French Quarter trash contract in limbo as lawsuits and transparency concerns mount [Video]

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The multi-million-dollar contract for trash collection in New Orleans’ French Quarter faces uncertainty as city leaders and contractors clash over last-minute changes and transparency.

The $2 million-a-year contract, set to begin December 23, is under scrutiny after New Orleans City Council Vice President JP Morrell raised concerns over the primary contractor, Henry Consulting, replacing its subcontractor Richard’s Disposal with Clean Force in October, just months before the start date.

“Swapping someone out in October when the contract is supposed to go live in December is problematic,” Morrell said during a public works committee meeting. “Swapping out the person at the last minute without rebidding the contract really sets a poor precedent for the transparency we sought to have in this process.”

Richard’s Disposal has filed a lawsuit against Henry Consulting, accusing the firm of a “bait and switch.” However, Troy Henry, founder of Henry Consulting, defended …