A public meeting was held Thursday night to address concerns about privatizing residential trash collection in Fresno.
The city voted in favor of the hot button issue and more than a hundred city jobs could be impacted.
The city is trying to save money and close a looming budget gap by switching to private collection. The move is expected to generate $2.5 million in fees annually along with a $1.5 million signing bonus.
At the Fresno City Council meeting on Thursday, the proposal was made official to allow the public to speak on it.
Many city workers were at the meeting because they are worried the move will eliminate their jobs.
The Fresno Chamber of Commerce was there to support the plan while blue collar union groups were there to oppose it.
Chamber CEO Al Smith said, "We have a $5 million deficit that must be addressed. Wishful thinking will not make it go away. It is here, it is real, and it is not to be ignored."
Union spokesperson Marina Magdaleno said, "Well, the $2.5 million is not enough to get them out of debt, because they owe more than double that."
The council voted 4-3 in favor of the move but the vote was just a first step in the process.
The council says it will take another couple of weeks and more meetings before they can make a final decision.
