CONVENT, La. (AP) — St. James Parish plans to put residential solid waste collection out to bid for the first time in 19 years in a cost-cutting move.

The Advocate reports (http://bit.ly/LBZld5 ) the St. James Parish Council voted 6-0 this week to adopt a resolution authorizing Parish President Timmy Roussel to seek contract proposals for collection of residential solid waste and recyclable materials.

The current five-year contract with Waste Management of Louisiana LLC ends Oct. 31.

At $2 million a year, Councilman Ken Brass says the contract is the parish's largest single professional services agreement.

Council members believe that by seeking bids, the parish could save thousands of dollars annually in collection costs.

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