer.”
In August 2022, members of the Petal Board of Aldermen voted to begin contract negotiations with Clearwater for privatization of its Public Works Department. The city took a similar measure several years back, when it privatized its trash pickup through Waste Pro, which currently handles that service.
