In a special City Council meeting on Monday in a 4-3 vote the Council voted to purchase equipment that will make it possible for City employees to vacuum residents leaves from the curb in a fashion similar to the old leave pick-up program.

The yes votes came from Mayor Derek Dobies, 2nd Ward Councilmember Freddie Dancy, 5th Ward Councilmember Kelsey Heck, and 6th Ward Councilmember Colleen Sullivan.

Following the approval the cost was explained in a post on the City of Jackson website:

While loose leaf collection has been conducted previously in Jackson, this is an entirely new approach. This new approach to leaf collection is made possible by the purchase of special equipment that vacuums up loose leaves. The purchase of two collection trailers that will be attached to DPW vehicles is happening immediately so leaf collection can begin in mid-November. Two trucks that have built-in collection equipment are also being purchased and will be available in spring 2020. The overall purchase cost of $631,414 will be spread out over 10 years. It will also be paid for by the $143,500 that the City already allocates annually for leaf collection.

City employees plan to begin picking up leaves in mid-November and the program is expected to continue into December.  City of Jackson residents will be notified further through mailers, codeRED, the City of Jackson website, and social media.