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MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Garbage in the neighborhoods of Ouachita Parish has caused a sore eye to local leaders.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to take care of that problem in the near future," Police Juror Pat Moore said.

Moore hopes a new proposal, if passed, will help toss out the trash for good.

"We're looking forward with this ordinance, at least, to resolving 50% to 60% of the problem," Moore said.

Moore is calling for businesses and homeowners in unincorporated Ouachita Parish to sign up for trash collection.

Garbage cans line Charmingdale Drive in the southern part of the parish.
But along the same street, there are small piles of trash. Moore says there's many similar piles throughout the parish and it doesn't stop there.

"This is not just a parish wide problem, it's a statewide problem and last year the state spent over $40 million on the same thing we're having to fight with," Moore said.

Cashing out the big bucks, the police juror hopes is no longer an issue.

If the ordinance gets a thumbs up next meeting, those without a trash provider can get slapped with up to a $100 fine and even a maximum of 30 days behind bars.

"This is just a piece we can do as elected officials and we're going to need everybody to participate in this in cleaning up our parish," Moore said.

Police jurors are scheduled to vote on the proposal next month.

On December 3, during the general meeting, Moore said there will be a public hearing on this ordinance.

Moore is working alongside Code Enforcement Director Wayne Heckford, who has provided pictures of some of the trash in all districts of Ouachita Parish.